Madeline McFadden, 14, receives ashes on her forehead during an Ash Wednesday Mass at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.. today. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time when Christians commit to acts of penitence and prayer in preparation for Easter Sunday. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Question: Have you ever had ashes put on your forehead in recognition of Lent? Do you know why Catholics perform this ritual?