Catholics Celebrate Beginning of Lent Tomorrow; Ash Wed. Symbolizes Dust before Birth,after Death

The Rome Reports website states that tomorrow (February 22, 2012) marks the beginning of Lent -- often referred to as Ash Wednesday -- when Catholics bare the tradition cross of ashes on their forehead, as a sign of penance.

This year, Pope Benedict XVI will receive ashes from Cardinal Joseph Tomko, who will recite "Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return."

For about 1200 years, tradition marks that the Pope usually leaves the Vatican on Ash Wednesday, to celebrate the date in one of Rome's basilicas.

For decades, the ceremony has taken place at the Basilica of San Anselmo in Rome's Avventino Hill. The Pope then celebrates a procession that ends at the Basilica of Santa Sabina. The uphill procession symbolizes the effort Catholics make to be Holy.