The 40-day season of Lent began as Christian faithful around the world celebrated Ash Wednesday in preparation for Easter in a period for penance, reflection and fasting among those of the Catholic faith.

Many worshipers will receive the marking of the cross in ash on their foreheads on Wednesday, meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ.

Vigneron reflected on how many times he has led the Ash Wednesday Mass, many of them at St. Aloysius, since he became archbishop in 2009. During the Mass, Vigneron wore a red skullcap wore by some Catholic clergy known as a zucchetto and while sitting, donned a mitre, which is worn by archbishops.