Ash Wednesday, which was Feb. 18, 2026, marked the first of 40 days of Lent where many Christians observing the religious holiday were given ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads, symbolizing the start of a season of repentance and reflection. Lent leads up to Easter, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether it be from food or something hindering the participant’s relationship with Jesus, this tradition requires fasting. Temptations such as fast food, social media and other guilty pleasures are usually given up in order to serve God to the fullest extent.
“For Lent, I gave up ChatGPT and I’m going to make sure not to use it,” sophomore Francesca Sbordi said.
As a part of this season, something that’s too heavily relied on in place of God’s divine guidance, can definitely be one of the best things to give up. To be able to recognize and do something about that issue is admirable, as many students wouldn’t be able to give up something so commonly used.
During this time period, practicing Christians aren’t allowed to eat meat on Fridays as a penance to Jesus who is said to have died on a Friday and to just practice self-control as well. However, more than just the physical aspect, Lent is also a chance to strengthen your mindset and continue on your faith journey in a way that’s different from what you’d typically do.
Lent is a really important religious holiday, and many students at SPFHS celebrate as it marks the temptation that Jesus went through while he was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights. By honoring His sacrifice, more understanding and a deeper connection develops.
“I gave up fast food for Lent,” sophomore Giavanna Alves told The Fanscotian. “It was something I indulged in too much, and I gave it up for God.”
By giving up something that was holding her back, Alves’s relationship with God will continue to grow stronger and she’ll be able to nurture it better. Lent is such a sacred time for those of Christian faith, and it’s a vital period of reflection that allows believers to strengthen and renew their relationship with God while silencing all their distractions.
