Vice President J.D. Vance made a notable appearance at the southern border recently, participating in Ash Wednesday rituals as Lent begins this year.
Prior to departing the southern border, a priest greeted Vance at Air Force Two and gave him his ashes for Ash Wednesday.
I’m very blessed that once Vance loaded the plane, his team let me also receive my ashes. I’ve never missed an Ash Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/wgIgxmKkV5
— Reagan Reese (@reaganreese_) March 5, 2025
Video clips from C-SPAN captured the moment on March 5 when Vance received ashes on his forehead from a priest before leaving Texas.
This visit wasn’t just a spiritual one; it included discussions on the government’s efforts to manage illegal immigration, accompanied by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in Eagle Pass.
As Ash Wednesday symbolizes the start of Lent, Vance wasn’t alone in his observance; President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also shared a joint message.
In their statement, they expressed solidarity with American Catholics and Christians as they enter this pivotal time of reflection and preparation.
The Trumps noted, “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.”
They highlighted the significance of the ashes, describing them as “a sacred reminder of our mortality.”
Moreover, the couple called on followers to contemplate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ while preparing their souls for Easter’s celebration.
To wrap it all up, they wished everyone a “prayerful and enriching Lenten season,” while invoking blessings upon the nation.
Interestingly, despite the emphasis on Lent, a recent survey revealed that 74% of Americans sampled indicated they wouldn’t be observing the season at all.
Among those likely to participate, 58% identified as Catholics, and 36% were Hispanics.
For those who will engage in Lent, most reported fasting from food or beverages, while others are working to break bad habits.
As Lent unfolds, Christians will wrap up the 40-day journey on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20 this year, culminating in celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
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