Xavier celebrates Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday March 1, the Xavier community gathered in the Activities Center to celebrate the first day of Lent. Students, staff and teachers alike all came together to listen to Father Kevin’s homily, and receive the Eucharist and their ashes.

The tradition of giving something up for Lent arises from Jesus’ forty days in the desert, during which he fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation. During this period, those who participate give up something—chocolate, coffee, bread—or perform an action—wearing a seatbelt in the car, for example—in commemoration of Jesus’ trials.