Catholics around the world marked Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent – by attending Mass and receiving consecrated ashes as a symbol of our duty to pray, fast and do charitable works (almsgiving).
Bishop Nelson Perez celebrated the noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Ash Wednesday and reminded the congregation that “we are dust and unto dust we shall return.”
He talked about an article he read online in which four students were asked what brought them to Mass on Ash Wednesday. Only one in the group was Catholic – and only marginally, the bishop noted, but all responded that they were drawn to church that day by the ashes. Each said the ashes were special.
“There was something about the concept of Lent that was appealing,” the bishop said. According to the article, Lent is a time to reflect on life and our purpose for being, he said.
“They hit the nail on the head,” he added.
Bishop Perez said we are called to a conversion of spirit and a renewal of grace during Lent.
“May this be a time of grace for all of us,” he added.
View the Lenten resources page
