Jakub Sewerynik: Is it time to cleanse the Church?
The article discusses the significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent while highlighting recent controversies surrounding the Church's leadership in Poland.
During Lent, Christians abstain from not only meat and sweets but also from the noise generated by social media
Christians in Latvia observe Lent by fasting from certain foods and social media, reflecting on spiritual practices and personal growth.
Child asks priest to 'bless' cat during mass, amusing congregants; video
A young boy hilariously requests a priest to bless his cat during a mass in Tianguá, Brazil, delighting the attendees.
Tiago West, urban poetry artist known for paintings with poems about Recife, has died
Tiago West, a celebrated urban poetry artist known for his works on Recife, passed away at the age of 40 on Ash Wednesday.
Fish meal at Franziskaner: Pit stop on the way to Oktoberfest
The traditional fish meal at the Franziskaner restaurant marks the end of Carnival season as guests gather to enjoy a lavish seafood platter on Ash Wednesday.
A Record to Overcome the Anxiety of the World
U2 is back with a new EP titled 'Days of Ash', featuring five new tracks and a poem, released on Ash Wednesday.
U2, return to the trenches: "Songs of dismay for these crazy times. They couldn't wait"
U2 addresses contemporary injustices with their new EP 'Days of Ash,' released on Ash Wednesday, highlighting the turmoil affecting Western identity.
Carlinhos Brown commands the Ash Wednesday parade in Salvador (BA)
In Salvador, Carlinhos Brown led the traditional Ash Wednesday parade, maintaining the festive spirit of Carnival with electrifying performances that left thousands of attendees exuberant.
VIDEOS: JL2 of February 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday
The article discusses the recent outcomes of the Rio Carnival, highlighting champions, controversies, and issues faced by certain samba schools.
Singing, Sewing and Frolicking on Ash Wednesday
Students at Hofsstaðaskóla celebrated Ash Wednesday with a range of costumes and activities, including a haunted house and singing for candy.
Churches and shrines in Manaus will hold masses this Ash Wednesday; check the schedule
In Manaus, churches and shrines will celebrate special masses on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent for Catholics.
'The Irresponsible' Extend Carnival and Fill the Streets of Recife on Ash Wednesday
The 'Irresponsible' blocos in Recife continued the carnival festivities on Ash Wednesday, defying the usual conclusion of the celebration with lively parades and performances.
Lent 2026 Begins: What Foods Are Prohibited on Ash Wednesday
The Catholic Church begins Lent 2026, a period of penance leading to Easter, with restrictions on food consumption during Ash Wednesday.
The Cathedral Church received dozens of faithful on this Ash Wednesday: 'I have much to be thankful for and I am in debt to God'
On Ash Wednesday, dozens of worshippers gathered at the Cathedral Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to participate in mass and receive blessings as they prepared for the Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday in Belém: check mass times
Ash Wednesday marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent in Belém, Brazil, with various mass celebrations across the archdiocese.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent with masses in Catholic churches in Roraima
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics, with 23 masses celebrated in Roraima.
Hail, strong winds, and flooding cause trouble in Campo Grande
Severe weather including hail and strong winds caused significant disruptions in Campo Grande, Brazil, affecting local neighborhoods on Ash Wednesday, February 18.
Blocos of Redinha mark the farewell of Carnival on Ash Wednesday; see images
The traditional Blocos dos Garis and Baiacu na Vara marked the end of Carnival 2026 in Natal, Brazil, through festivities on Ash Wednesday.
Daily Summary #1865: Samba-enredo will be the tiebreaker in the results of the Rio Special Group; See the blocks parading on Ash Wednesday in Rio
Samba-enredo will serve as the tiebreaker in the results of the Rio Carnival's Special Group, alongside highlights for Ash Wednesday.
Pope León XIV opens Lent warning of 'the structures of sin' in 'a world that is burning'
Pope León XIV has used his first Ash Wednesday to highlight the political, economic, and religious 'structures of sin' in a world filled with various crises.
Faithful celebrate the opening of the Fraternity Campaign 2026 in Manaus
Catholic faithful in Manaus celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent and the official launch of the Fraternity Campaign 2026 focused on housing rights.
Ashes and reflection: Lagos Catholics mark Ash Wednesday
Catholics in Lagos commemorated Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent with prayers and the imposition of ashes, coinciding with the beginning of Ramadan this year.
Lent increases movement at the Fish Market in Teresina; see prices for Tilapia, Yellow Pescada, and more
The Fish Market in São João, Teresina, is bustling this Ash Wednesday as Lent begins, with consistent prices for popular fish among locals.
Tradition in Heldra: The Straw Bears are Tamer Today
A village in North Hesse continues a unique tradition where men dressed in straw participate in an event known as Strohbärentag on Ash Wednesday.
F.A.Z. Podcast for Germany: Political Ash Wednesday: AfD Now in Favor of Family Reunification
The AfD party has changed its stance to support family reunification, highlighting the political tensions surrounding populist rhetoric during the traditional speeches on Ash Wednesday in Germany.
Block celebrating cannabis, procession in homage to Xuxa and more: revelers enjoy carnival on Ash Wednesday in BH
Revelers in Belo Horizonte celebrated Ash Wednesday with several vibrant parades, including those dedicated to cannabis and honoring popular children's entertainer Xuxa.
On Ash Wednesday, Bacalhau do Batata and Munguzá de Zuza Miranda attract crowds resisting the end of carnival in Olinda
Crowds in Olinda celebrate the end of carnival with traditional foods like mungunzá and festivities that extend into Ash Wednesday.
Banks open at noon this Ash Wednesday; see the next holidays and operating hours
Banks in Brazil will reopen at noon on Ash Wednesday after closing for Carnival, with adjustments to operating hours to ensure minimum service to the public.
Dishwashers: Dudu Nobre, Bicho Terra, and Argumento perform in Madre Deus on Ash Wednesday
Carnival festivities continue in São Luís with a special edition of Lava-Pratos featuring national and regional artists in the cultural neighborhood of Madre Deus.
PHOTOS: See images of the 'Arrastão' on Ash Wednesday in Salvador
The traditional 'Arrastão' takes place in Salvador at the end of the Carnival, featuring performances from popular Brazilian artists.
'I'm a Reverend and everyone does 1 thing wrong when practising Lent'
A reverend shares insights on common mistakes people make during Lent, particularly regarding the practice of giving something up.
Germany Blog: Klingbeil: "We need more pub talk"
Lars Klingbeil, the leader of the SPD, calls for more robust debate in politics, advocating for a return to meaningful discourse among political groups during a speech at a Political Ash Wednesday event.
Archbishop of Aparecida calls for an end to polarization in election year: ‘It is a time for reconciliation, not polarization’
The Archbishop of Aparecida, Dom Orlando Brandes, urged for reconciliation and an end to political polarization during a Mass marking Ash Wednesday in Brazil.
Can you eat chicken on Ash Wednesday? This is what the Church says you should NOT consume today, February 18
The article discusses the dietary restrictions imposed by the Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday, emphasizing the avoidance of meat as part of Lenten practices.
Revelers enjoy carnival blocks on Ash Wednesday in Rio
In Rio de Janeiro, several carnival blocks are celebrating on Ash Wednesday, highlighting women's participation and issues like structural machismo.
Political Ash Wednesday: Söder: "To all socialist smart alecks, clear out of Bavaria"
At the Political Ash Wednesday event in Lower Bavaria, Markus Söder sharply criticizes his political opponents, asserting a strong Bavarian identity and calling out perceived hypocrisy from rival politicians.
Ash Wednesday in Passau: Even Söder is Running out of Opponents
At the CSU's Ash Wednesday event in Passau, Markus Söder criticizes political opponents, but finds that they are dwindling in number.
Ash Wednesday has rains in 120 cities in Ceará; check the highest volumes
Ash Wednesday began with rain in 120 cities across Ceará, Brazil, particularly impacting the capital, Fortaleza, where significant flooding was reported.
Masses mark the beginning of Lent in Sorocaba with the celebration of Ash Wednesday
Various masses are scheduled in the region of Sorocaba, Brazil, on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent and the Fraternity Campaign.
Jonathan Roumie vows that 40-day faith challenge can cut through 'the noise in the culture'
Jonathan Roumie discusses the significance of Lent and the Hallow 40 Day Prayer Challenge, emphasizing meditation and reflection amidst cultural distractions.
Phrases, prayers, and readings for Ash Wednesday
Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent for Christians, a time dedicated to reflection and repentance leading to Holy Week.
Ash Wednesday: see the mass schedule in Greater Belém
The article provides information on the mass schedule for Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent for the Catholic Church in Greater Belém, Brazil.
Romulo Fróes drags pains in the slow march of 'Russian Doll', an album about rebirth after the folly of love
Romulo Fróes releases his album 'Russian Doll' on Ash Wednesday, exploring themes of loss and renewal post-love.
Germany Blog: Söder: "The worst opponent is these NGOs"
CSU leader Markus Söder criticized left-wing groups and NGOs during his speech at the political Ash Wednesday event in Passau.
Ash Wednesday: CAN urges national unity, policy implementation
The Christian Association of Nigeria calls for national unity and effective policy implementation in light of challenges during Ash Wednesday observances.
Parishes of Juazeiro do Norte hold Ash Wednesday celebrations; see times
The parishes of Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil, will have special mass schedules for Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent on February 18.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent with masses in Presidente Prudente; see the schedule
Ash Wednesday is celebrated across various parishes in Presidente Prudente, marking the start of Lent leading up to Easter.
Germany Blog: Söder in Passau: 'The Left Do Not Love Rural Areas'
During a speech at the political Ash Wednesday event in Passau, Markus Söder criticized the left's attitude towards rural areas, asserting that the CSU is the true advocate for these regions.
Ash Wednesday: check the mass schedule in João Pessoa and Campina Grande
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic tradition, with special mass schedules in João Pessoa and Campina Grande, Brazil.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Fraternity Campaign; see the schedule of masses in Montes Claros
Ash Wednesday has begun the Fraternity Campaign and Lent for Catholics, including scheduled masses in Montes Claros.