Palestinians Observe Ash Wednesday

A Palestinian Catholic boy has ashes on his forehead during an Ash Wednesday mass the Church of Annunciation in Beit Jala, West Bank, February 13, 2013. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar. Ashes are gathered from the burning palm branches of the previous Palm Sunday and placed on the forehead or heads of Christians on Ash Wednesday. The ashes are a sign of mourning and repentance to God and marks the 40 days of prayer and fasting before Easter Sunday. UPI/Debbie Hill.