TODAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY

February 18, 2026 • Dons Eze • 1 min read

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Ash Wednesday which marks the official beginning of Lent, a 40-day liturgical season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter.

In 2026, Ash Wednesday falls on February 18.

Key Meaning and Significance

Repentance and Mortality: The day serves as a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.

The Symbolism of Ashes: Worshipers receive ashes on their foreheads, typically in the shape of a cross. These ashes are usually made by burning the blessed palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Liturgical Phrases: During the imposition of ashes, a priest or minister typically says:

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)
“Repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.