Through the lens of Xavier, the Lenten season is rewarding. From silent promises whispered during morning Mass to loud after-school chats about fasting, the atmosphere does not go unnoticed.
Although community may be a highlight, the holiest part of the season lies within each student’s individual promise. Some choose to give up sugar and sweets, many social media or television, while others take on more personal challenges like being more patient or letting go of gossip.
Within every Lenten promise is a unique journey and a lesson to be learned.
“I chose to give up movies and shows because they’re the thing I turn to the most without even thinking about it when I’m bored. I automatically put something on, so giving them up felt meaningful,” Valentina Ramirez Campos ‘29 said.
Results from a survey given to all XCP grade levels indicated that over 60% of girls chose to give up a food item of any kind for Lent. However, several students felt compelled to choose something more personal as a Lenten sacrifice.
“Giving up food is traditional and something basic for most people, but choosing something more personal, like entertainment, can make it feel more meaningful. It forces you to reflect on your habits and how you spend your time when you’re not busy,” Ramirez Campos added.
Andie Macasaet ‘28 noted that, for Lent, she chose to give up YouTube, TikTok, pork and beef. Despite sacrificing several unique things for the season, she’s found that it has many rewarding aspects.
“Giving up these things has given me more chances to eat fruits and vegetables, and this Lent, I even got to try sushi for the first time. So, when Lent is over, I know I still have a lot of food options,” Macasaet said.
In a similar way, Niyellie Vital ‘27 opted to challenge herself by giving up a personal habit.
“I decided to give up talking in choir class just to give me the challenge to be attentive in the classroom and work on listening more. I like to talk a lot, in any class. So, I wanted to see if there was any way I could limit myself for just 50 minutes,” Vital said.
The same survey revealed that 24.4% of Xavier students were struggling with their Lenten promises, and may have already broken them. However, several girls have found strategies to stay true to their commitments.
“Helping me with this goal has been replacing the habit with something else—it could be reading, going outside, or spending more time talking with my family instead of turning on a show. Reminding myself that Lent is about personal growth, not perfection, has helped me stay determined,” Ramirez Campos said.
Macasaet added, “Something that’s been helping me with sticking with these commitments so far would be disciplining myself and remembering my Lenten promises to God. One way I disciplined myself was learning how to hide the apps YouTube and TikTok for Lent, which I learned just this year. It’s the mentality of if something is out of sight, then it’s out of mind.”
Only 25% of XCP girls stated that they would consider their Lenten sacrifice to be “unique.” However, during Lent, is there really value in stepping outside of the box with choices?
“I would encourage it, only because it allows you to try giving up something that’s a big part of yourself. It might not be something near and dear to you, but something that you didn’t think you could do,” Vital said.
“Giving up something with value makes Lent feel less like a rule and more like an opportunity for change,” Ramirez Campos added.
Lent at Xavier is more than just a shared tradition. Each promise, big or small, holds personal meaning for the student who makes it. In the end, it is these individual choices that make the season impactful.
