Overview
- Traditional liturgies concluded on Feb. 18 worldwide, including Pope Leo XIV presiding over Mass in Rome and large services at major cathedrals such as St. Patrick’s in New York.
- Congregations expanded access with drive-through and public distributions, from Faith Lutheran’s 11th “Ash and Dash” in Pennsylvania to sidewalk and transit-station offerings in cities like Boston and Chicago.
- The ashes signified repentance and mortality and were typically made from last year’s Palm Sunday palms, though some parishes ordered ashes as Bexar County’s burn ban limited on-site palm burning in San Antonio.
- Parishes reported robust turnout with more young and new participants; one Buffalo drive-thru program served over 1,100 people last year and continued to draw strong interest.
- Lent’s 40-day season leads to Easter on April 5, with Catholic fasting and abstinence practices observed and clergy urging increased prayer, service and charitable giving.