Vice President Vance Marks Ash Wednesday Amidst Border Visit
As the Lenten season commenced, Vice President J.D. Vance and members of the Trump administration observed Ash Wednesday during their time at the U.S.-Mexico border. This Christian tradition marks the start of a 40-day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter.
In a C-SPAN video, Vance, a devout Catholic, is seen receiving ashes from a priest before leaving Texas. His visit, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, focused on evaluating the impact of current immigration policies at Eagle Pass.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also honored Ash Wednesday. They issued a joint message to commemorate the day.
“This Ash Wednesday, we join in prayer with the tens of millions of American Catholics and other Christians beginning the holy season of Lent — a time of spiritual anticipation of the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” they stated. “During the Lenten season, Christians spend 40 days and 40 nights praying, fasting, and giving alms to deepen our faith and strengthen our belief in the Gospel.”
The message highlighted the tradition of wearing ash crosses as a symbol of mortality and invited Christians to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. “As we solemnly contemplate Jesus Christ’s suffering and death on the cross this Lent, let us prepare our souls for the coming glory of the Easter miracle,” they encouraged.
“We offer you our best wishes for a prayerful and enriching Lenten season,” the message concluded. “May almighty God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”
While these leaders engage in Lenten practices, a Lifeway Research poll revealed that 74% of Americans surveyed do not plan to observe Lent. The highest participation was noted among Catholics (58%) and Hispanics (36%).
The survey indicated that those observing Lent often give up a beloved food or beverage (50%), aim to break a bad habit (37%), or refrain from a favorite activity (25%). Additionally, 34% engage in more prayer, and 22% read Lenten scriptures or devotions.
Lent will culminate on Easter Sunday, April 20, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
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