On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Bishop William F. Medley blesses the ashes that will be used to trace crosses on the foreheads of the faithful at Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD
This Lent, choose ‘words of hope and peace,’ recommend Bishop Medley, Pope Leo
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
While presiding at the noon Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 18, Bishop William F. Medley suggested a new challenge for this Lent.
Besides fasting from sweets, the bishop said, the faithful might consider scaling back their social media usage – especially in terms of what they share online.
On platforms like Facebook and Twitter, “people say things we might not verbalize,” said Bishop Medley.
“Also, what are our thoughts?” asked the bishop, pointing out that even if one does not type out an uncharitable comment, “even if one has conquered the impulse to speak it out loud… can we find a way to check ourselves, in our thoughts about other people?”
His recommendation tied into the first Lenten message of Pope Leo XIV, who invited the universal Church to abstain from “words that offend and hurt our neighbor.”
“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” wrote Pope Leo in his Lenten address, which was released ahead of time on Feb. 5.
The pope went on to advise that instead, “let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.”
A baby with a tiny cross made of ashes is seen on Feb. 18, 2026 during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD
Fr. Paschal Umoh, priest in residence at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, traces a cross of ashes on the forehead of Bishop William F. Medley on Feb. 18, 2026. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD
A woman and a little girl walk back to their pew after receiving ashes during Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 18, 2026. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD
Fr. John Vaughan gives Holy Communion to a woman during noon Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 18, 2026. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD
