Ash Wednesday

Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge were filled with people on Ash Wednesday, March 2, for the distribution of ashes to mark the beginning of the Lenten Season. Catholics observe Lent as a six-week period of fasting, prayer and almsgiving to prepare for the celebration of Easter, when Christ rose from the dead to sit at the right hand of God. Pictured is Father Michael Miceli, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge, foreground, and St. Patrick deacon assistant Deacon Pete Walsh distributing ashes at an Ash Wednesday Mass at the church. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator