Assistant News Editor
CSU Bakersfield’s Newman Catholic Club began the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday ceremony and service in the Student Union Multipurpose Room on Feb. 10.
The service was led by Rev. Bartholomew, and concluded with students and staff receiving ashes on their foreheads meant to symbolize penance and contrition.
The event hosted confessions, where those attending could confess their sins to Bartholomew. Although confessions were not required to receive the ashes, it was encouraged.
The ashes used for the ceremony were made from the blessed palms from the previous years Palm Sunday celebration, the ashes were then christened with holy water and scented.
Beyond the ashes, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in a season of penance, reflection and fasting which is meant to prepare participants for Easter Sunday. Most Catholic participants abstain or give up an indulgence for the duration of the Lent season as a way of redemption.
Many of the CSUB students that attended the event had a clear idea of what they wanted to abstain from for the duration of the Lent season.
CSUB sociology major Lesly Gonzalez, 20, said that she wants to focus on being more positive for Lent.
“I want to stop complaining and being negative,” said Gonzalez.
Some students focused on staying away from different types of foods for the duration of Lent.
CSUB nursing major Vianey Rodriguez, 20, said that she plans on giving up “soda and meat,” while Newman Catholic Club president and psychology major Nayeli Sanchez, 22, said that she plans on giving up, “meat, including chicken.”
CSUB biochemistry major Liliana Calderon, 19, decided that spending less and eating less of her favorite junk foods would be her sacrifice for this years Lent.
“I am giving up buying makeup, eating chips and buying cookies,” said Calderon.
Some students decided to not only abstain but to also add to their Lent and sacrifice.
CSUB computer engineering major Ruben Figueroa, 19, didn’t just focus on giving up but also added to his commitment.
“I want to stop procrastinating because it really hurts, and become more involved in the community,” said Figueroa.
The event saw close to 100 students and staff who congregated to welcome the beginning of Lent.
CSUB masters in counseling student Dr. Elizabeth Peisner thought it was great to have an event like this available to students and staff on campus.
“There is never a bad time for faith and the practice of faith and fellowship in your life,” said Peisner. “It is a good time to see who are your fellow Catholics here on campus.”
Although many Catholics use the Lent season as a time to reflect, some use it as a time to become more involved in the religion.
“This is the the time, if you have fallen back from your faith exploration,” said Peisner. “It is a wonderful time to recommit and re-explore.”
The Lent season will continue for 40 days, and excludes Sundays as the day is used to commemorate the resurrection. The Lent season will end March 27.
