US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Ash Wednesday Cross Appearance

The head of American diplomacy, Marco Rubio, from one of the most powerful departments in the Donald Trump administration, the Department of State, appeared on Fox News with an ash cross on his forehead. It is the first time such a high-ranking official in the US has publicly displayed their faith in this manner, which is unprecedented but now becoming more common among members of Donald Trump’s administration. Rubio appeared on the President’s favorite show and channel to discuss international diplomacy, particularly regarding Ukraine and the Middle East. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, a sacred day of prayer and fasting for most Catholics worldwide. It precedes Clean Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of repentance before Easter. Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans (Episcopalians), and United Protestants, as well as some churches in Reformed traditions (including certain Continental Reformed and Presbyterian churches), Baptists, Methodists, and Nazarenes. Traditionally, Ash Wednesday is observed with fasting and abstaining from meat in many Christian denominations.