REV. NATHAN HUMPHREY (Former Priest-in-Charge, St. Paul's Parish K Street): We're offering the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday to the commuters and neighbors here in Foggy Bottom and the students of George Washington University to remind them that this is the beginning of Lent and a very holy day and a special day.

We impose ashes by saying "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." We also add, "Remember that you are loved by God, and to God's love you shall return." So it's a reminder of our mortality and an invitation to live a holy Lent both individually and in relationship with the Church.

We've been getting a lot of gratitude from people, and that's been really what's struck me. And a couple of people had tears in their eyes as they've received the ashes and blessing.

I'm just here to make a witness to the love of God and Christ for us.