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BISHOP SCHARFENBERGER TO DISTRIBUTE ASHES AT ALBANY CATHEDRAL FEB. 17

February 11, 2021

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger will administer ashes during the 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Masses at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, the official start of the Lenten season for Roman Catholics and many other Christians worldwide. The 12:15 p.m. Mass will be livestreamed to the diocesan website at www.rcda.org/livestream.

Due to concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19, the Vatican has asked parishes worldwide to sprinkle ashes on the top of each individual’s head rather than smudge them in the shape of a cross on the forehead. Although this is new for American Catholics, the practice is customary at the Vatican and in other parts of Europe.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, the 40-day preparation period in anticipation of Easter. Blessed ashes — made from the burned palm branches from the previous year — are used as a sign of mortality and the need to repent and be faithful to the Gospel.