The penitential season of Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 1 this year. However, throughout the centuries, a pre-Lenten season has been celebrated in various cultures and with various traditions. Many are familiar with the names of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) or Carnival and the revelry associated with this pre-Lenten period. Far fewer are familiar with … Read More
Pope Francis: Ash Wednesday homily
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis delivered the homily at Mass in the Basilica of St. Sabina on the Aventine Hilll in Rome on Wednesday afternoon – Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the great penitential season of Lent. Below, please find Vatican Radio’s translation of the text the Holy Father prepared for the occasion. ******************** As God’s people today we begin … Read More