The parade-day mass each year is an hour of prayer, silence and reflection on the faith that grounds these celebrations.

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of reflection and repentance in the Christian faith. Believers observe the day by fasting and receiving ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead.

Sunday, March 16, is the Second Sunday of Lent. Mass readings: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:17-4:1 or Philippians 3:20-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36.

Father Jeffrey Kirby, STD, is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace parish in Indian Land, South Carolina, and the author of the book, Way of the Cross for Loved Ones Who Have Left the Faith.

embraced by the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations as a historic symbol of religious faith and service. The Jerusalem Cross originated as the symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and ...

Secretary of State Marco Rubio caught the attention of Fox News viewers by appearing with an ash cross on his forehead, ...