By Andrés Henríquez ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 13, 2024 / 10:00 am On Feb. 14 of each year, the Roman Martyrology commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Valentine of Rome, who is considered the patron saint of lovers and married couples. Coincidentally, Feb. 14 this year is also Ash Wednesday, the …

By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Feb 11, 2024 / 08:00 am If you’re giving up sweets for Lent, you may not be happy to learn that this year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. But while the day typically marked by heart-shaped candies, Hallmark cards, and giant teddy bears may seem …

As most Catholics are well aware, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. And, of course, almost everyone associates Lent with giving something up, even if they do not understand the penitential importance of the season. “I gave that up for Lent” is a common refrain, …

by Mary Farrow Washington D.C., Feb 27, 2022 / 03:03 am “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Or, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” On Ash Wednesday, millions of Catholics throughout the English-speaking world will hear one of these two blessings as a priest applies ashes …

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome, Italy, Mar 2, 2022 / 10:57 am Pope Francis cautioned on Ash Wednesday against the temptation to allow Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to be taken over by an “illness of appearances” that cares more about earthly than eternal rewards. In a homily read by the Vatican Secretary …

There is a certain peace and beauty as we begin our Lenten Journey with Mass during Ash Wednesday. Check out today’s video:

We’ve set sail on Lent 2020, and here’s a look at Ash Wednesday in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Our photographers went to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati, St. Anthony of Padua & St. Mary Parishes in Dayton.

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Feb 23, 2022 / 03:07 am Expressing great sadness at the worsening situation in Ukraine, Pope Francis asked world leaders on Wednesday to “make a serious examination of conscience before God.” Speaking at his live-streamed general audience on Feb. 23, the pope called for people to fast …

Live! from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 12:00 Noon.