This year, Feb. 26, was Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. A Christian tradition, Lent is often observed by fasting for 40 days, with observers giving up luxuries to emulate Jesus Christ’s 40-day journey into the desert. While not every denomination of Christianity observes this tradition, many Bluffton students shared their Lenten sacrifices with The Witmarsum.
Freshman graphic design major Serenna Moening. Photo by Nathan Heinze.
“I plan to try to at least give up cursing,” said first-year graphic design major Serenna Moening. “Some words shouldn’t be said all of the time.”
First-year English major Deborah Yoder said she plans on giving up dessert for Lent, which she defined as everything sweet except chocolate.
“I’ve never done stuff, personally, with my family, but I wanted to try this year,” said Yoder. “I thought giving up dessert would be a good thing because it’s not something I feel like I need a lot, and I probably eat too much of it.”
Junior social work major Brittany Howe said she is giving up coffee for Lent.
“I have a coffee addiction,” said Howe.
Howe also stated plans to pray the rosary every day of Lent.
Junior music education major Josh McCauley. Photo by Nathan Heinze
“It’ll help me grow closer to God,” said Howe.
Junior music education major Josh McCauley gave a similar fast to Howe’s: caffeine.
“I love my morning coffee, I love drinking pop,” said McCauley. “I figured I should give that up for Lent this year.”
Freshman music education and Spanish double major Laura Irwin. Photo by Nathan Heinze.
Laura Irwin, a freshman music education and Spanish double major, said her Lenten sacrifice is ice cream.
“Ever since we got the hard dip ice cream [at Marbeck], I’ve had a really good liking for it,” said Irwin. “I’ve decided to give that up for Christ.”
