This Wednesday, Feb. 26, marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. This comprises the 40 days leading up to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus on the cross on Good Friday.
Many church denominations commemorate Ash Wednesday with the observance of blessing parishioners with the burnt ashes left over from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration when palms were distributed to churchgoers in memory of Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Later that same week He was crucified by the same people who welcomed Him with the waving palms.
Fr. Patrick Egan, OSB, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, is pictured placing ashes on the foreheads of church members as a reminder of what the next 40 days portend, first the crucifixion of Christ and then His triumphant resurrection from the grave on Easter Sunday.
Church services on Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart of Jesus are at 6:30 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
