LOOK: Catholics in Visayas, Mindanao observe Ash Wednesday

Filipino Catholics in the Visayas and Mindanao on Wednesday started the Lenten season by going to church to have ash placed on their foreheads.

In Cagayan de Oro City, photos tweeted by GMA Northern Mindanao's Jeik Compo showed Catholics attending early morning Mass at a church.

cdeo: Kalinaw sa Pilipinas ilabi na sa Mindanao nag-unang pag-ampo sa simbahan karung Kwaresma @24Oras_NM pic.twitter.com/dfL5F8PKGK

— jeik compo (@jeikcompo) February 18, 2015
 

Many of them lined up to have ash on their foreheads, and to be reminded that "From dust you came, to dust you shall return."

cdeo: Panahon sa kwaresma gisugdan karung adlawa pinaagi sa Ash Wednesday. @24Oras_NM pic.twitter.com/VZ2gLiQQkY

— jeik compo (@jeikcompo) February 17, 2015
 

In Bohol, GMA News stringer Leo Udtohan posted photos showing priests garbed in purple administering the ashes on the faithful.

Boholano Catholics flock to churches on Ash Wednesday, marking start of Lent. #AshWednesday #HolyWeek2015 pic.twitter.com/O0UHwaOZOa

— leo udtohan (@leoudtohan) February 18, 2015
 

Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, vicar general of the Tagbilaran Diocese, reminded Boholanos to observe Lent "meaningfully."

Msgr. Jeff Malanog, VG of Diocese of Tagbilaran reminds the Boholanos to observe Lent "meaningfully." #AshWednesday pic.twitter.com/yPjUlceGah

— leo udtohan (@leoudtohan) February 18, 2015

Lent is a 40-day countdown to Easter marked by acts of sacrifice. Adult Catholics are expected to fast or abstain during this time. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News