Lent season is upon us, signified last Wednesday by the sea of heads marked with the sign of the cross drawn in ashes. For Christians, or any others who choose to participate, Lent is a 40-day period of preparation for Easter Sunday. The time is meant to replicate the Biblical story of Jesus Christ fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, prompting followers of the Christian tradition to practice fasting and almsgiving during the Lent season.
This year, following Tuesday, Feb. 13, otherwise known as “Fat Tuesday,” the period of preparation officially began on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Excluding Sundays, observers will continue Lenten practices for 40 days until Easter Sunday, which falls on March 31 of this year.
The origins of this tradition date back to ancient history, commonly thought to have begun around the year 325 AD. But what does observance of fasting and almsgiving look like in the 21st century? Many choose to participate by giving up a beloved food, drink or dessert, while others focus on performing acts of charity throughout the season. At our Catholic Augustinian University, many students have chosen to participate in the practice, regardless of religious affiliation. Whether it be opting for the fish option at Dougherty Hall on Friday or abstaining from the tempting shelves of Ben and Jerry’s at Sparket, students have a lot to say about Lent on campus.
Freshman Sophie Dengler is no stranger to the 40 days of fasting. Ever since she can remember, her family has observed the Christian practice, and this year is no different.
“I decided to give up things with added sugar,” Dengler said. “It has already been really difficult, but I wanted to challenge myself with a harder sacrifice.”
Others, like freshman Owen Conrad, are focusing on making changes to their everyday habits, rather than giving up any particular item. Just one week in, he already attests to the effects of this decision on his daily life.
“I had found that swearing made its way into my life too often, making me sound unintelligent,” Conrad said. “After giving up swearing, I realized how unimportant it is to my happiness, and I am trying to make it a permanent change after these 40 days.”
While the continuation of positive Lenten practices may be the outcome of the season for some, others focus on making this a period of intentionality. Sophomore Leah Smith noted that in her Catholic upbringing, she was encouraged to participate in Lent. However, she focuses on giving up something that generates self-reflection without depriving her of something that makes her truly happy.
“I think a lot of people take Lent as a diet, but it’s not,” Smith said. “I gave up fried food, which is something that I enjoy that won’t bring me down too much not to eat it, but I am still practicing making a conscious sacrifice.”
For Smith, this Lent will certainly mean more limited Campus Corner options. However, others, like freshman Meg Mullarkey, will be wrestling with a different sacrifice, one many students can certainly understand.
“For Lent, I decided to give up TikTok because it was interfering with my school work because I would aimlessly scroll for hours,” Mullarkey said. “I think that Lent is a time to overall improve yourself, and during this time I’ve been able to cut out what’s not important or adding value to my life.”
With week one gone, five weeks still remain before the conclusion of the Lenten period on Easter Sunday. So, whether you’re giving up a bad habit or trying to install positive new ones, this Lent season is sure to prove difficult and rewarding for many across campus.
