Beginning a Season of Humility
Ash Wednesday Mass recognizes the start of Lent.
PHOTO | Jenna Barackman
Senior Kirstina Kreidler recieves ashes during the Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 26. Recognizing the start of Lent, students, faculty and guests gathered in the gym for Mass precided by Father Jerry Waris.
Students, faculty and guests gathered in the gym following second hour for Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 26.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent, where Catholics focus on praying, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes on the forehead are a sign of repentance and humility, according to Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Pino-Dressman.
“Catholics don’t wear ashes to prove we are holy but that we have sinned and are in need of repentance and we want to be renewed,” Pino-Dressman said. “Lent is a time of reconciling oneself to God and to our communities.”
Father Jerry Waris presided over the Mass. During his homily, Fr. Waris spoke about what Catholics practice during Lent and feasting on God’s love for healing.
“When I was growing up, Lent was more of a time where I gave up something,” junior Emma Aguayo said. “Now that I’m growing up, I realize that it’s more about giving to others or taking up something to grow in my faith.”
Students received their ashes after the homily. The ashes were distributed by Fr. Waris, faculty and students. Giving the ashes was a very unique and special experience, according to junior Grace Hill.
“I thought it was a really different experience, especially because I got to see everyone’s expressions as they came to receive their ashes,” Hill said. “I loved being able to see how each person approached and reacted to the ashes.”
Before concluding the Mass, Fr. Waris asked that during Lent, the community dedicates themselves to the core roots of Lent so that they can rise to new life.
“There is so much celebration at Easter because we have spent weeks praying, refraining from all that is unhealthy or stagnates growth, and giving our money or time to those in need,” Pino-Dressman said. “We become a new creation.”