The Catholic practice of Lent is a 40 day fasting period to honor Jesus Christ, concluding Easter Sunday. The commonly held tradition centers in part around abandoning bad habits or unhealthy food in attempt to be a better Christian.

According to Director of Campus Ministry, Mrs. Mily Beltran, Lent is important.

“Lent in an invitation to look within and be transformed,” she said.

And the day ILS began its Lenten journey took place at the annual Ash Wednesday Mass which this year fell on February 14, the same day as St. Valentine’s.

How you prepare for Lent?

I seek for time to be alone, pray and reflect upon the things that often times get neglected… life gets busy! I start with 15 minutes and hope that by the end of the Lenten season I am able to achieve at least an hour (1-2 times a week).

What you think students should understand or appreciate about the Lenten season?

I think we’ve all learned about prayer, fasting and almsgiving – the importance of sacrificing. I think students (we all) can benefit from what do we gain from the sacrifices made. Our gains shouldn’t be focused so much on the self, but rather on the impact our personal sacrifice makes on our family, friends and community AND our relationship with God.

What are the most common sacrifices often made? Do they truly break bad habits and have a lasting effect?

Let’s find out!

1. Coffee- The addicting caffeinated drink has 19% of Christians aiming to detach themselves from the beverage. As a result, it takes around nine days of separation to break free from the attachment and therefore will provide highly effective outcomes. (www.healthline.com)
2. Sugar- Considered among the top two most sacrificed Lenten practices, a majority of the focus is on physical health. Sugar is an additional addictive sweet included in multiple foods that people aim to restrict with the goal of losing weight or having the healthiest physique. In terms of being effective, restraining from sugar is definitely a hard task; although, it can become easier after three to four weeks when the addiction ceases. (uclahealth.org)
3. Social Media- To finalize this list there is abstaining from social media. It is widely known that digital platforms carry negative effects and consume multiple hours of the days of many, leading some to desire a temporary detachment from the online world. In such a technology-based society, it is impossible to completely disassociate from these platforms. However, taking these weeks to focus your hours on productive hobbies instead of social media will prove beneficial in reducing the desire to log on.”For Lent I plan to observe not eating meat on Fridays,” said sophomore Wendell Copeland.

   “For Lent I plan to observe not eating meat on Fridays,” said sophomore Wendell Copeland.

   DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE

   During this Lenten season it’s not only important to sacrifice something you enjoy, but to also DO something good. It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant as long as it makes a positive impact on you and the lives of others. 

   “This year I will not be eating meat at all and severely restricting my caffeine intake. I also like doing something so my active contribution for Lent will be to spend more time with my family,” said Mr. Gabe Suarez, Curriculum Design Specialist.

   Here’s a small, yet significant way you can do this right here at ILS

   Clean up after yourself. Show respect to the cafeteria staff, faculty, and student body by cleaning up. Dispose of garbage, place sauces and spices back on the selves, and do not leave things on the lunch tables.  

   Lent is a great way to incorporate Christ-centered goals into your day-to-day life.

   Since it’s 40 days, even if you mess up it’s okay because you can just keep going.

   Try daily Gospel reflections. Say the rosary, acknowledge the saints, including Don Bosco,  and pray nightly.

   In addition to fasting and alms giving, prayer is equally as important.

   Create a collections jar. Spare change can go a along way when saved and then donated to a worthy cause such as the Salesian Missions.

   Tutor the young. Many middle and elementary school-age children could use your help with math, science, or reading. Even some of your peers might benefit from your knowledge if you happen to be pretty adept at physics, chemistry, or calculus.

   “I plan on giving up some bad habits such as drinking soda,” said junior Massimo Ron.