Posted February 27, 2020

Some 2,000 area faithful filled the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Feb. 26 as Archbishop Nelson J. Perez celebrated Mass for Ash Wednesday.

In his homily, Archbishop Perez encouraged attendees to embrace Lent as an “incredible season of grace and blessing.”

Read CatholicPhilly.com’s feature article on the Mass, which includes the full audio of Archbishop Perez’s homily.

See Archbishop Perez’s pastoral message for Lent here.

(All photos by Gina Christian.)

  • Archbishop Nelson J. Perez processes into the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul to celebrate Mass for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26.

  • Archbishop Perez blesses ashes for distribution during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Feb. 26.

  • Archbishop Perez receives ashes from Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre as Father G. Dennis Gill looks on during a Feb. 26 liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Archbishop Perez distributes ashes during a Feb. 26 Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia employees Robert Whomsley (foreground) and David Stavetski reflect after receiving ashes at a Feb. 26 Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez.

  • Bryan Burns of Our Mother of Consolation Parish in Philadelphia prays the Our Father during a Feb. 26 Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Perez at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Archbishop Perez greeted attendees as they exited a Feb. 26 Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.