Posted February 18, 2021

Catholics gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, for Ash Wednesday Mass with the distribution of ashes Feb. 17 celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez. Ash Wednesday began the penitential season of Lent for Christians worldwide. Read about the Mass including the archbishop’s homily here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez marks a person’s head with ashes, calling him to “repent and believe in the Gospel.”

  • Archbishop Perez sprinkles holy water to bless the ashes, made from the burned palms of last year’s Palm Sunday.

  • Bishop John McIntyre marks the archbishop with ashes.

  • Faithful pray during a Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Principal celebrant and homilist Archbishop Nelson Pérez described Lent as “a beautiful time” in the church. (Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Perez distributes holy Communion during Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 17.

  • The archbishop greets a congregant after the Mass.