Article by Phoenix writer Ryleigh O’Neill ’28:
Last Wednesday, Kellenberg celebrated the start of the Lenten season with an Ash Wednesday prayer service held in the auditorium.
Ashes taken from last year’s palms were placed in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of all the students and faculty at Kellenberg. Each minister of ashes recited, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” when placing the ashes on each person’s forehead.
Father Dan gave a homily for the service reminding students to renew their faith lives this Lenten season. “Stay off the Instagram reels and remember to fan the fires of the faith,” said Father Dan in his homily.
The Gregorian Consortium led the prayer service in song. The music was then followed by two readings read by members of the senior class.
Mr. Kennedy’s favorite part of our celebration was watching the students receive their ashes. “It shows such a public sign of humility, seeing all the ashes around the school.”
Prior to our Ash Wednesday celebration, our school as a community celebrated Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday.” Mardi Gras signifies the final day before the beginning of Lent, which allows us to indulge before we make sacrifices for Lent.
Crosses were placed on each table in the cafeteria on Wednesday, taking the place of celebratory decorations and candy from Tuesday.
The Kellenberg community is eager to live out their faith this Lenten season, and the Ash Wednesday celebration was just the start.
