Religion
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Pope laments ‘ashes of international law’ left by today’s conflicts in Ash Wednesday liturgy
Feb 18, 2026 7:05 pm - Pope Leo XIV opened the church’s penitential Lenten season by presiding over Ash Wednesday and lamenting the “ashes of international law and justice” that have been left by today’s wars and conflicts.
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Ashes to go: Faithful avail of drive-up Ash Wednesday distribution in Elk Grove VillageFeb 18, 2026 4:43 pm - For the fourth year, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Elk Grove Village distributed ashes at a community drive-up event Wednesday.
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Muslims begin holy month of Ramadan with fasting and feeding those in needFeb 18, 2026 2:54 pm - Muslims across the suburbs and globally began the Islamic holy month of Ramadan Wednesday with daily fasting from dawn to sunset, while also increasing giving charity, worship and reflection during the period.
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Vineyard Church offers free fun and games at Friend-FestFeb 18, 2026 12:47 pm - Friend-Fest 2026 is a free community event hosted by Vineyard Church of Elgin on March 7, offering fun activities, games, and food for kids through fifth grade. The event provides a safe and enjoyable environment for families, with carnival-like games and a "Calm Room" for quieter activities
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Learn about the ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus at Gary UMC in WheatonFeb 18, 2026 12:19 pm - Throughout Lent, you can explore the “I Am” sayings of Jesus at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton.
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Fasting can help us focus on prayerFeb 18, 2026 11:48 am - Annettee Budzban says that fasting, whether during Lent or not, can be a way to focus on prayer.
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Knitters at Gary UMC in Wheaton provide prayer squares for LentFeb 18, 2026 11:25 am - New this year for Lent, the knitters at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton are providing prayer squares for congregants.
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Burning palms provide students with visual connection to Ash Wednesday, start of LentFeb 17, 2026 12:49 pm - Dried palm fronds engulfed by a ball of flames Tuesday provided students a visual connection to the upcoming Lenten season at St. Theresa Catholic School in Palatine.
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Holy hip-hop: Lombard priest dances his way into parishioners’ heartsFeb 14, 2026 11:45 am - When it comes to dancing, the Rev. Matt Nathan is a bit of a late bloomer. But these days the cleric is cutting rugs and dropping beats, in addition to saving souls, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lombard.
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Elgin’s St. Hugh of Lincoln Church offers Lenten blessing to commutersFeb 11, 2026 1:38 pm - Once again, St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin is offering “Drive Through Ashes” to commuters on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.