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Ash Wednesday Mass

The Loyola community gathered to celebrate a beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass marking the start of the Lenten season on March 6. In his homily, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, spoke about the busyness of the world—the chatter and the noise—that can distract from the heart of what matters: the goodness.
“There’s terrible things that people have done in the world. We know there is much out there that impedes that goodness. The Church reminds us during Lent of the goodness of who we are. People can be so good, but we forget that. Lent is an invitation to honor, pray about and recognize in a new way that you and I were sent into this world on a mission of goodness and kindness.”
 
Fr. McGrath encouraged Ramblers to embrace Lent as a time to enter more intentionally into an honest exam.
 
“What is it I’m called to do? We should take time this Lenten season to change our habits, change our patterns. What is it we need to fast from? What habits or ideas? What do I need to shut down in order to open up to what God needs me to be today? Where have I hoarded the gifts God had given me rather than give them away in joy?
 
This Lent comes to us as a reminder of our call to goodness. An invitation to do the hard work of praying, reflecting and fasting so that we might become the people we were sent here to be. We were created to be so good. Let’s live that. Let’s be more in the ways we live and love.”
 
Notably, Loyola Academy Chorale performed a serene rendition of Crucem Tuam Adoramus Domine by Pawel Lukaszewski. After celebrating the Eucharist and receiving ashes, students exited to their classes in quiet prayer.


We are pleased to share these additional Lenten resources:
 
Broken: Lent 2019
During Lent, how can we break the barriers that keep us from a world where dignity and compassion bring the justice we seek? From Ash Wednesday through Easter Monday, join the Ignatian Solidarity Network and voices from the Jesuit and greater Catholic network as we consider the structures, systems, and barriers that need to be broken in order to build a more just world.
 
Subscribe here for FREE daily reflections.
 
Ignatian Prayer Adventure
If you have time and are looking for something more substantial, consider participating in Fr. Kevin O’Brien’s eight-week online retreat that can be completed during Lent and Easter. It follows the general arc of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. Follow this link to learn more.
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    • Ash Wednesday Mass — Chorale

      Ash Wednesday Mass

      Loyola Academy Chorale

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