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Believers Gather for Ashen Crosses

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the country’s oldest Roman Catholic Church, saw its pews filled with believers coming to observe Ash Wednesday.

Published

9 months ago

February 14, 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Early Wednesday afternoon, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the country’s oldest Roman Catholic Church, saw its pews filled with believers coming to observe Ash Wednesday.

The lines to receive their ashen crosses extended down the cathedral’s aisles.

Downtown, Dean and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, the Very Reverend Harry Bain, shared insights into the day’s services. He says while the 7 am service at the cathedral attracted around one hundred and fifty attendees, the 11 am service took on a less traditional setting.

And the tourists certainly did turn up, flooding the seating area in Pompey Square, with the line for receiving ashes stretching halfway through the square.

Mark B. Retacco, a cruise ship passenger from New Jersey, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to observe the day even while on vacation.

Dame Janet Bostwick was also in attendance, she tells us she always makes an effort to go to ash Wednesday services, and was pleasantly surprised by the day’s turnout.