President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sent a message about the power of faith to Catholics and Christians on Ash Wednesday.
“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,” the message from POTUS and FLOTUS from the White House read.
“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,” it added. “Today, followers of Christ wear crosses of ash on their foreheads—a sacred reminder of our mortality and our enduring need for Christ’s infinite mercy and redeeming love.”
“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,” it continued. “We offer you our best wishes for a prayerful and enriching Lenten season. May Almighty God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”
The President and First Lady’s Message on Ash Wednesday, 2025:
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… pic.twitter.com/lBWAkJzD4f
— Catholics for Catholics 🇺🇲 (@CforCatholics) March 5, 2025
The president and first lady’s message came as celebrities like Patricia Heaton, Mark Wahlberg, Gwen Stefani and more have posted videos and pictures wearing an ash cross on their foreheads, marking the start of Lent.
Speaking to Fox and Friends, Wahlberg explained what the Lenten season means to him.
“It’s a reminder that I need to do more… There’s things that are in my life that are distracting and take me away from my focus on building my relationship and getting closer to God,” the Hollywood star explained. “And then living that purposeful life that he’s chosen for me.”
The first lady recently announced plans for an Easter celebration at the White House, carrying on a tradition dating back to 1878 that was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
“First Lady Melania Trump is pleased to announce initial details for the 147th White House Easter Egg Roll,” according to a press release from the Office of the First Lady. “The Easter Egg Roll will take place on Monday, April 21, 2025, on the South Lawn of the White House. Families with children 13 years old and younger are invited to join the President, First Lady, White House staff, and their families for a day of festivities.”
“The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless White House tradition, dating back to 1878 during the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes,” it added. “The President and First Lady look forward to continuing this entertaining tradition and making it a truly memorable experience for all.”
Related: Melania Trump Announces Plans For Easter Celebration At White House
