fasting in the wilderness.

Ash Wednesday, February 12, will mark the first day of Lent -- the period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.

And these forthcoming 40 weekdays are devoted to fasting and penitence in commemoration of Christ's fasting in the wilderness.

To mark the day, several local churches will hold services where the congregation will have their foreheads marked with ashes in the sign of the cross.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, in Hamilton, will hold two services on Ash Wednesday, at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Communion and ashes will be dispensed at both services.

And a regional service will be held at St. Paul's Church in Paget at 7.30 p.m.

This regional service will encompass St. Paul's, St. John's and the Cathedral.

St. Theresa's Cathedral, Hamilton, will host several services.

Father Bill LaFlamme said the church's mission will end Wednesday in conjunction with the beginning of Lent.

"We will hold special masses at 9 and 10.45 a.m. for Ash Wednesday,'' Father LaFlamme explained. "At 12.10 p.m. a special noon mass will be held plus a 7.30 p.m. mass and a 8.45 p.m. Portuguese mass.''