Community Corner

Christians Observe Day of Penance

Receive ashes this Ash Wednesday at one of these East Providence churches.


Catholics and members of some Protestant denominations will display a visible sign of penance as they recognize Ash Wednesday today, the beginning of Lent, 40 days leading up to Easter.

Lent is a season of penance, reflection and fasting which "prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption," according to Catholic Online. The ashes are a symbol of penance for sin, and mark a period of 40 days of sacrifice to achieve sacramental absolution.

Churches all over East Providence will be marking the sign of the cross on worshipers' foreheads in ashes resulting from the burning of palm fronds after last year's Palm Sunday. Mark the occasion today at one of these East Providence churches:

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St. Francis Xavier Parish
79 North Carpenter St.
East Providence, RI 02914-4598 US

Our Lady of Loreto Parish
346 Waterman Ave.
East Providence, RI 02914-2637 US

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Sacred Heart Parish
118 Taunton Ave.
East Providence, RI 02914-4550 US

St. Brendan Parish
60 Turner Ave.
Riverside, RI 02915-3200 US

St. Margaret Parish
1098 Pawtucket Ave.
Rumford, RI 02916-1899 US
2.8 miles away


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