Lent dates back to the third or fourth century C.E. and was modeled upon Jesus’ period of fasting in the Bible. Some modes of modern fasting include no meat or one full meal a day on Fridays, or some Christians choose to give up common but unnecessary objects in their lives. Lent isn’t just about giving things up, though. It is seen as a time to prepare for Easter. Here at Prep, Panthers are preparing by praying the Examen after lunch, and will be participating in the CRS Rice Bowl Charity.

Fr. Fitterer and Mrs. Bernal have some isights on how students at Prep should participate in Prep. Fitterer summed it up very well. He recommends we simply “stop, look, and listen” during these forty days. He also recommends making use of the chapel. It is an excellent place to sit in silence, just take a break, and reflect.

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, and Mrs. Bernal says it is a time to go back to our truest, most good selves, the selves that God wants us to be. She says, “Really, Lent and the practice of Lent is about transformation and allowing you to have to think about the things you want to change in your life.” Fr. Fitterer says Lent helps him to make his life balanced.

Many students at Prep claim that the school has encouraged them to become closer to God through self-reflection during this special season. When asked about the examen, Sophia Saturnino ’18 said, “The questions help us to think…about our Jesuit religion and how it impacts all our lives.”

Matt Brooks ’15 has found the extra time set aside in Lent is helpful in order for one to evaluate oneself. Even for those who are not religious, the examen has served as a helpful time for reflection. Sam Hoyt ’18 says, “It’s a nice break to get yourself focused back on school and out of the whole social aspect of lunch. That moment before the period starts is a good way for me to reflect on how good of a person I am.”

Jasper Turner ’16 may not have a religion, but he still connects to and understands the celebration of Lent in our community. “I understand what (it’s) for and (Lent) can help you think about yourself as a person and give up something to make the world a better place.” Brooks also appreciates this aspect of the Christian season, saying, “I think the idea of giving something up is pretty impactful, just putting in perspective how much you actually need something.”

Mikey Lambert ’17 enjoys the Ash Wednesday reflections and hopes that Prep can add more traditions during Lent, such as Soup Supper on Fridays.

No matter one’s faith or position in the school, panthers can each adopt the practices of Lent into their lives just by stopping, looking, and listening to that which is going on around them. Through self-reflection, all can become men and women for others.