Lent a ‘beautiful time’ of ‘grace and blessing,’ says archbishop Faithful pray during a Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Principal celebrant and homilist Archbishop Nelson Pérez described Lent as "a beautiful time" in the church. (Sarah Webb) By Gina Christian • Posted February 17, 2021 Lent is “a moment of grace and blessing” as well as “a time of conversion and change,” said Archbishop Nelson Pérez in his homily for Ash Wednesday. The archbishop was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Feb. 17 liturgy, which took place at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.