A sign of the cross on the forehead with ashes -- today is Ash Wednesday. It's a significant holiday for the Catholic Church community

That holiday is a time of reflection and renewal for the faithful like Yona resident Ulysses Story.

"It’s like marking that transition of purification of why do we practice being catholic and why it’s important to us spiritually," he said.

Story joining the crowd of others to pray at the University of Guam Calvo Fieldhouse in Mangilao.

More than 85% of Guam's population practices the Catholic faith. Many use this day to reflect on life's sacrifices.

The day marks the start of the Lenten season.

Inalahan resident Caley Jay Chargualaf also attended the UOG service.

"It allows me to feel connected to my culture, also my family and friends and just having that symbolism in my life allows me to live a better life with that connectedness," she said.

It's a connection that changed for many after the pandemic paused the annual events. This year is the first time the university was able to once again host the Mass in person.

Norman Analista is UOG director of Development Alumni Affairs.

"Father Mike Crisostomo from the church reached out to my office and asked if there would be the opportunity to bring back Ash Wednesday Mass to the University of Guam," he said. "Knowing there would be a need and an interest in the community to attend Mass here in the university of Guam, I wanted to help them set it up."

As a UOG staff member who helped to organize the celebration and a man of the faith, Analista says it's a good feeling seeing the community take the time to attend the Mass.

"Whether that continues to happen or not, it’s not up to me but generally, on a personal level, I think it’s definitely a great experience to be worshiping as a community," he said. "It’s a very great feeling to be able to worship with your brothers and sisters who believe the same things you do."

It's a belief that they will share for the next 40 days and beyond.