Ash Wednesday was hosted by Cor Christi Catholic Center  March 5 at Carol Chapel from 12 – 1 p.m.  This day begins the liturgical season of Lent, aimed at preparing to participate most fully in Easter.

George Rhodes, Chaplain from Cor Christi Catholic Center, explained the season of Lent.

“Lent is known for penance, for wearing purple, for added rules in Catholicism,” Rhodes said. “And what is with these added rules?… I would say that Lent is not just about doing hard things to prove ourselves or our love to God … rather, Lent is about growing closer to God.”

According to Our Little Roses, the mark of the ashy cross on the forehead is actually a clear reminder of what the Old Testament reminds Christians of in Genesis 3:19: “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Jenny Voegeli, president of Cor Christi Catholic Center, joined the center last year. She explains the process of fasting for this season.

“So we fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means no snacking during meals and one normal sized meal and two smaller meals, and also keep staying [away] from meat every Friday,” Voegeli said.

Joshua Lambert, law student, says that this period is about examining one’s personal life and finding something that they want to give up as a sacrifice.

“It can be anything that they truly enjoy, like coffee,” Lambert said. “Last year I gave up caffeinated […] sodas or sodas of all kinds and this year I haven’t quite decided yet what I’m giving up.”

The Cor Christi Catholic Center doesn’t organize on-campus events for Easter, but many churches in Topeka will be holding an Easter service April 20.

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Stuti Khadka.