University community members took part in Masses across campus on Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday, as the Lenten season began. Ashes were distributed at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, Caldwell Auditorium, and Byron Auditorium,

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and the campus will host a series of activities and liturgical events throughout the season to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Catholics receive ash on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday, in part, as an action of humility.

Lenten Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. See more photos from University Photographer Patrick Ryan in the slideshow below.