Bishop Tobin to Celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass

(PROVIDENCE) – Christians from around the world will celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season this week on Ash Wednesday. In the Diocese of Providence, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin will preside at the 12:05 Mass in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul where he will bless and distribute ashes in the sign of a cross onto the foreheads of the faithful.

Ashes are a reminder that Lent is a time for repentance and spiritual renewal. The ashes for the Ash Wednesday service come from burning the palms with holy water from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.

The Season of Lent recalls Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness, as described in the Gospels.  Lent precedes the celebration of Easter, Christ’s resurrection from the dead.