Vatican City, Feb 16, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The Holy See announced today that Pope John Paul II will preside over the Ash Wednesday liturgy at the Vatican Basilica.
The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff said the Holy Father will begin Lent on February 25, with the celebration of the Word, during which he will bless and distribute ashes.
The celebration will include the rite of introduction, the liturgy of the Word and a homily by the Holy Father, the blessing and imposition of ashes, the prayers of the faithful, the Lord’s Prayer, and the concluding rite.