Catholics Observe Ash Wednesday Across Southern California
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — On Wednesday, Catholics across Southern California observed Ash Wednesday, paving the way for the 40-day season of Lent in preparation for Easter.
Those observing Ash Wednesday sought spiritual renewal through prayer, good works and discipline while doing penance for their sins.
Ash Wednesday gets it's name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of penance. A priest or minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross.
Catholics observe Ash Wednesday by fasting, abstaining from meat and repenting. Other denominations do not require the faithful to fast and instead focus on repentance.
Roman Catholic Archbishop Jose H. Gomez will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass at noon at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Mass will be held in English at 6:15, 7 and 8 a.m. followed by services held at 5:15 and 7 p.m. in Spanish.
Ashes will be distributed during all services today.
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