Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of our need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.
Pope Francis called on all people, “believers and nonbelievers alike,” to pray and fast for peace next Wednesday, March 2, which for most Christians is also Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. “Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting,” the pope said. “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day.”
“May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.”
