Ash Wednesday observers look to strengthen relationship with God during Lent

Ash Wednesday observers throughout the Chicago area attended Mass and had their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross to mark the beginning of Lent.

Messages of unity and acknowledging one's own mortality were echoed during Mass at the Holy Name Cathedral as Rev. Louis Cameli called for congregates to embrace repentance.

"These ashes represent an embrace of repentance, conversion, a change of heart, re-calibrating our lives so that they can be more in conformity with what God wants," Cameli preached.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of reflection, praying, fasting and donating to the needy, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Catholics between 18 and 59 years old are typically required to fast. When fasting, a person can eat one full meal as well as two smaller meals that don’t make up a full meal. It is also tradition to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent — and on Ash Wednesday.

Bridget O'Brien, director of ministry at Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church, noted the fasting is to "make us conscious of our hunger for God."

"It helps me to reflect on the fact that one day I will die and reflect on the life I want to lead," O'Brien said.

Tom Dowling, a 59-year-old River North resident who has gone to Holy Name Cathedral for about four years, is hoping to become "more steadfast in prayer."

"I want to give up some of the things in my life I'm attached to [and make sure] that I'm attached to God," Dowling said.

Ash Wednesday observers pick something enjoyable — typically a favorite food or pleasurable vice — to sacrifice for the 40-day period.

Janett Diaz, hopes to use Lent as an opportunity to give up earthly things. Diaz, who is visiting Chicago from Panama, made it a priority to attend Ash Wednesday Mass while abroad.

"For me, it's less shopping and maybe a little less screen time and a little less pride," Diaz said.

Like Diaz, Albany Park resident Ana Pizzaro wants to be closer to God and plans to use Lent as a motivational tool to establish better religious discipline.

"I came from ash, and one day when I die I will become ash again. So we need to remember that God is who made us and we will once we live our lives, we will return to Him," Pizzaro, 49, said. "I like to come to Mass everyday but I need to find a way to come on time. And of course I will pray more."

Observers urged anyone interested in learning more about Ash Wednesday to visit their local church in-person and be part of the community.

"Even if you start by sitting in the last row and at least listen to what's going on in the church [and] in Mass, that helps you start," Pizzaro said. "That would be a good step in starting to look for God."

O'Brien was "very moved" by the levels of diversity she has seen in congregants at the church.

"You've got guys with mud on their boots and hard hats who are coming together right off of a construction site, you've got nurses in scrubs, people in very fancy suits ... just a reminder of the brotherhood and sisterhood and everyone coming together because this is a meaningful start to them," O'Brien said.