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(KSL News) Pope Benedict celebrated Ash Wednesday at a Mass today in Rome. The pontiff said Mass at the Basilica of St. Sabina. The Mass was attended by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, Benedictine monks, Dominican priests and faithful members of the public.
Like thousands of Christians worldwide, the pope received ashes on his forehead in the sign of the cross. For Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday begins the season of lent, 40 days of preparation for Easter Sunday.
Christians in Utah observed Ash Wednesday.
Several gathered at the Saint Paul Episcopal Church to worship and begin their fast. Parishioners listened to a sermon and recited scripture. Then they lined up to have their foreheads marked with a cross as a symbol of repentance for their sins and remembrance of Christ's 40-day fast.
Lent ends on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter.