Lent: A time of reflection, fasting, thanksgiving, and prayer.
Lent prepares us for Easter and is used as a time of spiritual growth and self-discipline.
“I think of Lent as a trip and the first thing you do on a family trip is decide where you are going. During Lent we’re going to Easter. The next thing we decide is how long we’re gonna take on this trip. In this case 40 days.,” said theology teacher Dr. Mark DeLaRosa.
At Cardinal Gibbons High School, Lent is not something that is taken for granted. With months of preparation, and fun activities, Lent at this Catholic high school is special.
As Ash Wednesday approached, walking past the chapel that Tuesday, it was different. It decorated with purple drapes, a cross was displayed with purple hanging over it, the stations of the cross were set up in the garden, and there were candles carefully placed out. The color purple symbolizes penance. It calls us to repent as christians during this time. Seeing this color around school during Lent helps set the tone for this lenten season.
Tradition has always been a highly coveted thing at Cardinal Gibbons. When I talked to Dr. DeLaRosa, he told me what Lent meant to him, and all his favorite things about it.
A Cardinal Gibbons tradition is the annual Ash Wednesday mass! Students come to school dressed in their best mass attire. The Ash Wednesday mass is three hours long. It consists of ashes being marked on each student’s forehead, a homily, and receiving the Eucharist. The joys of seeing everyones ashes after the mass is unforgettable.
Advice from Dr. D:
“Fast from things that harm your relationship with God. That’s not chocolate, that’s not donuts. I’m talking about things like maybe fasting from social media, fasting from gossip, or something that harms somebody else. Think of what is getting in the way of your relationship with God and fast from that. I would also say you should do something more that engages you with your faith, like reading,” said DeLaRosa.
Instead of just giving up something materialistic in life, one can end up letting go of things that can get in the way of a relationship with Jesus. Students can look up to this advice, and take the time to focus their Lenten journeys with God.
The journey of Lent should look different for everyone. Cardinal Gibbons Lent creates cherished memories that shape our lives long after it’s gone. This Lent, let’s all think about how we can strengthen our relationship with God.
