Saint Leo to observe Ash Wednesday on March 2, mark beginning of Lent
On Wednesday, March 2, the season of Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday. There are several opportunities for the Saint Leo community to mark the beginning of Lent.
University Ministry student-leaders will distribute ashes and Lenten prayer cards from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Saint Jude Chapel near the Student Activities Building.
The Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey will celebrate Mass and distribute ashes at noon in the Saint Leo Abbey Church, and University Ministry will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. in the Abbey Church.
“Lent is a time of Christian reflection when we prepare ourselves, during 40 days, in anticipation of Easter and the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection,” said Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain. “Ashes are a reminder of the brevity of our life upon earth, and a sign of repentance as we humbly acknowledge that we sometimes fail and have need for forgiveness both from God and from our brothers and sisters.
“Lent is also a time to be less materialistic, especially by giving alms to the poor, by fasting [which is required of Catholics on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday], abstaining from meat on Fridays, and by making other personal sacrifices to grow in charity toward others and to grow in living with greater simplicity.”
For guidelines on fasting during Lent, view here.
For more information about University Ministry, contact ministry@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-8331.
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