Catholics from the Rio Grande Valley join the faithful from across the world in observing Ash Wednesday.
Valley churches have been receiving parishioners since early Wednesday morning.
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 22nd -- marking the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period leads leads up to Easter on April 8th.
What is Lent?
Officials with Diocese of Brownsville said Lent is a time when we can grow in our faith. The number of days represents the 40 days Jesus spent alone praying in the desert before beginning his public ministry.
Ash Wednesday is the day Christians choose what they will do in preparation for Easter. These include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Catholics traditionally don't eat meat on Friday, fast and give up one of their vices for Lent.
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