Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday was observed on 22 February with a school-wide Mass held in the Champagnat Hall and celebrated by Father Brian, commemorating 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. Ashes were also distributed to the young gentlemen of Mini-Marist and staff unable to attend Mass. 

The ashes are placed on the forehead, with the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", serving as a reminder 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. We were reminded why Lent is observed - a time 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 for Ash Wednesday come from palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus' return from the desert and end of his 40-day fast.

In his Lenten message, Pope Francis encourages us to: