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.

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.

An email from the White House Management Office informed staff that the Mass would take place in the Indian Treaty Room at 8:30 a.m.

T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Eucharistic Minister Paula Pollock marks the foreheads of Ana Vazquez and J.P. Paredes with ashes on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Clairsville.