David L. Ryan/globe staff

Father Kevin O’Leary gave ashes to Tatiana Agosto at Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Ash Wednesday.

David L Ryan/Globe Staff

Carya Johnson, a second grader at Cathedral Elementary School, received her ashes.

John Tlumacki/globe staff

Stefanie Bradley from Stoneham received her ashes at St. Anthony Shrine near Downtown Crossing.

John Tlumacki /globe staff

Myles Toole, 12, from Kingston, prayed after receiving ashes at St. Anthony Shrine.

Darren Durlach/globe staff

St. Peters Episcopal Church of Beverly offered commuters at the Beverly Depot station a chance to observe the tradition. Deacon Gay Cox gave ashes to Kathy Grattan of Beverly.

Darren Durlach/globe staff

Cox prayed with 16-year-old Alexander Berthind before he hopped on the commuter line at the Beverly Depot stop.