BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and many Christians across Western New York will now start the season with a visible blessing.

At Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Buffalo, they are preparing for a return to normalcy with a traditional mass and a traditional blessing this year.

On this Ash Wednesday, parishioners can come in, without a mask if they choose, and participate in church services with the priest placing ashes directly on their forehead. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is the first time in two years that traditional blessing will happen at Our Lady of Victory. Ashes were previously placed on the top of the head to follow social distance guidelines or a small bag of ashes was provided for those who are homebound.

Rev. Msgr. David Lipuma says seeing that visible sign of the cross this year is a powerful reminder that this world is only temporary and we should lead with love as there are people across the globe right now that need our prayers.

"Today is a very special day for the church throughout the world because Pope Francis has asked all of us to offer this as a day of prayer and fasting for the people of Ukraine," said Lipuma. "And our hearts and minds are certainly with them today for the protection of all life, and for return to peace and justice, and end of war and violence."

For more information about Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, click here.