The season of Lent is upon us: it officially starts next week. The first thing that comes to mind when many of us think of this time of year is fasting; however, Lent is so much more. Let’s take a closer look at Lent here at Rosary.
Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter that starts on Ash Wednesday (which is next Wednesday, Feb. 18). It connects with the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting, praying and rejecting temptation. Lent is the time we are called to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During this time, Catholics focus on reading scripture, fasting from some of the luxuries of life and ‘serving the dear neighbor’ through charitable acts and donations. As we prepare to witness Christ’s crucifixion, we are also reminded that we are baptized like Jesus and must ‘die’ to the world in order to be reborn in His love. Many Catholic churches also emphasize practicing the Stations of the Cross to commemorate Jesus’ death.
Director of Campus Ministry, Mrs. Kearns ‘78, elaborates on Lenten opportunities for Royals, “We will offer the student body Stations of the Cross on the lawn, we’re hoping to encourage students to walk the stations a few times during Lent with their friends, class or by themselves. We are also encouraging everyone to take part in Hallow’s ‘Lent 40 Journey’ or the ‘Teen Lent 180’ (https://hallow.com/collections/2764/), which begin on Ash Wednesday. We hold lunchtime Masses on Tuesday and Wednesday at lunch with Fr. Ian; students and staff are encouraged to attend. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to spend quiet prayer time in the Chapel during Lent.”
Lent is a special time of prayer in which we are called to focus our hearts on reflection and repentance before our renewal in Christ’s resurrection. Freshman Leilani Morales shared, “Lent is such an important time for reflection and growth. Adoration is my favorite way to prepare for Easter. Sometimes I’ll pray a Rosary, but typically I prefer silence for quiet reflection. Silence makes hearing God that much easier. And that’s what Lent is about, finding your way closer to God.” Leilani is right, Lent is the perfect time to reflect.
The hallmark of the Lenten season is fasting. Catholics are called to give up meat on Fridays, but fasting goes beyond just eating habits; it is also a time we should fast from poor habits and reflect on how we conduct ourselves. Many Catholics, like other Christian denominations, either give up something difficult, like their favorite dessert, or add a habit, like praying every day.
Sophomore Julie Jilk explained what she is adding this Lent: “This Lenten season, I plan on focusing on sharing positive, encouraging words with my peers. In life, it’s the little things that count. Just a small compliment can turn someone’s day from negative to positive, or at least help brighten their day just a little bit. As children of God, we are called to be the lights of the world and support others through their trials. My goal this Lenten season is to let my light shine bright through my daily actions as a faith-filled Catholic.” That is a great idea, Julie!
In addition to repentance and fasting, we are also called to almsgiving. For many Royals, this looks like donating to good causes or participating in some volunteer hours. Religion Teacher Ms. D’Alba expanded on almsgiving: “I believe what is lost in the idea of almsgiving is giving to those who are in need. If you give up something like Starbucks, the idea is to use the money you save to donate it to those in need. Lent is not a New Year’s resolution; it is not about self-improvement; it is a time of sacrifice. It is about spiritual cleansing to empty yourself in preparation for Easter. Lent is a time to enter the desert, abandon your desires and offer it up through caring for those who live a deprived life through no fault of their own.”
Rosary will host several drives, including the sock drive happening now and our annual CRS Rice Bowl fundraiser, as great opportunities to ‘serve the dear neighbor’ in the sacrificial way Ms. D’Alba outlined.
Lent is just around the corner, Royals. Take the time to prepare your hearts for this period of reflection.
