Last Wednesday 5 March, we gathered as a College community to commemorate the beginning of the Liturgical Season of Lent. Deacon Chris led the sacred liturgy, accompanied by our Student Leaders, who ministered in the Liturgy of the Word and Prayers of Intercession. In his homily, Deacon Chris reminded us that the significance of the ashes we receive is a reminder of our mortality, sinfulness, insignificance, and our need for God’s mercy. “Lent reminds us of how insignificant we are, but it also reminds us that, however insignificant we are, however unworthy we may feel because of our sins, we are still loved by God.” 

Deacon Chris also spoke of Lent as a time of lament—an expression of grief, sin, and brokenness. However, lament is only part of the journey; true lament leads to opening our hearts to God’s grace. “This is the promise of Lent: if we return to the Lord with sincere hearts, He will turn our mourning into joy, our ashes into beauty, and our lament into praise.” The liturgy was a beautiful way to enter the season of Lent and reflect on our own relationship with God and how this Lenten season may be one of spiritual transformation.