Cardinal Timothy Dolan receives a standing ovation after celebrating his first mass since returning from Rome. But he began the day under much humbler circumstances. Our Roger Clark reports.

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NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. -- Decked out in a wool cap and plaid coat, Cardinal Dolan started his Ash Wednesday early, handing out food to the homeless at the St. Francis of Assisi Church.

"This is what it's all about, those red robes and change in title, actually god cares a lot more about this than he does about that," said Dolan.

"Grant O lord that we might begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service."

Then at noon Dolan was in those red robes, celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass, a day after returning from Rome where he became a Cardinal on Saturday.

Ash Wednesday is observed by Christians around the world as the beginning of Lent, 40 days of penance and renewal leading up to Easter Sunday. Dolan is a baseball fan, and he referred to Lent as spiritual spring training.

"Prayer, penance and charity, they're the essentials,” said Dolan.

The Cardinal spread ashes on the foreheads of some parishioners, the ashes symbolizing mortality. After mass he talked about the big welcome home he's received, including an ovation from the Ash Wednesday crowd.

Dolan said, “They're all sharing in the joy of this and that makes me very, very happy."

And those who came to St. Patrick's were glad to welcome Dolan back.

"What a great place, there's just something about this, the whole thing is magic."

"He's like a regular person, he laughs and today I saw him with a regular jacket on and he's not like, stuffy."

Saturday will be another big day for Cardinal Dolan, a mass of thanksgiving will be held to celebrate his homecoming and his elevation to Cardinal.