Cardinal Tobin Distributes Ashes to Hundreds During 2 Newark Masses

NEWARK, N.J. – The fact it was Valentine’s Day did not stop Catholics within the Archdiocese of Newark from observing Ash Wednesday this year.

Hundreds filled the pews of St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark for two Ash Wednesday Masses celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, during the midday and evening hours. After speaking about the significance of the holy day in his homily, Cardinal Tobin spread ashes made from charred palm fronds in the form of a cross on parishioners’ foreheads to symbolize that all return to dust when they die. The parishioners then wore these ashes for the rest of the day as a sign of penance for their sins. They also were expected to fast, repent, and abstain from meat.

With Ash Wednesday concluded, Catholics worldwide have officially entered the season of Lent, which commemorates Christ’s 40 days in the Judean Desert. The next six weeks will see parishioners praying, fasting, and repenting to deepen their faith. They will also abstain from meat on Fridays, fast on Good Friday, and make a Lenten sacrifice to represent self-discipline and reliance on God’s grace. This period ends on Holy Thursday, March 28, which is three days before Easter Sunday.

To learn more about Ash Wednesday and Lent, visit www.rcan.org or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.