Melvin Fleischmann traces a cross of ashes on the forehead of Rita Stiff while visiting her home to bring Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. COURTESY OF APRIL DICKENS
Ash Wednesday visitor brings love of Christ
BY APRIL DICKENS, STS. JOSEPH AND PAUL
On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Melvin Fleischmann, age 96, accompanied parish staff of Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro to bring ashes and Holy Communion to homebound parishioners.
After distributing Holy Communion, Fleischmann reminded the parishioners that we are also like tabernacles with Jesus inside us, just like the one in church.
Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
