Albuquerque Faithful Gather for Ash Wednesday Mass

Worshippers mark start of Lenten season at historic San Felipe de Neri Church

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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As the sun rose over the Sandias, worshippers quietly filled the pews of the historic San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque's Old Town for the early Ash Wednesday Mass. The service marked the start of Lent, a time when Catholics and other Christians fast and focus on repentance, reflection and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter.

Why it matters

Ash Wednesday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, kicking off the 40-day period of Lent. The ritual of receiving ashes on the forehead is a symbolic gesture of repentance and mortality, reminding the faithful of their need for God's mercy and grace.

The details

Before the Rev. Michael Chiagorom and Deacon Dan Sanchez blessed the ashes with holy water, Chiagorom addressed the congregation, explaining the meaning behind the ashes. As people lined up, they were each given a sign of the cross, in ashes, upon their foreheads. Once marked, worshippers - some with children in tow - returned to their seats to pray.

  • The Ash Wednesday Mass took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Rev. Michael Chiagorom

The priest who led the Ash Wednesday Mass at San Felipe de Neri Church and addressed the congregation.

Deacon Dan Sanchez

The deacon who assisted Rev. Chiagorom in blessing the ashes and distributing them to the worshippers.

San Felipe de Neri Church

The historic Catholic church in Albuquerque's Old Town where the Ash Wednesday Mass took place.

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What they’re saying

“These ashes remind us of two important truths. First, they remind us of our mortality: remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Second, they are a sign of repentance and humility before God. So they tell us to recognize our need for his mercy and grace.”

— Rev. Michael Chiagorom, Priest (abqjournal.com)

The takeaway

The Ash Wednesday Mass at San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque's historic Old Town district marked the start of the Lenten season, a time of spiritual reflection and renewal for the local Catholic community.