Posted March 12, 2019

Christians around the world began their 40-day journey of spiritual renewal by observing Ash Wednesday, the traditional start of the season of Lent. In Philadelphia, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput led a noon-time Mass March 6 with distribution of ashes for hundreds of Catholics at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. They heard the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember you are dust and to dust you will return” when marked with the sign of the cross in ashes. See CatholicPhilly.com’s comprehensive package of Lenten resources here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Esperanza Zambrano from the parish of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul receives ashes.

  • Bob Krandel (left) from St. Genevieve Parish in Flourtown and Jerry Jandoli from St. Gregory the Great Parish in Mercer, N.J., in the Trenton Diocese, participate in the Mass.

  • Archbishop Chaput preaches the Gospel for Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

  • Archbishop Chaput blesses the ashes to be used for distribution at the Mass.

  • Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald makes the sign of the cross in ashes on the heads of the faithful.

  • Archbishop Chaput marks the head of Michele Meiers.

  • Grace Gajewski, a visitor to Philadelphia, receives ashes at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Marisel Norwood (left) from St. Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia and Kelly D’Andrea from the Cathedral Parish pray after receiving ashes.

  • Angelo Valetta receives ashes.

  • Wanda Nouel from Holy Innocents Parish in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia prays during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in March 2019. (Sarah Webb)

  • Mathieu Sullivan from Holy Cross Parish in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia receives ashes on Ash Wednesday, 2019. (Sarah Webb)