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New York

Catholics commemorate Ash Wednesday in NYC

byKayla Thompson

February 18, 2026

New York’s Catholics observe the start of Lent throughout the city on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. Today marks the beginning of Christianity’s 40 days of prayer, fasting and giving ahead of Easter Sunday next month.

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

Barry Williams/New York Daily News

Father Fabian Arias gives out ashes outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Manhattan, New York.

Author

Kayla Thompson is a dedicated journalist and writer with a passion for capturing the essence of New York. Her work spans a diverse range of topics, from the state’s vibrant cultural scene to its complex social and environmental issues. Based in Manhattan, Kayla has become known for her in-depth reporting and engaging storytelling that bring the many facets of New York to life.