Article by Phoenix writer Christopher Dunne ’25:
Ash Wednesday is an important day in the Catholic Church. It marks the beginning of the Lenten season, and the receiving of ashes on foreheads holds great meaning in the faith. It symbolizes that man has come from ash and will return to ash when they die.
In observance of this day, Kellenberg Memorial held a prayer service. It started with a reading from the Gospel of Matthew. Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M., delivered an inspirational homily to the students. He quoted Pope Benedict XVI saying, “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness!”
He used this quote to remind the students that, as Catholics, they have an obligation to look beyond their own needs and wants so as to be able to help others and make a difference in the world around them. This is an especially important message for Lent as Catholics reflect and remember the sacrifices that Jesus made for mankind. It is especially prevalent this year with the continued suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Following his homily, the students received their ashes with the words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
The Ash Wednesday prayer service was a perfect way for the Kellenberg family to start the Lenten season.