Catholics are being invited to answer the call of Pope Francis for a worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday (March 2).
St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough will be open from 9.30am until 8pm for prayer and the lighting of candles.
Monsignor Gerard Robinson will celebrate Mass at 9.30am, which will include the sprinkling of worshippers’ foreheads with an ash cross.
There will then be a silent time of prayer until 3pm, when the Rosary will be recited, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
At 5.30pm there will be Benediction and sung evening prayer, before Bishop Terry Drainey celebrates the second Mass of the day at 7pm. Once again, ashes will be distributed at this service.
All of the services will be live-streamed on the Diocese of Middlesbrough’s YouTube channel.
“I hope as many people as possible can come even for ten minutes to pray for peace in Ukraine and to pray for guidance to world leaders,” said Monsignor Robinson.
Prayers were said at churches throughout the diocese over the weekend and other parishes will also be joining the cathedral in participating in the prayer for peace on Ash Wednesday.