Lenten Theme 2022: God, Turn it Around
One of the hallmarks of a Catholic, Marianist education is developing and strengthening our interior spirit by providing time to nurture habits of silence and reflection, especially as we approach the Lenten season, we take time to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With war devastating our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, this Lent carries an increased heaviness. For this reason, we ask God to turn it around by helping us be intentional in how we enter more deeply into this Lenten season. Chaminade will join Pope Francis and the entire Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday (March 2, 2022) to pray and fast for an end to this war and peace in Ukraine. As a Catholic, Marianist school, we follow our tradition of defending peace against aggression, which is an inalienable obligation. Please click here to read the official announcement from the Vatican.
Praying and fasting along with almsgiving are Lenten practices. Fasting, which is practiced in many religions, is one of the highest forms of self-sacrifice, and it becomes even more special when we do it for peace in Ukraine. Fasting is not merely about staying hungry and thirsty, but rather, it invites us to engage more with God and cease activities that separate us from God.
To help us on our Lenten journey, Chaminade’s Office of Campus Ministry will offer many opportunities to reflect on Jesus’ love and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Please click on the links below to learn more about campus-specific opportunities.
Please join us in prayer as a Chaminade family to pray for the people of Ukraine:
God of infinite mercy and goodness, we pray to you for the people of Ukraine who are experiencing conflict and death. To you, we entrust all their families and pray that they may never yield to discouragement and despair but become heralds of new hope to one another in this challenging time. Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Zarvaniza, spread your maternal mantle over all people of goodwill who live in the great nation of Ukraine. We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may all reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need so that peace and justice may become a reality for the people of Ukraine and all over the world. Amen.