Ash Wednesday marks start of Lent

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — At Wilmington’s St. Mary Catholic Church and countless others around the world worshippers received a cross of ashes on their forehead.

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. The lead-up to easter recalls Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness.

For Catholics, it is a season of penance, reflection and fasting that prepares them for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.