Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said.
Lent
UPDATE: Diocese Celebrates Ash Wednesday and Start of Lenten Pilgrimage
On Ash Wednesday, Gervin Charles knew exactly where he wanted to be, so he made his way to the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn around noon to receive ashes on his forehead.
Easter in Iraq: Deacon Recalls His Military Journey of Sacrifice, Service
For John Williams, then a Marine serving in Iraq, the 2004 Easter Triduum bore no spiritual revival — or so he thought. On Holy Thursday of that year (April 8), his unit got orders to join Operation Vigilant Resolve, also known as the First Battle of Fallujah.
Lenten Regulations 2025
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of renewal as the Church journeys towards Easter. Bishop Robert Brennan is asking the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn to turn their attention to the following regulations:
With New App, Lenten Pilgrimage 2024 Will Be ‘Going Digitally’
Building on the success of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s inaugural Lenten Pilgrimage last year, DeSales Media Group has developed a new app that will give Catholics the chance to go on this year’s spiritual journey virtually.
Meatless Fridays Beyond Lent? Some Catholics Have No Beef With It
The Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a common practice that some say should continue all year.
Teens Forgoing Social Media For Lent to Get Closer to God
Adriana Dorner admits that she checks her phone at least 50 times a day, mostly to look at her social media accounts like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. But Adriana, a senior at Midwood High School, is saying goodbye to all three for a while. She wants to give up social media for Lent.
First Steps of Synod-Inspired Lenten Pilgrimage Taken on Ash Wednesday
People from across the Diocese of Brooklyn came to Cathedral Basilica of St. James for an Ash Wednesday service that served as the first stop on a journey for Lent designed to draw Catholics back to the Church.
Only In Print: How to Make a Palm Cross
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a cross with your palms from Palm Sunday.
Solemn Chrism Mass Slated for Tonight at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph
The Chrism Mass, one of the most solemn services of the liturgical calendar, is tonight at 7:30 p.m. It is expected to bring more than 650 Catholic clergy, laity, and other faithful tonight to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.