Cardinal Tobin Distributes Ashes, Calls Catholics to Renew Their Faith
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, marked the beginning of Lent by distributing ashes to hundreds of Catholics during two Ash Wednesday Masses on March 5 at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, N.J.
Joined by Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, along with Father Camilo Cruz, pastor, and Father Juan Ortega-Ortiz, parochial vicar, Cardinal Tobin placed ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads of Catholics. The ashes, made from burned palm fronds, serve as a solemn reminder of human mortality and the call to repentance.
“Ashes remind us that we return to dust, but they also invite us to renew our hearts and embrace God’s mercy,” Cardinal Tobin said in his homily. “Pope Francis asks us to allow God’s Word to renew our hope. We do so with determination and joy, knowing we are not alone—Jesus is with us always.”
Ash Wednesday signals the official start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. During this sacred season, Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, observe fasting on Good Friday, and commit to Lenten sacrifices that foster self-discipline and spiritual growth.
This year’s observance takes on added significance as the Catholic Church continues its Jubilee Year, encouraging the faithful to deepen their relationship with Scripture and seek God’s guidance.
Lent concludes with the celebration of the Paschal Triduum, beginning on Holy Thursday, April 17, and culminating in Easter Sunday, the Church’s most joyous feast.
To learn more about Ash Wednesday and Lent, visit www.rcan.org or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.
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Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, spread ashes in the form of a cross on parishioners’ foreheads during Ash Wednesday Masses on March 5, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, N.J.
