Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, marked the beginning of Lent 2017 with the celebration of Mass and distribution of Ashes at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in downtown Newark on Wednesday, March 1.
St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, at 91 Washington Street, Newark, was the first seat of the Bishops of Newark until the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was dedicated in 1954. While the parish continues to serve a small Catholic community living in this downtown Newark area, the parish also serves a larger community of commuters who work in Newark. Hundreds attended the noontime Mass to receive Ashes and begin the time of preparation for Easter.
Cardinal Tobin was available after Mass for interviews on both the Lenten season and current events.