Catholics around the world are marking the stat of the Lenten season today.

Ash Wednesday Masses were held across the borough as the Easter season officially begins.

The tradition began in the sixth century to prepare for Easter.

Ashes are marked in the shape of a cross on the forehead, representing both repentance and death.

The Lenten season lasts 40 days, not including Sunday, leading up to Easter.

Easter falls on April 21.