Falling on February 18 this year, Ash Wednesday marked the solemn beginning of Lent at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Peregrine Laziosi. Across more than six Masses, thousands of prayers rose in unison as the faithful gathered to receive ashes, a humble sign of repentance and hope. In this sacred moment, we were reminded of our need for God’s mercy and the call to conversion that begins anew each Lenten season.

The ashes we received are not merely symbols placed upon us; they are invitations to transformation. They call us to healing where we are wounded, to fasting that deepens our dependence on God, and to love that stretches beyond comfort and routine. Lent is a sacred opportunity to return, to renew our commitment to Christ, and to rediscover His living presence in our daily lives. As the psalmist prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10), so too do we entrust this season to the Lord who restores and renews.

We now journey together through these forty days of reflection, compassion, and grace. As a parish and shrine community, may we walk this path with sincerity and steadfast faith, supporting one another in prayer and sacrifice. May this Lenten season draw us closer to the heart of Christ, preparing us to celebrate the joy of Easter with hearts made new.