Archbishop Vigneron to mark Ash Wednesday with Mass at downtown church
In addition, Archdiocese invites faithful to follow @UTGDetroit for Lenten inspiration and post photos using #ashtag
Contact: Michelle St. Pierre
(313) 237-5943
stpierre.michelle@aod.org
To mark the local Catholic Church’s observance of Ash Wednesday, Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron will be the celebrant and homilist at the 12:15 p.m. Mass on Feb. 26 at St. Aloysius Church, 1234 Washington Boulevard (1½ blocks north of Michigan Avenue) in downtown Detroit. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a liturgical season of prayer, penance, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter.
Following his homily at the Mass, Archbishop Vigneron will bless and distribute ashes. The ashes are made from palm leaves used in last year’s Passion (Palm) Sunday liturgy. They are a symbol of penance and are used to mark foreheads with the Sign of the Cross.
New this Lenten season, the Archdiocese of Detroit is encouraging people to post photos on social media while wearing their ashes, using the hashtag "#ashtag," and tagging @UTGdetroit for a chance to get featured on Unleash the Gospel social media channels.
Also Wednesday and continuing through Lent, the Archdiocese of Detroit will share inspiration and encouragement with faithful seeking to unleash the Gospel during this holy season leading up to Easter. All are invited to follow @UTGDetroit on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for stories, photos, videos, and other inspiring content.
“Unleash the Gospel” is a movement in the Archdiocese of Detroit to renew the world, region, and Church by returning to the faith’s original mission of boldly sharing the Gospel message in our communities.
Reporters, photographers, and videographers are invited to cover the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Aloysius. To preserve the dignity of the service, we ask that camera operators refrain from using flashes or any form of artificial lighting, and that special care be taken not to impede processions for ashes or Holy Eucharist. Thank you in advance for heeding any instructions you may receive from the staff at St. Aloysius Church.
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