ASH WEDNESDAY AT THE CATHEDRAL

February 19, 2026 at 1:21 p.m.

Bishop Mark O'Connell prays during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Bishop Mark O'Connell prays during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Bishop Mark O'Connell puts ashes on the forehead of Maribeth Krupczak of Albany during Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Bishop Mark O'Connell puts ashes on the forehead of Maribeth Krupczak of Albany during Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Bishop Mark O'Connell puts ashes on the forehead of Rick Harbeck of Rensselaer during Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Bishop Mark O'Connell puts ashes on the forehead of Rick Harbeck of Rensselaer during Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Gregory and Sarah Dykas of Albany pray after receiving ashes during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Gregory and Sarah Dykas of Albany pray after receiving ashes during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Deacon James Agnew and Bishop Mark O'Connell pray during communion at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Deacon James Agnew and Bishop Mark O'Connell pray during communion at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Cantor Ann Marie Adamick sings during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18 (Thomas Killips photo) — Cantor Ann Marie Adamick sings during the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18 (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Bishop Mark O'Connell delivers the sermon at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) — Bishop Mark O'Connell delivers the sermon at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Worshippers are seen at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (Thomas Killips photo) — Worshippers are seen at the Ash Wednesday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (Thomas Killips photo) (Tom Killips)

Bishop Mark O’Connell celebrated his first Ash Wednesday in the Diocese of Albany on Feb. 18 with two Masses. The first Mass was for employees of the Pastoral Center at 10:30 a.m. and the second Mass was at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany at 12:15 p.m.