Stan State community gathers for Ash Wednesday Mass

On Ash Wednesday, long lines formed inside the Student Center at Stan State as people quietly waited their turn. Within minutes, foreheads are marked with a small cross of ash a visible sign that Lent has begun.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, 40 days of fasting, prayer and reflection leading up to Easter.

Commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. A service is held on this day, during which a priest places ashes on a person’s forehead in the shape of a cross.

The priest will recite the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The phrase is a reminder to Catholics of their humility and of the temporary nature of life on earth.

The Catholic Student Association (CSA) hosted this year’s Ash Wednesday Mass at Stan State and has held the service there for the past three years. The service was open not only to students, but also to faculty, alumni and members of the community.

Before the Mass began at 1 p.m. in the Student Center 202-Multi-Use Room, students also had the opportunity to attend a confessional with a priest as a time of reflection and preparation.

For Ava Machado (Junior, Economics and Business), Ash Wednesday is more than a well-attended tradition. As President of the Catholic Student Association, she strives to create a welcoming environment so that all can attend this event.

“It’s open to all students to attend, and I would say, if you’re curious, you’re more than welcome to come,” Machado said.

She explained that this event is geared towards creating a space where students who may not be familiar with Ash Wednesday or who aren’t Catholic can feel invited and allow them to connect with someone.

Michael Perez (Freshman, Undeclared) was a first time attendee of the Ash Wednesday Mass at Stan State, and shared his thoughts and experience.

“I feel like the ashes are a good portrayal of my religion, and I am proud to share my religion, it’s also a cool thing to recognize your community when you recognize ashes on someone else”, Perez said.

He continued to explain how the start of this Lenten season determines how he takes on the rest of his school semester and how his religion and studies coexist.

“Throughout the semester, I’m always trying to stay on top of my classwork all the time. Although Lent, especially, is when I’m trying my hardest to get right with my schoolwork, with myself and with God,” he said. “So I make sure to prioritize that, at least, during the Lenten season if I’m not doing it all the time.”

He also shared that he is giving up spicy chips for the Lenten season to challenge himself.

“I think it’ll be difficult, but difficult in a good way, so that I can give up something that’s important to me,” he said.

Leading the Ash Wednesday Mass was Father Tom Orlando. A priest for All Saints University Parish while also serving as the Chaplain for Stan State. Explained the importance of Ash Wednesday and that it serves as a reminder of Jesus’ resurrection.

“We are preparing for something pretty special, which is Easter, the most important day in the universe, because that’s the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead,” Father Tom said. “His body was resurrected, and that’s the hope every Catholic has, that we will be also resurrected after we die, that we will come back to life in a glorified body. Lent helps us prepare to remember that important day.”

He continued by reflecting on the symbolic nature of the ashes. Describing the ashes as just plain burnt leaves and branches, but their symbolism is what gives them meaning.

“Just a reminder that we, too, are gonna die and turn to ashes and dust. We put them on our heads as a reminder that we don’t live forever, and it’s just to ground us. That there’s something bigger in life than what we see, and that of what’s in front of us, but something beautiful is coming,” he said.

Isabella Perez (Senior, Public Health) expressed what this Lenten season means to her.

“I would describe Lent to be a season where Catholics really reflect on their life and growing their connection with God. It’s also a time of sacrifice, so we give up something that matters to us or something that we struggle with and really just give that struggle to God and focus on being closer with him,” Perez said.

She continued by expressing how this time motivates her to be a better student and strive for personal growth.

“This time definitely makes me want to be more intentional with my time and stop procrastinating and really just focusing on my studies and what really matters,” she said.