Ash Wednesday

2024 - 2 - 14

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day Dilemma: Tradition and Celebration Collide

Ash Wednesday - Lent - Valentine's Day

Delve into the unique intersection of Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day, with insights on traditions, observances, and reflections.

Ash Wednesday is a time for Catholics to reflect on their faith as they begin the Lenten season. The University of Georgia students manage to honor Ash Wednesday amidst their busy academic lives, highlighting the significance of this day. This year, the convergence of Ash Wednesday with Valentine's Day introduces a unique challenge for many, questioning the balance between religious observance and romantic celebrations. Manila Archbishop leads a mass emphasizing the importance of Ash Wednesday's observance.

President Bongbong Marcos encourages Catholics to contemplate the significance of Ash Wednesday, urging a deeper reflection on faith and devotion. The global community comes together to mark Ash Wednesday, embracing the start of Lent with solemnity and reverence. Amidst the celebration of love on Valentine's Day, Catholics are faced with choices on how to observe Ash Wednesday, emphasizing the dual nature of this year's festivities.

On this day of blending love and mortality, individuals recount experiences from Catholic education institutions, recognizing the profound impact of Ash Wednesday traditions. Pope Francis echoes the call to return to one's faith and embrace the Lenten period with sincerity and prayer. Despite the clash of festivities, Christians worldwide unite in the observance of Ash Wednesday, setting the tone for a season of spiritual growth and renewal.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "World Relief"

Ash Wednesday Devotional (World Relief)

On Ash Wednesday, we boldly confront our place in God's creation. Begin Lent with an Ash Wednesday devotional to help you connect with God.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Red and Black"

Observing Ash Wednesday at UGA (Red and Black)

Amid the bustle of everyday student life, many students at the University of Georgia still find a way to recognize Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NBC Southern California"

Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday: Is it a dilemma to go on a date ... (NBC Southern California)

Ash Wednesday is not a fixed day. It can change depending on the moon calendar because Easter in the Catholic Church is celebrated “on the first Sunday after ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NBC New York"

What is Ash Wednesday and why do Christians give things up for ... (NBC New York)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and its observance lasts for 40 days. Here's what to know about the Christian tradition.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Minnesota Public Radio News"

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day fall on the same day this year ... (Minnesota Public Radio News)

Feb. 14 is a holiday heavyweight this year due to a calendar collision. It's Valentine's Day, the fixed annual celebration of love and friendship, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Philstar.com"

Manila archbishop leads mass for Ash Wednesday (Philstar.com)

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will be presiding over the Ash Wednesday noon mass at the Manila Cathedral today.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KENS5.com"

Ash Wednesday being observed (KENS5.com)

If you plan to attend mass on Wednesday, the Archdiocese says its best to check with your local parish for times.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Ash Wednesday: Leave the ashes on or wash them off? (Catholic News Agency)

At the Mass that marks the beginning of the season of Lent, which serves as preparation for Easter, the priest and the ministers who assist him say one of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Courier Journal"

Happy Valentine's Day, it's Ash Wednesday! When does Lent start ... (Courier Journal)

Ash Wednesday - the start of Easter Lent season for Christians - falls on Valentine's Day in 2024. What does it mean? Why wear ashes? Can I eat meat?

Post cover
Image courtesy of "GMA News Online"

Marcos calls on Catholics to reflect on Ash Wednesday (GMA News Online)

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. urged the Catholic faithful to reflect in the observance of Ash Wednesday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Ash Wednesday around the world: Christians gather for first day of ... (USA TODAY)

Mina Nguyen, 4, and her mother, Lauren, left, of Framingham, received ashes from Father Mark DeAngelis at Saint Bridget Church in Framingham, Mass., ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

10 important things to know about Ash Wednesday (Catholic News Agency)

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, which is structured to spiritually prepare to walk with the Lord through his passion and celebrate his ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Cheer Up — It's Ash Wednesday Again (National Catholic Register)

People who bear ashes on their foreheads testify to an enduring faith that still resides deep in many hearts.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "jacksonprogress-argus"

What Is 'Ash Wednesday' and Why Is It Celebrated? (jacksonprogress-argus)

We'll go over the history of Ash Wednesday in the Christian church, answer whether or not it's just a Catholic observance and if the Bible references this type ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

When Ash Wednesday Falls on Valentine's Day, Love and Death ... (The New York Times)

What to do when Ash Wednesday, a solemn reminder of human mortality, falls on the same day we gorge on chocolate and romance? Pass out candy hearts that say ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Ash Wednesday lessons from my Catholic high school days (America Magazine)

It is a radical thing to declare oneself a sinner, but on Ash Wednesday, we willingly wear that sign of guilt across our foreheads.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Pope at Ash Wednesday Mass: Jesus calls us to return to our heart ... (Vatican News)

Pope Francis celebrates the beginning of Lent with Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, and calls on the faithful to take up Jesus' invitation to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: 'Let Us Return to God With All Our ... (National Catholic Register)

Pope Francis said that Lent is a time to share our deepest desires, worries and weaknesses with the Lord in prayer: 'Let us make space for the prayer of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KSBY San Luis Obispo News"

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day happen to share a date this year (KSBY San Luis Obispo News)

As people celebrate their love, it's also the first day of Lent, which could affect how people mark the occasion.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Worcester Telegram"

'It's a time of sacrifice': Ash Wednesday marks beginning of Lent for ... (Worcester Telegram)

Father John Madden, right, places ashes on a worshipper during Ash Wednesday Mass at. WORCESTER ― Christians in Central Massachusetts are marking Ash Wednesday, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

It's Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday. What's a Catholic to do? (Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 14, 2024An earlier version of this story stated that Ash Wednesday was a holy day of obligation for Catholics. They are not required to attend Mass that ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

What I've learned about life—and death—by distributing ashes on ... (America Magazine)

Distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday through my work in college campus ministry offers an unusual intimacy with my students. I spend all sorts of time with ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

The Art of Ash Wednesday, From the Neck Up (The New York Times)

Mary Enright has worn her red hair in bangs as long as she's had hair. Wednesday was no exception. “Ash Wednesday is important to me because I'm an Irish ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Spectrum News 1"

Dozens attend Ash Wednesday mass in Worcester (Spectrum News 1)

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the holy season of Lent for Christians, and a day where Catholics may practice fasting and abstinence. Dozens attended the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "AZCentral.com"

Phoenix bishop calls for Catholics to 'rekindle that passion' on Ash ... (AZCentral.com)

With Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday falling on the same day this year, a longtime husband and wife from Phoenix had advice for younger married couples.

Explore the last week