Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson places ashes onto the forehead of parishioner Belinda Gonzales at St. Monica Catholic Church during Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 21 2007. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days before Easter.  The priest or minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, which the worshipper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown.  Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence (from meat), and repentance—a day of contemplating one's transgressions.