Lent 2019

Remember that you are dust

March 6, 2019

There have been full churches throughout the Diocese of Wollongong today as thousands of parishioners have gathered together to receive ashes on their forehead as a symbol of the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).

Ash Wednesday opens the 40 days of Lent—a season of fasting and prayer—where the Church unites herself to the mystery of Jesus in the desert. We are encouraged to look at this period of Lent as a journey. Lent reminds us that this is the season to turn away from our worldly distractions and journey home to God.

Check out some of the photos from today’s midday Ash Wednesday Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong with Bishop Brian Mascord.

Photos by Daniel Hopper.

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