Ash Wednesday began the holy season of Lent. We are reminded that Lent “is a gracious gift by which we prepare ourselves for the paschal feasts with joy with joy of minds made pure” (Lenten Preface 1). Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we remain open to God’s grace, and live as beloved sons and daughters of God. The four masses celebrated at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica drew parishioners from downtown and across the city, many gathering in quiet reflection as they prepared for the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter. Ash Wednesday offers the faithful an opportunity to reflect on the deep spiritual significance the day holds for Catholics. 

His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo presided at the 5:30 p.m. Mass. In his homily, we were reminded to turn back to God, that prayer can be a struggle at times, and that Lent exists because Easter exists. Cardinal Leo invited us to live this Lent by praying the seven penitential psalms: 6, 32(31), 38(37), 51(50), 102(101), 130(129), and 143(142), His Eminence quoted from Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten message urging to us to “refraining from hurtful and destructive words, being intentional and generous with words of truth, words of compassion and words or charity for others." 

The distribution of ashes followed, accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” 

During this Holy Season, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica offers various opportunities to deepen our faith and time for reflection. In addition to the four daily Masses, they offer Eucharistic Adoration after the 1:10 p.m. Mass, confessions Monday to Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. (confession is also available on weekends). Stations of the Cross on Fridays will be celebrated after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. More information is available at https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/.