Ash Wednesday

The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was filled with the faithful on Ash Wednesday to receive the ashes made from the palms used in the previous year's Palm Sunday Mass in the shape of a cross on their forehead. The wearing of ashes is a sign of repentance for sins, and a sign of one’s humility before God. Since Lent is a season of penitential renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, it’s appropriate that this ancient sign marks the beginning of the season. Msgr. William Skoneki presided over the Mass and was assisted in distributing ashes by Fr. Dan Good, Dcn. George Ralph and Dcn. John Archer. Fr. Dan Good is the pastor of St. Philip Neri and St. Michael Parishes in Belle Fontaine and Heron Bay, respectively.