CHICAGO (February 25, 2004) - The Roman Catholic season of Lent officially begins today as Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago and throughout the world celebrate Ash Wednesday.

Priests at all parishes throughout the Archdiocese will bless ashes and participate in applying the ashes to the foreheads of Roman Catholics with the Sign of the Cross and the reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” The ashes remind the faithful of the need to do penance for sin and to seek spiritual renewal by means of prayer, fasting and good works.

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will preside today at the 12:10 p.m. Eucharistic liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets. During the Mass, Cardinal George will bless ashes and participate in their imposition.

At Holy Name Cathedral, ashes will be distributed during Masses beginning at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.; and at short prayer services that begin at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.