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Syndication: USA TODAY
(New York, NY) — Today is Ash Wednesday. Catholics around the world are marking the beginning of Lent. Many will go to church to have a priest place ashes on their forehead. The ashes symbolize mourning and penance. They also remind Catholics of their mortality.
Many Christians give up something tangible for Lent such as liquor or a favorite food. They may also reflect on their lives and decide whether to make changes. It’s all part of a conscious effort to purify themselves for Good Friday, which marks the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and for Easter Sunday, which celebrates his resurrection.
Masses will be held across New York City, including at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. These are some of the many churches offering up ashes today.
- Cathedral of St. John the Divine: Ashes to go service between 6:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Marble Collegiate Chuch: Ash Wednesday service at noon and 6:30 p.m.
- The Church of Transfiguration: Ashes are given out during Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m.
