Photos: Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent for Christians
Ash Wednesday signals the start of Lent, a 40-day period of penance and spiritual preparation leading to Easter in many Western Christian traditions. The following images capture Chicagoans participating in the meaningful ritual of receiving ashes.
A pedestrian receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Gus Valdez, 50, of Calumet Heights, receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Seven-month-old Bryce receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Candy Frigo, her daughter Maria and her 7-month-old grandson Bryce prepare to receive the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Seven-month-old Bryce receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Candy Frigo, 70, smiles after receiving the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A pedestrian receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Karina Basili, 33, and her 8-month-old son Michael receive the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Mhirra Yung, 44, smiles after receiving the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Esteban Chavez, 60, receives the imposition of ashes Wednesday from Terry Nelson-Johnson, pastoral minister at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, at Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side.
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