This past Wednesday, Rosary Academy celebrated Ash Wednesday mass. The school gathered in the beautifully decorated Karcher Center, where we reflected upon the time Jesus Christ spent in the desert.
The gym was dimly lit with purple hues and candles, created a peaceful and reflective mass environment. The pews filled with students, teachers and staff who gathered for shared prayer and reflection. As mass began, the music provided by Mrs. Vasquez was both beautiful and reverent, which accompanied the readings by Celine Asido ‘25 and Gianna Sorenson ‘26. Senior Ashley Bernath says, “I love Ash Wednesday as it is a great time to reflect and renew. I feel like my life is refreshed through keeping my Lenten promises.”
The Rosary community was blessed to have Bishop Vann lead the mass. Within his homily, he gave a short history lesson about the tradition, and he also reminded us that we must not boast about what we are giving up for Lent, but rather do it silently and privately. Furthermore, he acknowledged that this season it is crucial to remember not just what we are giving up, but that we are abstaining from it to bring us closer to the Lord.
During mass, everyone was provided with ash on their forehead as part of a central tradition for the Catholic faith. This tradition was carried out with care by students, bishops and priests. Students and faculty members came forward to receive the ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. Alyssa McCreary ‘25 said, “Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite masses. It reminds us to stay humble and grow closer to each other and God.”
At the end of mass, we prayed upon the remainder of the Red & Gold season and the journey of Lent that we are called to embark on. Overall, Ash Wednesday was beautifully celebrated at the Academy.
