“Ash Wednesday is a way of looking ahead to Easter,” Father Morrill said. “And here in the Northern Hemisphere, that also means looking ahead to spring.” Ashes are made from the palms blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year, and the tradition of placing them on penitents dates to the 11th century.

ISABELA, Philippines — As churches across the world mark the beginning of the 40-day Season of Lent on Wednesday, Feb. 18, millions of Catholics will silently step forward to receive ashes as a sacramental sign of repentance.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, Christianity's 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving in preparation for Jesus Christ' resurrection.

Federal judge orders Trump administration to let ICE detainees at a Chicago-area facility access Ash Wednesday church services in First Amendment lawsuit

Faith Crossing UMC at Friendship Campus (34260 Walker North Rd., Walker): You can drive through the church’s front circle anytime between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Father David Inczauskis of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership said Ash Wednesday Mass in Melrose Park will follow a judge’s order restoring clergy access to the Broadview ICE Facility

Bishop Mario A. Avilés to celebrate noon Mass marking the start of Lent, followed by Good Friday and the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Episcopal Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe plans to take an uncommon stance on immigration enforcement on Ash Wednesday – a prayerful middle ground. Duncan-Probe and other Episcopal and Catholic church leaders plan to pray and place ashes on foreheads at 9:30 a.