Standing in the passageway outside the Cathedral of St. Thomas More after the Ash Wednesday Mass March 5, Kristin Garesche wasn’t worried about the strong winds and heavy rain.
“It’s a beautiful day of repentance and preparing ourselves for Easter and all of the things we’re going to work on to bring Christ into our lives,” said Garesche. “It’s time to reflect and I’m ready for that journey.”
In his homily, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said that Lent is a time of conversion for all, including him. “Due to necessary repairs, the chapel in which I pray each day is under construction,” he said. “As I was there last evening, I thought that its current appearance is a good image for the beginning of Lent, for I, too, am in need of repair and restoration. I, too, am under construction. In the spiritual life, we call that conversion, which is a lifelong process. It is the invitation we hear anew on this Ash Wednesday as the Lord calls us to repentance.”
After communion Bishop Burbidge offered a blessing over Catholic Relief Services’ rice bowls. The rice bowl initiative has raised $350 million in the last 50 years. Students from St. Agnes School in Arlington helped distribute the boxes. “This brings us closer to God,” said eighth grader Francesca Riccardi. “There are a lot of hungry people in the world and there are ways that we can help.”
“This is the day that we know we came from dust, and from dust we will return,” said Catherine Nmah. “We thank God for this day.”
Alfonso Figueroa paused for a moment after Mass to think about what the beginning of Lent meant to him. “This day means a lot,” he said. “It’s about the love of God and a reminder to be a better human being.”
