Ash Wednesday

2024 - 2 - 14

Ash Wednesday Celebrations and Traditions Around the World

Ash Wednesday - Catholicism - Christianity - Lent

Discover the diverse practices and significance of Ash Wednesday across different cultures and communities.

Ash Wednesday is a significant day for many, symbolizing a deep-rooted faith that transcends borders. From Mary Enright, proudly displaying her bangs on this solemn occasion, to Mina Nguyen and her mother receiving ashes in Framingham, Mass., the day is marked with reverence and reflection. The juxtaposition of Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day poses a unique challenge for Catholics, like Katie McCauley, who adapt their celebrations in observance of tradition. The distribution of ashes, as seen through the eyes of college campus ministries, fosters a profound connection between students and the ritual of mortality. Across the globe, communities gather to mark the start of Lent, with churches like St. Bridget of Kildare Parish and St. John's Episcopal Church embracing the solemnity of the day.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

The Art of Ash Wednesday, From the Neck Up (The New York Times)

Mary Enright has worn her red hair in bangs as long as she's had hair. Wednesday was no exception. “Ash Wednesday is important to me because I'm an Irish ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Cheer Up — It's Ash Wednesday Again (National Catholic Register)

People who bear ashes on their foreheads testify to an enduring faith that still resides deep in many hearts.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Ash Wednesday around the world: Christians gather for first day of ... (USA TODAY)

Mina Nguyen, 4, and her mother, Lauren, left, of Framingham, received ashes from Father Mark DeAngelis at Saint Bridget Church in Framingham, Mass., during Ash ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

When Ash Wednesday Falls on Valentine's Day, Love and Death ... (The New York Times)

What to do when Ash Wednesday, a solemn reminder of human mortality, falls on the same day we gorge on chocolate and romance? Pass out candy hearts that say ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

What I've learned about life—and death—by distributing ashes on ... (America Magazine)

Distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday through my work in college campus ministry offers an unusual intimacy with my students. I spend all sorts of time with ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News"

Catholics balance Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day (Spectrum News)

Catholics like Katie McCauley said they made some tweaks to their holiday celebration in observance of Ash Wednesday. “Normally I probably would have put out ...

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

It's Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday. What's a Catholic to do? (Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 14, 2024An earlier version of this story stated that Ash Wednesday was a holy day of obligation for Catholics. They are not required to attend Mass that ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC New York"

What is Ash Wednesday and why do Christians give things up for ... (NBC New York)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and its observance lasts for 40 days. Here's what to know about the Christian tradition.

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Image courtesy of "AZCentral.com"

Phoenix bishop calls for Catholics to 'rekindle that passion' on Ash ... (AZCentral.com)

With Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday falling on the same day this year, a longtime husband and wife from Phoenix had advice for younger married couples.

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Image courtesy of "WWNY"

North country Christians observe Ash Wednesday (WWNY)

It's Ash Wednesday and ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News 1"

Local church observes Ash Wednesday (Spectrum News 1)

PARMA, Ohio — Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent for those who observe it. St. Bridget of Kildare Parish in Parma is one of the many churches across ...

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Image courtesy of "Living Lutheran"

Why and how do we use ashes on Ash Wednesday? - Living Lutheran (Living Lutheran)

Ash Wednesday is the Wednesday of the seventh week before Easter and the first day of Lent.

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Image courtesy of "Columbia Missourian"

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday service (Columbia Missourian)

Ashes sit near the alter Wednesday at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia. In Christianity, spreading ashes serves as a reminder of one's mortality. Nick ...

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Image courtesy of "Gloucester Daily Times"

Ash Wednesday marks start of Lent (Gloucester Daily Times)

The Rev. Marya DeCarlen of St. John's Episcopal Church imposes ashes on the forehead of Kip Ellis of Gloucester before he boards the 7:20 a.m. train to Boston ...

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Image courtesy of "Fremont News Messenger"

Community observes Ash Wednesday (Fremont News Messenger)

MILLERSVILLE - Saint Mary Catholic Church, founded in 1920, began the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday with a Mass at 8:30 a.m. and the posting of ashes for ...

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Image courtesy of "Victoria Advocate"

Victoria College holds Ash Wednesday mass (Victoria Advocate)

The service was led by Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria. The Catholic Student Association has been organizing masses at the school ...

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Image courtesy of "KERO 23ABC News"

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day happen to share a date this year (KERO 23ABC News)

As people celebrate their love, it's also the first day of Lent, which could affect how people mark the occasion.

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Image courtesy of "Miami Herald"

Amid noisy downtown Miami, they flock to a quiet ritual. A look inside ... (Miami Herald)

Hundreds attend the Ash Wednesday mass in chaotic downtown Miami, seeking peace and leaving with the familiar mark of their faith.

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Image courtesy of "DVIDS"

Walter Reed hosts Military Services USA Archbishop for Ash ... (DVIDS)

By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Command Communications Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, Timothy Broglio provided the homily during the Ash Wednesday ...

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