CHICAGO (February 7, 2005) -- The penitential season of Lent begins for Roman Catholics on Ash Wednesday, celebrated this year on February 9, and will continue through the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 24.

The following liturgical events mark the beginning of the Roman Catholic season of Lent at Holy Name Cathedral:

Tuesday
February 8
9 a.m.

SHROVE TUESDAY - BURNING OF PALM BRANCHES.
Palm branches are traditionally burnt to create the ashes which will be applied to the foreheads of Roman Catholics on Ash Wednesday. Palms will be burnt in the courtyard of Holy Name Cathedral, near State Street and Chicago Avenue. Deacon Michael McCluskey will preside at the palm burning ceremony.

Wednesday
February 9

ASH WEDNESDAY _ Priests throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago 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.

At Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets, 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 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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

4:30 p.m. Cardinal George also will celebrate an Ash Wednesday liturgy for students and faculty at Northwestern University’s Sheil Center, 2110 Sheridan Rd., Evanston.