Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent which lasts for 40 days of prayer and fasting. Many Christians, especially Catholics, observe the day by going to church to receive ashes prepared from the blessed palms used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The priest makes the sign of the cross on our foreheads with the ashes and says “Dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return.” This expression tells me that I’m on earth as a favor from God, and that I should use my time wisely.

My mother was a devout Catholic. She went to church frequently, and observed holy days of obligation, including Ash Wednesday. On this blessed day, my sister and I would go to church with Mom to receive the ashes.

This holy day reminds me of the special times that I spent with my family, and it particularly reminds me that Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross to save mankind.