Filipino Catholics took part in Ash Wednesday rites to celebrate the beginning of Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lent season that Catholics observe in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, when they are called upon to fast, pray and reflect.

Lay ministers place ashes on the foreheads of devotees during Ash Wednesday rites on February 14, 2024, outside a church in Quiapo, Manila. Catholics troop to churches and have their foreheads marked with an ash cross in observance of Ash Wednesday. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsCatholic Ella Mae Gurion went to Baclaran Church in Manila early Wednesday morning to have her forehead marked with an ash cross, a sign of discipleship to Christ, before celebrating Valentine's Day with her family, which coincides with Ash Wednesday this year.

Roman Catholics comprise up to 85 percent of the Philippine population of over 110 million, making it the religion's stronghold in Asia.

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(Production: Jay Ereno, Peter Blaza)