Feb 22, 2007 1 min read

Observing Ash Wednesday, Alexandra Sekura places ashes on the forehead of Daniela Barth during Mass at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown. Both girls are kindergarten students at St. John the Evangelist School. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is 40 days of fasting and prayer to match Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. The practice of receiving ashes is a reminder of the need for reflection, prayer and penance.