To dust you shall return
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The Rev. Thomas Lewandowski marks John Bokat of Carmichaels with ashes during the morning Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Hugh Church in Carmichaels. His daughter, 4-month-old Indie Grace Bokat, looks on after receiving ashes for the first time
Garrett Neese
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The Rev. Thomas Lewandowski speaks to the congregation during Wednesday’s Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Hugh Church in Carmichaels.
Garrett Neese
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John Ritz of Uniontown receives ashes from the Rev. Teodoro Abner Cortezano during a noon Mass at St. Joseph Church in Uniontown.
Zach Petrof | Herald-Standard
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The Rev. Teodoro Abner Cortezano speaks to the congregation before dispensing ashes.
Zach Petrof | Herald-Standard
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Roman Thomas receives ashes for the first time from the Rev. Teodoro Abner Cortezano during the noon Mass at St. Joseph Church in Uniontown.
Zach Petrof | Herald-Standard
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Peggy Anthony of Uniontown blesses herself with holy water before taking her seat for the noon Mass at St. Joseph Church in Uniontown on Ash Wednesday.
Zach Petrof | Herald-Standard
Area Catholics observed Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance and fasting that begins the Lenten season. Priests mark the heads of congregants by making a cross with ashes, often saying, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” a reminder of mortality and the need to repent.