By Mary Margaret Olohan, LifeNews - “For Catholics and many other Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season that concludes with the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday,” the president said in a statement… “Today, millions of Christians will be marked on their foreheads with the sign of the cross,” the president said. “The imposition of ashes is an invitation to spend time during Lent fasting, praying, and engaging in acts of charity.”.. “This powerful and sacred tradition reminds us of our shared mortality, Christ’s saving love, and the need to repent and accept the Gospel more fully,” he said.