Catholics across the world had one final day of indulgence on Tuesday, as today marks the beginning of the Lent.

For Catholics all around the world it’s not just any Wednesday, it’s Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of Lent -- a season of reflection and introspection.

Bronx residents filled St. Benedict’s Church in Throgs Neck to mark the occasion with students from St. Benedict's School filling the pews.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the ashes placed in the shape of a cross on parishioner’s foreheads as an outward reflection of faith and repentance.

These 40 days and nights starting today through Easter Sunday are honored with fasting, abstaining from meat and giving something up to replicate the sacrifice Jesus made on his 40-day journey through the desert.

Many Catholics here say while they are giving something up for the next few weeks, Lent just brings them closer to their faith.