Ash Wednesday and the Start of Lent for American Catholics

On Ash Wednesday, millions of Catholics across the United States attend church to receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. This ritual signifies the start of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter that emphasizes mortality and encourages believers to seek repentance as they strive to connect more deeply with God during this sacred time.

Jonathan Roomy, known for his role as Jesus in “The Chosen” and as a spokesperson for the Hello Catholic prayer app, shared his thoughts on Lent in an interview this week. He described it as a time for “meditation, peace, and reflection.”

Roomy noted that each year it seems the cultural noise gets louder, making it increasingly difficult to find quiet moments. He explained that this year’s theme for the Hallow 40 Day Prayer Challenge is “The Return,” which is all about taking time to reconnect with oneself and spend time in prayer and meditation.

He believes that participating in this challenge can help believers develop the “resilience” needed to navigate the ever-increasing distractions in life.

Interestingly, research from the Barna Group published in September indicates that church attendance is actually rising among Gen Z and Millennial men, surpassing that of older generations. This shift might reflect a growing dissatisfaction with societal issues, prompting these younger men to seek more fulfilling connections through faith. Roomy suggested that many men are feeling fed up with the challenges of modern life.

He expressed optimism about the positive changes that faith can bring to men’s lives: “Good men, holy men, responsible men—everything will be better for them. Their relationships and marriages can become more vibrant and loving.”

Roomy shared that his own faith has strengthened through using the Hallow app, emphasizing that despite the various crises in the world, prayer and connection with God can provide fulfillment in one’s life.

Anyone can use the Hallow app for prayer or meditation, whether for 10 minutes or more. Roomy noted that it doesn’t require being a staunch believer to experience peace through its use. He added, “It gives me a sense of calm, peace, and mindfulness,” pointing out that the app is designed to assist people at any level of their faith journey.

Founded in December 2018, Hallow has garnered attention, with public figures like Mark Wahlberg and Chris Pratt regularly using it for prayer and meditation.