BUFFALO, N.Y. — Millions of Catholics across the country observe Ash Wednesday. The day marks the beginning of lent, a season of prayer, fasting and giving. It also falls on Valentine’s Day for the first time since 2018.

Catholics like Katie McCauley said they made some tweaks to their holiday celebration in observance of Ash Wednesday.

“Normally I probably would have put out some treats in the morning for my son but we did that yesterday instead,” said McCauley with her two little ones in tow at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church.

“Today is all about love, and Ash Wednesday is all about love,” said Andrew Pitisi, pastoral associate of Evangelization and Catechesis. “If God is love, which is what we believe, God is Valentine’s Day. God created the person you love the most in the world…So if we’re immersing ourselves in love, what greater time to celebrate Ash Wednesday than today?”