{"id":169915,"date":"2026-02-18T16:16:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/169915\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T16:16:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:16:24","slug":"churchgoers-in-wilmington-show-up-in-strong-numbers-as-ash-wednesday-starts-lent-with-milder-weather-photo-gallery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/169915\/","title":{"rendered":"Churchgoers in Wilmington show up in strong numbers as Ash Wednesday starts Lent with milder weather – Photo gallery"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"\"<\/a>Father Michael Darcy delivers homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake
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The frigid weather we\u2019ve experienced the first part of 2026<\/a> in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland has let up enough recently to free more people who have been hibernating from the cold.<\/p>\n

That was evident Feb. 18 as Ash Wednesday drew large gatherings for the traditional start of Lent.<\/p>\n

More than 175 people turned out for ashes and 8:30 a.m. Mass at Corpus Christi Church on New Road in Wilmington.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Morning, midday and evening services provided enough chances for people to get to church for their ashes at the beginning of Lent. Check your local parish for times.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tAlicia Rodriguez received ashes during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tFather Michael Darcy distributes ashes to Vince Lunetta during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tMark Diffenbaugh prays after receiving ashes during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tMichael C. Vannicola talks with a parishioner after the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tDeacon David Deghetto and Father Michael Darcy distribute ashes during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\tFather Michael Darcy delivers homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Corpus Christi Church, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Dialog photo\/Don Blake<\/p>\n

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\n Previous articleApplied Bank donates $7.6 million to Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation to support ongoing charitable giving<\/a> \t
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