Catholic faithful mark Ash Wednesday in Manila

Millions of Filipinos had their forehead marked with an ash cross Wednesday in observance of Ash Wednesday, after a two-year ban on the lent tradition due to the coronavirus pandemic. A priest, minister, or designated layperson applies consecrated ash on the forehead in the shape of a cross, which usher the 40-day Lenten Season in this predominant Christian country. The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year, christened with Holy Water and scented by exposure to incense.