JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Christians around the world are observing Ash Wednesday.
The Holy Day is the beginning of the season of Lent.
It’s the time of year when Christians prepare for the resurrection of Christ on Easter.
Thousands of Catholics in Jefferson City celebrated an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Peter’s Church next to the State Capitol Building.
Catholics believe Ash Wednesday is a time for fasting and prayer.
The application of cross-shaped ashes on someone’s forehead is a physical reminder of the Christian belief that we all began as dust, and to dust we shall all return.
Priests wore purple vestments representing the special time before Easter.
Parishioner Linda Crider said, “It’s the beginning of the experience of Lent and what Jesus did for us to save our souls and what God thinks of us. It’s a celebration of that.”
Parishioner Dennis Oppenheim said, “I think about Christ and all of the things that have happened over the years. It’s good to have good faith. That’s why I like to go.”
Lent lasts for 40 days and ends on Easter Sunday.
The 40 days are a Christian period of spiritual renewal and penitence.
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