Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving known as Lent, began as usual in a solemn way. Holy Rosary Academy students pray Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, during a Mass on Ash Wednesday before they receive ashes at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral i n San Bernardino. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) A Holy Rosary Academy student receive ashes on Ash Wednesday during a Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Show Caption1 of 2Holy Rosary Academy students pray Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, during a Mass on Ash Wednesday before they receive ashes at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Expand On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Inland Empire Christians joined millions around the world in starting the traditional 40 days of Lent that lead to Easter. One observation occurred Wednesday morning at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. Related stories As Lenten season approaches, U.S. Catholics straddle faith, advocacy, politics A look at Ramadan and how Muslims observe the holy month San Bernardino bishop excuses churchgoers from Sunday Mass amid ICE activity Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent With Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine’s Day, faithful find ways to celebrate love Ash Wednesday brings faithful to Upland church for drive-thru service Students from Holy Rosary Academy and Preschool, a Catholic school, helped organize the Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. Rafael Partida, episcopal vicar of the Diocese of San Bernardino. The day, observed by Catholics and other denominations, includes the ceremonial placing of ashes on people’s foreheads, often in the shape of a cross. During the weeks of Lent, the faithful turn to prayer, fasting and sometimes give up something, from sweets to screen time. Lent leads to observances of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter, which this year falls on Sunday, April 5. ...read more read less