“Ash Wednesday is a way of looking ahead to Easter,” Father Morrill said. “And here in the Northern Hemisphere, that also means looking ahead to spring.” Ashes are made from the palms blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year, and the tradition of placing them on penitents dates to the 11th century.

St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, located at the corner of Anderson and Denison avenues, held six Ash Wednesday masses between 7 a.m. and 9:09 p.m., while also hosting confessions all day. Father Gale Hammerschmidt encouraged those in attendance — especially those who aren’t Catholics — to visit again at any time.

Despite regional traditions and differences in receiving ashes, the spiritual focus of the Lenten season does not change.

St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton welcomes all for Ash Wednesday services with new pastor Fr. Nathan Marzonie, emphasizing grace and community support this Lent.

Following the parades and parties of Mardi Gras, people across the Baton Rouge area will mark Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 18, 2026. Here’s what it means and where to get ashes in Austin, including early morning and drive-through options.

Greenville church makes Ash Wednesday accessible with drive-thru ash