Ash Wednesday Mass

2/22/2023

On February 22, Loyola celebrated Ash Wednesday with an all school Mass in the West Gym. During the homily, Campus Minister Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, reminded students of Jesus' invitation to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this holy season.

"Make Lent a truly amazing time," he said. "Be creative, focus on personal growth and service, and make it a time of grace."

Student musicians added to the beauty and solemnity of Mass. Members of African American Youth Group (AAYG) performed a beautiful offertory song called "Grace" by Jonathan McReynolds: Noah Tekhle '23 (lead vocalist), Nathan Matanguihan '23 (pianist), Sarah Adebayo '23, Sarah Isa '23, Kelvin Berko '23, Jeleel Soaga '23, and Mario Hill '23. The liturgy ended with a beautiful rendition of "Let All Things Now Living" for piano trio by Duane Funderburk, performed by James Casey ’23 (violin), Sam Cho ’24 (cello), and Daniel Blanchard ’25 (piano).

A special gratitude to our celebrants: Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ; Loyola Academy Campus Minister Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ; Loyola Academy Trustee Rev. David A. Godleski, SJ, who serves as minister at Loyola University; and Loyola Academy Trustee Rev. Charles Rodrigues, SJ, who serves as assistant to the provincial for formation at the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus.

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