Today the Bishop Blanchet community began the forty-day Lenten journey and celebrated Ash Wednesday mass with Father Jordan.

Ash Wednesday is the name given to the first day of the season of Lent, in which the Priest applies ashes to the foreheads of those who wish in order to signify an inner repentance.

Father Jordan reiterated the idea of repentance in his homily by talking about the importance of giving up something in order to better oneself as an individual. However, he made it clear that it is not about giving up what people like, it is about how what you decide to give up is a means to an end. This act is done for a reason, not just for the tradition of it.

“A loving heart is also a wise heart” said Father Jordan.

Being a part of a Catholic institution, students and faculty alike are called to begin a journey of fasting and moderation and to remember the value of repentance. Lent allows people to have a heart that can be wiser or more pure.