This past Wednesday, March 22nd, was Ash Wednesday, meaning that the Lenten season is upon us!
Lent is a 40-day season celebrated by many Christians to spiritually prepare for the coming of Jesus on Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this liturgical season known for its fasting and almsgiving. Campus Religious Life sponsored a series of events that took place on Ash Wednesday to allow students to prepare more fully for the Lenten season.
Starting at 7:15 a.m., students were invited to the Chapel to walk through the various prayer stations and receive ashes as Bailey Stephenson played the harp.
At 11:30 a.m., there was a station outside the Caf for people to walk by and receive ashes. Ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross to remind of the solemn Christian teaching of mortality. They are usually accompanied by some version of the phrase,
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
Genesis 3:19
The final event of the day took place at Wesley UMC at 6:00 p.m. This event was a combined Ash Wednesday Service with scripture, prayer, the imposition of ashes, and a sermon by the Rev. Aly Shahan.
Continuing to encourage faith in students this Lenten season, the Wesley Center will be hosting a Lent-focused small group that meets every Thursday morning from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the lower level of the Chapel. All are welcome to attend.
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