Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann joined physicians, nurses, patients and their loved ones on Ash Wednesday to celebrate Mass at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Ash Wednesday signals the arrival of Lent, a time of repentance leading up to Easter. The Mass on Feb. 14 was held in a large conference room and marked Bishop Vann’s first time celebrating Ash Wednesday at the hospital in Orange. He thanked staff for their unwavering commitment to their patients.
“Your work is so important to the world in which we live,” said the Bishop, who was joined by CHOC Chaplain Father James Barrand. “I am very grateful to be here with you.”
Before marking the sign of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of worshipers, Bishop Vann reminded those in attendance that Ash Wednesday is the start of a sacred time in the Catholic faith, and urged them to spend Lent fostering a deeper relationship with the Lord.
“Ashes remind us to change our lives with God’s help,” he said.