Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday was observed on the 2nd of March with a school-wide mass at the Fourviere pool, marking the start of the Holy season of Lent. During Mass, the Marist community were given the opportunity to receive Communion and ashes to mark this special day. 

The ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross while the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" are said. This action is to remind us of our mortality and the need for reflection, repentance, and to live a life of good - a message at the core of the Lenten period. Lent is a time where we are called to reflect on our lives and make necessary adjustments and sacrifices commemorating the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation, before beginning His public ministry.  The ashes used in Ash Wednesday Mass come from the palms of the previous Palm Sunday, the day Jesus returned from the desert and ended his fast. 

In line with Pope Francis' Lenten message, we also used this opportunity to pray for peace in Ukraine. It was a significant event for our community and an invitation to all to enter into a time of reflection, transformation, and amelioration.