Ash Wednesday begins Lenten season

Intermountain Catholic

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Deacon Lynn Johnson places a cross of ashes on a man's forehead during the noon Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The noon Mass was one of three celebrated Ash Wednesday at the cathedral.

SALT LAKE CITY — At the noon Mass, one of three Masses for Ash Wednesday celebrated in the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, advised Catholics to enter into Lent more intentionally, not to get dour for effect or intention, or because they feel they are in sacrifice for sacrifice sake.

"Our Lenten efforts are meant to focus us on Christ and our need for Christ and our joy in finding Christ," the bishop said. The four Lenten efforts meant to focus us on Christ are: prayer, fasting, alms-giving, and the joy this closeness to Christ brings us.

Lent, Bishop Wester said, is a retreat time for the universal Church. "It is a time out from ordinary time to retreat, in preparation for Easter; it is a joyful season that will break out in exuberance at this coming Easter Vigil; today (Ash Wednesday) is the day to start smiling as we prepare for Easter." He said when Easter arrives, he hopes we can all echo the words of Cellist Pablo Casals who, when asked at the age of 90, why he keeps practicing, said, "I seem to be making improvement."