This Wednesday, Feb. 18, Rosary held its annual Ash Wednesday Mass. To kick off the Lenten season, Fr. Ian gave a compelling homily about Lenten sacrifices. The Mass focused on how we can sustain our sacrifices throughout the forty days to come. With that said, let’s see what Royals are doing for Lent.
Sophomore Taryn Litfin explained that Ash Wednesday marks a special time of sacrifice, highlighting the words “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” that remind her how to live. Lent reminds Taryn of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and the opportunity to deepen her faith. This season, Taryn is giving up snoozing her alarm. She hopes that this will improve her morning routine and her carpool.
To Aurora Ortuno ‘26, Ash Wednesday means the beginning of a return to God. Lent serves as a reminder in her life to strengthen her faith. Aurora decided she is going to pray alongside Hallow’s “Lent Pray40: The Return” during her drive to school. She is also going to read her Bible more because “I feel like doing something instead of giving up something has helped me deepen my relationship with God.”
Lastly, Bridget Santana ‘27 has come to learn that Lent is “more than just giving up something random and then kind of sticking to it.” She explained her perspective on Lent, sharing that we choose to struggle because Jesus did the same for us. Bridget sees Lent as an opportunity to do something for others and not just herself. This Lent, Bridget is joining a prayer challenge, fasting from drinks except water and serving more often at her church.
Each girl brought up an important pillar of Lent: fasting, prayer or almsgiving. If you are still unsure about what to do for Lent, Taryn, Aurora and Bridget have made a few suggestions:
- Fast from laziness
- Give up an addiction of yours
- Serve other people
- Give up social media
- Join a prayer challenge (“Teen Lent: The 180” or “Lent Pray40: The Return” are good ones on the Hallow app)
- Go to daily Mass in the chapel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
- Fast from gossiping
- Say a morning/night prayer
- Fast from procrastination
Whether you are praying, fasting or giving alms, hopefully you take the time to focus on your relationship with God this Lent.
