February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday Mass + Procession
TIME: 6 PM Mass + 7 PM Procession + 8 PM Light Meal
LOCATION: 1101 N 23rd Ave, Melrose Park, IL
Ash Wednesday Mass + Procession with Cardinal Blase Cupich
On Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Melrose Park will host an outdoor Mass, with Cardinal Blase Cupich as the Presider. This liturgy will be a moment of prayer, encounter, and solidarity with immigrant families in our local Church.
The Mass and distribution of ashes will take place in front of the Scalabrini Community Center on the parish grounds. Immediately following the Mass, we will hold a peaceful procession through the Melrose Park community as a visible sign of the Church’s presence and solidarity with immigrant communities. We will pray the Rosary together and sing as we walk.
Wednesday, February 18
6:00 pm – Ash Wednesday Mass
7:00 pm – Procession
8:00 pm – Conclusion and light meal
We will be inviting families who have been impacted by recent deportations and detentions to be present at the Mass, with the hope that they may experience a moment of pastoral encounter and consolation during this sacred liturgy. Immigrant families will be included in the Mass in a meaningful and appropriate way, honoring both the solemnity of Ash Wednesday and the lived experiences they bring to our shared prayer.
This procession will be coordinated in advance with the Melrose Park Police Department and the Mayor’s office, with whom we have successfully collaborated on parish processions in the past.
