Posted February 13, 2013

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput was the principal celebrant and homilist for the Ash Wednesday Mass at 12:05 Feb. 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent for Christians throughout the world. Lent is the 40-day penitential season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving from Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday in preparation for Easter.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 20, parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia will offer the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation each Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. for the duration of the Lenten season. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Katie Graham from Nativity B.V.M. Parish in Media prays along with fellow Catholics during Ash Wednesday Mass.

  • Jim Etou receives holy communion from Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput blesses the ashes with holy water before they are distributed.

  • Mike Janes from Christ the King Parish in Wilmington, Del., receives ashes from Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Dan DiDomenico receives ashes at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Jaclyn Levash prays after receiving her ashes.

  • Malina Jones and her daughter Rachael pray together during Ash Wednesday Mass.

  • Msgr. Arthur E. Rodgers, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, marks the sign of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of the faithful with the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput elevates the consecrated host, the Body of Christ, at Mass Feb. 11, Ash Wednesday, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

  • Olivia Scialanca from the former St. Hugh Parish now St. Veronica Parish prays during the consecration at mass on Ash Wednesday.