More than 1,500 visitors attended Mass or received ashes at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower this week in observance of Ash Wednesday, a holy day marking the beginning of the season of Lent.

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” a priest said as he placed a cross-shaped mark using ashes on an observer’s forehead. The ashes, which were prepared from the burned palm branches gathered after Palm Sunday last year, represent death and repentance.

San Antonio’s primary religious affiliation is Catholic, with about 30% of its population identifying with the Catholic faith. The 40-day Lenten season of prayer and fasting leads up to Holy Week and culminates in Resurrection Sunday, or Easter.

Jessica Moreno and her mother Norma Moreno visit Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday.
Jessica Moreno and her mother, Norma Moreno, visit Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Alex Garcia sits at the steps of Little Flower Basilica after receiving his cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday.
Alex Garcia sits at the steps of Little Flower Basilica after receiving his cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
A woman prays after receiving her ash cross at Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday.
A woman prays after receiving her cross during Little Flower Basilica’s Ash Wednesday evening service. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Felipa Conchas proudly shows the cross of ashes on her forehead as she is leaving Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday.
Felipa Conchas proudly shows the cross of ashes on her forehead as she is leaving Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Michael Sanchez shows his forehead ash on Ash Wednesday on Chestnut St. in San Antonio, Texas.
Michael Sanchez shows his forehead ash on Ash Wednesday on Chestnut Street in San Antonio. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Jennifer Ortega receives her ash cross on Ash Wednesday at Little Flower Basilica.
Jennifer Ortega receives her ash cross on Ash Wednesday at Little Flower Basilica. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Yolanda Alvarado road the bus from Fredericksburg St. to Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday to get her cross of ashes.
Yolanda Alvarado rode the bus from Fredericksburg Road to Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday to get her cross of ashes. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Rick Luna receives his cross of ashes from his wife Rachel Luna outside of Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Rick is in hospice and was unable to go inside the church.
Rick Luna receives his cross of ashes from his wife, Rachel Luna, outside of Little Flower Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Luna is in hospice and was unable to go inside the church. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report
Little Flower Basilica after Ash Wednesday mass.
Little Flower Basilica after Ash Wednesday’s evening Mass. Credit: Brenda Bazán / San Antonio Report