Catholics Observe Beginning Of Lent With Ash Wednesday Mass

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: With a cross of ash on his forehead, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Washington, leads the recession of the Mass on Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on February 22, 2023 in Washington, DC. Observed by Catholic and many Protestant Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, 40 days of fasting and repentance observances ending with the celebration of Easter. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)