Ash Wednesday—March 6

“The life and mission of Padre Pio testify that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted with love, transform themselves into a privileged journey of holiness, which opens the person toward a greater good, known only to the Lord.”—Pope John Paul II at Padre Pio’s canonization Mass in 2002

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It is said that Ash Wednesday is the one day you can tell who is Catholic because they’re walking around with ashes on their foreheads. The ashes serve as a reminder of our sinfulness and mortality and provide a perfect beginning to the Lenten season. The next forty days will be a journey of reflection on our faith in light of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. On this journey, we will be accompanied by St. Pio of Pietrelcina, more commonly known as Padre Pio. This humble Capuchin friar embodied the true spirit of walking with Christ throughout his life. Praying with Padre Pio St. Pio, as we begin our Lenten journey, help us to die to ourselves and open our hearts to Christ in the same way that you did. Be our companion and guide us where we need to go.