The faithful trudged up the hill to Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center on the first Ash Wednesday after the Eaton Fire, clutching umbrellas along with their hopes that this season of Lent could lead, from ashes to ashes and on to an Easter of new beginnings.

A devotee with an ash cross on her forehead prays during Ash Wednesday rites March 5, 2025 at the Redemptorist Church in Manila, Philippines as Catholics in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation observe the start of lent.

March 4 meant an annual milestone for thousands of local residents, possibly including participation in an Ash Wednesday church gathering. Students from Mead Hall and St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School were among participants in Aiken gatherings to mark the start of Lent,

Catholics around the Lehigh Valley attended services to mark Ash Wednesday, observed on the first day of Lent.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver held Ash Wednesday services on March 5, 2025.

On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality. It is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.

BRAINERD — Christians across the lakes area hosted services on Ash Wednesday, March 5, to mark the beginning of the 40-day Lenten period as a time to prepare for Easter. Lent marks the period from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.

In the heart of downtown Sacramento, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament opened its doors to hundreds of worshippers on Ash Wednesday. Every pew and chair was filled as Catholics gathered to mark the beginning of Lent with solemn acts of penance and humility through the receiving of ashes on their foreheads.