Saint Leo begins Lent with distribution of ashes, ‘Lenten Challenges’

The Saint Leo University community marked the beginning of Lent with the receiving of ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 22, with distribution by University Ministry team members outside of Saint Jude Chapel and by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey at the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

“Oh, I can do that.” “I’ll try!” Those phrases were echoed over and over again as students, faculty, and staff selected a “Lenten Challenge,” which were printed on strips of paper, from bowls held by members of the University Ministry team. The challenges to be completed during Lent included items such as limiting or deleting social media, giving up coffee, taking a cold shower in the morning, giving up sweets, listening to uplifting music, and more.

The monks and Saint Leo University faculty from the Department of Philosophy, Religion, and Theology will host a Lenten mission Monday, March 27, through Thursday, March 30. The Benedictine monks and faculty members will deliver Lenten meditations at 7 p.m. nightly that week in the Abbey Church.

A penance service will be hosted by the monks and University Ministry at 7 p.m., Monday, April 3, in the Abbey Church. Everyone is invited to gather to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation.

View photos from Ash Wednesday at University Campus below