Father Jim Curran, pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk encourages parishioners and visitors to return to church as they keep the Pope in their prayers.

Severe weather didn’t put a damper on the observance of Ash Wednesday, which is especially poignant this year as Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome.

With a solemn mark of ashes on their foreheads, worshippers across Sonoma County gathered to observe Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.

The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who is in the third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

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.