Frank Speziale photo

Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season preceding Easter for Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Anglican denominations. Above, Eucharist Minister Dale Gray administers ashes to Norwich resident Joe Mauriano at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church on Wednesday morning. Lent runs for 40 days until Holy Thursday, this year on April 18.