Today, our school community gathered in solemn reflection to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. It was a moving experience to see students and staff join together in prayer and song as we entered this forty-day journey of preparation for Easter. Through the distribution of ashes, we were reminded of our call to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel,” setting a thoughtful and purposeful tone for the weeks ahead.
A central part of our service was Father John’s homily, which drew inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 Lenten Message, titled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.” Father John spoke about the Pope’s powerful call to “disarm our language” this year. He challenged us to think of fasting not just in terms of food, but as a commitment to refraining from hurtful words, snap judgments, and gossip. By “fasting” from unkind speech, especially on social media and in our daily interactions, we make more space to truly listen to God and to the “cry of the poor” in our own community.
The Mass also highlighted the three traditional pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Father John reminded us that these practices are designed to help us “place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives.” It was heartening to see our student readers and choir lead the liturgy with such reverence, helping their peers understand that Lent is a season of hope and an opportunity to reset our hearts through kindness and respect.
We encourage families to discuss the themes of the Mass at home—perhaps focusing on how we can all use our words to build “words of hope and peace” as the Pope suggested. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare the liturgy and to the families who joined us for this significant start to the Lenten calendar.
