In the Maronite Catholic Church, Lent began on Monday. The priest mixes the ashes with holy water which forms a 'slurry'. This is applied to the forehead with a Q-tip, in the form of a cross. Monday night's mass was very well attended.
If you are wondering why the Eastern Catholic Churches begin Lent on a Monday, it has to do with how the 40 days are calculated. You will find the answer here.