Fresno State and the St. Paul Catholic Newman Center will be holding Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 18.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in the Catholic faith, though some Christians of other denominations, like Orthodoxy, started Lent on Monday. Lent lasts about 40 days and focuses on prayer, fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. During this time, many people choose to give up certain foods, habits or products. The season ends on Easter, when those practices are lifted.
During Ash Wednesday services, ashes are placed on people’s foreheads in the shape of a cross as a sign of repentance and humility.
At Fresno State, students will have a few opportunities to receive ashes throughout the day. A noon Mass is planned on campus in the Resnick Student Union, and ashes will also be available in the residence halls at 7 p.m. The St. Paul Catholic Newman Center will also offer drop-in ash distribution for anyone who cannot attend a service.
Fresno Pacific University, Fresno City College and Clovis Community College will also be holding services and offering ash distributions.