Cardinal McElroy and Cardinal Gregory to Concelebrate Ash Wednesday Mass
The incoming and retiring Archbishops of Washington will mark the start of Lent on March 5
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cardinal Robert McElroy will be the principal celebrant and homilist for Ash Wednesday Mass at 12:10 p.m. ET on March 5, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Wilton Gregory will concelebrate the liturgy that marks the start of Lent.
Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day penitential period of Lent. Catholics around the world will fast and receive ashes as a symbol of mourning and conversion.
It concludes at Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. People of all faiths are invited but not obliged to receive ashes, made from the palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday Mass, as a reminder of our need for mercy and forgiveness.
Cardinal McElroy, Bishop of San Diego since 2015, will be installed as Archbishop of Washington the following week, on March 11 at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, as Cardinal Gregory retires and becomes Archbishop Emeritus.
Media are welcome to attend in person or make use of the livestream for reporting purposes.
Ash Wednesday Mass
12:10 p.m. ET
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to more than 655,000 Catholics, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s