Ash Wednesday Services on March 1

Ash Wednesday, a day in which many Christian traditions mark the beginning of Lent with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (giving to the poor), as well as the outward sign of the cross in ashes on people's foreheads. Please join Saint Xavier University (SXU) on Wednesday, March 1 to celebrate one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest apples the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

The distribution of ashes in SXU's McDonough Chapel will take place after the 8 a.m. and Noon Masses. Ash services will also be held at 2:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. in the chapel.

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