Saint Leo to observe Ash Wednesday on February 22, Lenten events planned
On Wednesday, February 22, 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. Faculty, staff, students, and the public are welcome to all events.
University Ministry team members and student-leaders will distribute ashes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Saint Jude Chapel near the Student Activities Building. In addition, the Benedictine monks of Saint Leo Abbey will distribute ashes 1:30 – 4 p.m. in the Saint Leo Abbey Church. Mass will be celebrated at the Saint Leo Abbey Church at noon and 5 p.m. on Wednesday as well.
Students are invited to join the Men’s Group every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Student Activities Building, Room 117, and the Women’s Group every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m., in the Apartment 6, multimedia room. “This is a great way for students to engage with their faith this Lenten season,” said Lucas Nocera, interim director of University Ministry and adjunct religion faculty member.
Confession is available at the usual times of 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Sunday before the 7 p.m. Student Mass, and 7 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday.
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.
“My advice to enter into Lent well is to have humility: knowing who you are before God, before others, and yourself,” Nocera said. “Understand that we all have room for growth spiritually and in a human way, and that we should strive for excellence, and to love God and others to the very best of our ability. But to also remember the mercy of God when we fail to live our holiness well or fall in our Lenten practices.”
Everyone should aim to look to the pillars of lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — “as a help to grow as children of God,” he added.
“Take more time to pray this Lent,” Nocera said. “Fast from things that distract you from God —hint, hint, our phones. Take intentional steps to give of yourself to those that are less fortunate. In all these areas, we should give where it hurts in order to imitate Jesus’ dying for us on the Cross. Love is best done when it pushes us a little bit!”
For guidelines on fasting during Lent, view here. The U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops also provides resources for Lent 2023. Resources will be posted here.
For more information about University Ministry, contact ministry@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-8331.
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