Photos: Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent for Christians

1 week ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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