Suburban Christians line up for ashes to start Lent
Christians across the suburbs opened the 40-day Lenten period of reflection and penance by marking Ash Wednesday.
For many people, Ash Wednesday is commemorated by being marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes.
What used to be obtainable only in a church, receiving a cross has gotten more convenient in recent years, as priests, pastors and ministers travel to commuter stations, schools, nursing homes, county jails and more places, to dispense the ashes.
While Catholics and Episcopalians are particularly known for getting crosses, Lutherans, some Methodists and other liturgical Protestants also partake in the tradition.
The Christian period of Lent leads up to Holy Week and finally Easter Sunday, this year on March 27.
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