Ash Wednesday

The suspension of in-person gatherings and activities in the Diocese of St. Cloud due to COVID-19 will continue until at least Feb. 1, Bishop Donald Kettler reiterated in a Jan. 6 letter to pastors.

Placing of ashes on the forehead is a reminder that although humanity is merely dust in the earth, it can also become something wondrous “if we allow ourselves to be shaped by the hands of God” Pope Francis said Feb. 26.

The reporter persisted, “Then just one quick question. I’m Catholic, too, and I thought we couldn’t have funeral Masses for convicted killers.” I looked at her and told her that her information was wrong. Then I added, “Redemption — we either believe in it or we don’t. I do believe in it.”

Marked with ashes, Christians set off on a Lenten journey where they strive to leave behind everything that will turn to dust and instead focus on drawing closer to God and God’s promise of eternal life, Pope Francis said.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time set aside to help us with that goal of attaining holiness.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CNS) — It’s a flesh-fest. That’s the simplest definition of Trinidad Carnival today: a feverish festival featuring a season of sizzling soca, fiery fetes […]

Unlike Christmas, Easter and every Sunday of the year, Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. Maybe that’s part of the draw for some people, who fill their parish churches for Ash Wednesday liturgies as they rarely do at any other time.

Each of us is called to be a companion and helper for others on the way to repentance. The ashes that we receive on Ash Wednesday mark us as fellow travelers to Easter glory.