Ash Wednesday draws crowds to the Cathedral in Scranton

Ash Wednesday ushers in Lent at Scranton’s St. Peter’s Cathedral, where the faithful receive ashes.

SCRANTON, Pa. — Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season for Christians around the world.

Newswatch 16 stopped by St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, where those in attendance received ashes as a sign of their mortality.

Ash Wednesday is considered a holy day of prayer and fasting as Lent begins.

The season of Lent lasts 40 days, leading up to the celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 5.