Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn of Christian dates. It's the start of a weekslong period for the faithful called Lent that comes ahead of one of the most joyous of Christian holidays.

The tradition dates as far back as 601 AD, when 64th leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Gregory cemented the Lent as permanent tradition, according to the Museum of the Bible. At this time, Lent ...

It was the usual Wednesday Weight Watchers Zoom meeting, except for one thing. The leader had shown up with a black ash cross imprinted on her forehead. “Oh, yeah,” I thought. “Ash Wednesday.” ...

Lent 2025 ends this Thursday, April 17, ahead of Good Friday 2025. Lent began with Ash Wednesday, almost 40 days ago. But did you know Lent used to be less than 40 days? The religious tradition as ...

According to Britannica.com, Ash Wednesday is "a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God." It marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Many Christians attend ...

A Black pastor who led the 40-day Target 'fast' over the chain's DEI policies says his demands haven't been met. Here's what ...

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Lent is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Christians use the time for preparation and atonement before celebrating Easter.

Dorsey Prince, right, and Shannon Carter pray during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church on Wednesday Feb. 22, 2023. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day ...

Lent 2025 ends this Thursday, April 17, ahead of Good Friday 2025. Lent began with Ash Wednesday, almost 40 days ago. But did you know Lent used to be less than 40 days? The religious tradition as ...