Ash Wednesday, tomorrow, February 18, holds numerous important meanings for Catholics. It is the beginning of Lent, the start of Fish Fry Fridays, as well as the first day in preparation for Easter, where we celebrate Jesus’s death and resurrection. However, are we prepared for the Lenten Season? Let’s take a moment to hear from Bishop David P. Talley about Ash Wednesday and Lent in these recent video links: A good Lent on Vimeo and Lent 2026 on Vimeo.
A Day of Repentance
As Bishop Talley mentions in the video, Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance when we, as Christians, confess our sins and profess our devotion to God. During Holy Mass, the Priest places ashes on a person’s forehead, symbolizing both death and repentance, in the shape of a cross. The Priest then says one of these two phrases: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” The phrases speak to us with humility and exaltation, of death and new life. The ashes signify our inner fragility and poverty, while the cross signifies our salvation in the mercy of God. On Ash Wednesday, we are called to fast or eat a lighter meal that does not include meat with the exception of the elderly, young children and those who are sick.
Forty Days and Forty Nights
Throughout Lent, we are also called to either sacrifice something meaningful to us or take on something to help us grow spiritually. Some people may choose to give up something such as sweets or social media, while others may choose to include more prayer time into their daily lives. This is done to remember how Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert fasting and praying. It is also done to change our hearts and seek reconciliation with God and others in our lives.
Prepare Our Hearts and Minds
Let’s truly prepare and challenge ourselves to give up something that is holding back a further relationship with God—try to pray more than we already do and be more kind to others in the season of Lent, whether it’s complimenting someone or helping someone out. And, then make it part of our permanent life, not just during this blessed Lenten Season. Imagine the benefits of enriching our relationship with the Lord. Most importantly, prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord. Let’s Repent and believe in the Gospel!