Worshippers Gather On Ash Wednesday To Mark The Start Of Lenten Season
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.
Worshippers gathered at noon for the Mass inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul where the distribution of ashes reminded Catholics of their mortality and their need to perform penance in preparation for the Easter season.
Father Dennis Gill, rector of the cathedral and homilist, says Lent is not simply about giving up things, but reaching out to others in need.
"Poverty manifests itself in a great variety of ways. It's an emptiness of one sort or another, but especially perhaps an emptiness in the soul."
Gill says while many Catholics look at their Lenten observances as a private matter between them and God, he encouraged all to take part in public worship to share the journey to Easter and reception of the risen Lord.