DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
At Our Lady of Peace Cathedral yesterday on Fort Street Mall, Catholic Bishop Larry Silva imposed ashes at the Ash Wednesday Mass. The Imposition of Ashes ritual marks the beginning of Lent, the six-week period leading up to Easter. The ashes symbolize human mortality ("ashes to ashes") and the salvation Jesus brought by his death on the cross. Above, Carmelita Jean Lumauag had ashes applied to her forehead in a cross pattern by Silva. CLICK FOR LARGE

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Pastor John Berger, left, applied ashes in a cross pattern on Silva's forehead. Silva and the other pastors applied the ashes onto each person's forehead in the congregation. CLICK FOR LARGE