Catholics of the city and across the world mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday (today) when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God.
On Ash Wednesday, a priest applies the ash on a worshiper’s forehead in the shape of a cross by saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” The ash symbolizes penance and the dust from which God made people. 
Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately Easter celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him.
Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Important dates during the lent season:
- Ash Wednesday: February 26
- Palm Sunday: April 5
- Good Friday: April 10
- Holy Saturday: April 11
- Easter: April 12
