Philly Christians observe Ash Wednesday with services and ashes-to-go

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the Western Christian lead-up to Easter Sunday on April 5.

Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Catholics who observe the day will have ashes, made from the embers of last year’s Palm Sunday palms, crossed on their forehead.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput will preside over noon mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race St, at 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Other Mass times: 7:15 am, 12:35 pm, 5:15 pm. Ashes will be distributed during the Mass.

There will once more this year be “ashes to go” with ministers distributing ashes at various commuter rail stations.

For Eastern Orthodox Christians, Lent is Monday and Easter is Sunday, April 12.