President Joe Biden told reporters on Ash Wednesday that earlier in the day he met with a cardinal for prayer and ashes—and revealed what he has given up for Lent.

In a time when smartphones are rarely more than a hand-reach away, more people are considering a 40-day break from social media as a deeper Lenten sacrifice.

Ash Wednesday isn’t a holy day of obligation, but in English-speaking countries, it still has a powerful draw even for Catholics who are otherwise non-practicing.

A reflection for Ash Wednesday from James Martin, S.J.

Reflections on Scripture, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

A good rule of thumb for Lent: Be childlike, not childish.