“In whom do I find rest? When I’m haggard and disheveled. Whom do I revere? For He loves me wholly, my Holy convoyer of serenity.”– Jessica Gayle
Throughout the continuance of the Holy Lent, several Dewey students of the Christian faith reflect and provide updates on the experiences, growths, and obstacles they faced thus far.
In Christian tradition, the Great Lent refers to the 40 day period that prepares us for Easter or rather Pascha. During this time, we remain steadfast in our prayer life, fast, give up something, and partake in almsgiving, being charitable to others.
“I feel happy, as the end of lent arrives and Easter is coming, I feel happier knowing that a new chapter in my religious journey is beginning as well as the beginning of what I like to call ‘the official spring’,” Alexandra Sanchez, a senior said.
Many showed optimism as the common sentiment with the overall experience of this Lent. Some students express their progressions in a religious sense as they reminisce about their outlook of lent as a child compared to as an adolescent.
“Honestly I feel great, I didn’t expect Lent to be more challenging now, as a kid I didn’t keep in mind what a big part of Catholicism it is,” Elizabeth Dutan, a senior said. “I feel like I could accomplish small things and eventually work towards bigger limitations in my life that would be beneficial for me.”
In this season of reflection, Lent presented an opportunity for some Christian students to experience personal growth, self-improvements, and critical life lessons that can be applied to any situation.
“Some things that I learned that contribute to my personal growth is learning to have patience and having the ability to stay back from all the negative things,” Sanchez said.
On the contrary, others weren’t able to dedicate this time to growing spiritually due to their demanding lifestyles and especially with the arrival of essential exams.
“I didn’t have time to connect with God as in meditating and reflecting. I am working on this because I get distracted with school, robotics and other daily chores,” Miriam Sedrak, a junior said.
This Lent enlightened and encouraged the growth of faith in some. It allowed them to bring their worries to God when faced with temptation.
“I would say Lent really helped me focus and relearn what faith is, and I am grateful for that,” Dutan said. “Whenever I had thoughts about not following through because of what I gave up, I would have to sit down and pray to God to help me through those thoughts.”
As Lent comes to an end, some remain optimistic in building their faith during spring break essentially with the arrival of Pascha.
“Pascha (Easter) coincides with spring break so it’s great for me because it gives me more freetime,” Sedrak said, “I can go to church this week and enjoy the church readings and prayers.”
