The Tablet February 17, 2021
Bishop DiMarzio leads the faithful at Mass on Ash Wednesday
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN This Ash Wednesday, priests and bishops across the Diocese of Brooklyn imposed ashes in a new way due to the ongoing pandemic.
Under Pope Francis’ recommendation, ashes were sprinkled on worshippers’ heads instead of drawing the sign of the cross on the forehead.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James on Feb. 17, spoke about how challenging the past year has been due to the pandemic. However, he noted, Lent is a time for renewing faith, hope, and love, as well as for believing and welcoming God into our lives.