‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’

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With those words, Catholic priests place the cross symbol on the forehead of Filipino Catholics reminding them of their mortality and the need to repent.

March 5 was Ash Wednesday, the start of the 40-day Lent that ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.

Photos and video by Bullit Marquez at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Baclaran, Paranaque city for VERA Files.