After the festivities of Carnival season came to an end, Catholic New Orleanians received blessings at churches across the city on Ash Wednesday (March 5), marking the beginning of Lent. 

St. Martin de Porres Parish, formed last year in the consolidation of three majority-Black Catholic churches in Gentilly, held its noon service at the University of New Orleans Newman Center this year. The Rev. Francis Offia led parishioners in a Mass.

See photos from the Ash Wednesday service below.

  • The Rev. Francis Offia leads a prayer during a noon mass service at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • (From left to right) Francince Thomas, Sandra Carter, April Lauterbach and Cheryl Champagne attend a noon mass service at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • People wait to attend mass and receive their ashes at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • Eric Hornsby plays piano during the noon Ash Wednesday mass at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • The Rev. Francis Offia leads a prayer during a noon mass service at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • Francis Offia gives Stormii Nettles ashes at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Nettles attended the service with her sister and her aunt. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • Ronald Quintal receives ashes at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • The Rev. Francis Offia gives parishioners their ashes at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
  • Henry Addams receives ashes at the University of New Orleans Newman Center on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News

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