WITNESS: A New Lenten Devotional Ash Wednesday

Join Dominican friar and beloved podcaster, Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, for a transformative Lenten journey.

"Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return."

This Ash Wednesday, begin your Lenten journey by embracing your mortality and Christ's infinite mercy.

Join Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP,in this Week of Ash Wednesday reflection from his new Lenten devotional, Witness. This week, you'll encounter Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, Bartholomew, and the Bad Thief—biblical figures who stood face-to-face with Jesus in his Passion and learned what it means to be both dust and beloved.

As we mark our foreheads with ashes, we acknowledge our human frailty. But we also remember that God became dust for us—that he walked the road to Calvary so we might walk the road to redemption.

Witness is your guide through Lent, exploring the lives of those who witnessed Christ's Passion—saints and sinners, friends and enemies, the faithful and the afraid. Each week focuses on a different virtue, drawing you closer to the foot of the Cross and the mystery of Easter.

From the Good Thief to Pontius Pilate, Martha to Barabbas, these biblical figures reveal the depths of our own human heart: flawed, fearful, hopeful, and deeply loved.

Each week focuses on a different virtue as you explore the lives of those who were present with our Lord:

Repentance with the Good Thief and Barabbas
Trust with the Virgin Mary and John the Beloved
Compassion with Simon of Cyrene and Veronica
Humility with soldiers and witnesses
Courage with Thomas, James, and the apostles
Sacrifice with the centurion Longinus and others

Witness is an invitation to step onto the dusty roads of Jerusalem, to stand in the courtyard, and to kneel at the foot of the Cross. As Father Patrick writes, "The story of the Passion is not only about what happened to him—it's about what is happening to us."

When you order Witness from Ave Maria Press, you'll receive access to exclusive weekly companion videos featuring Father Patrick's reflections, plus a free downloadable Leader's Guide — perfect for personal prayer or small group study.