2026 Lent Devotional

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

Lent Devotional 2026

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Dear Notre Dame Community, Happy Lent season! In the Catholic faith, Lent is a time of preparation, and it is marked by sacrifice, generosity, and spiritual growth. We invite you to examine yourself over the course of the Lenten season, using this devotional as a guide to grow in your faith, connect with others, and reflect on how you can take up your own cross.

In Christ, Maria Tufaro ’26 3 Student Minister for Spirituality

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“Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to Christ as he speaks to us.”

-Pope Francis

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Week One Events: Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday!) | 2/17/26 Ash Wednesday Mass | 2/18/26 What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Catholics are marked with ashes on their foreheads as a sign of humility, repentance, and an outward symbol of faith.

Should Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is a “day of abstinence” for Catholics. This means that we should only eat two meals, and skip meat, sweets, and snacking. We do this as a spiritual exercise, building up the strength to sacrifice our comforts and depend solely on God. *Children under 14, pregnant mothers, and individuals with medical needs do not have to fast through food. Instead, focus on making a different kind of sacrifice on Ash Wednesday.

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“Gather your ingredients” During Lent, we are given an opportunity to renew aspects of our lives through sacrifice. Before baking something, you might look through your kitchen to check for any expired ingredients. These ingredients can be thrown away to make space for new ingredients. Similarly, during Lent, we can examine what has “gone bad” in our lives and throw those things away.

Are there any “ingredients” in your life that have gone bad?

Think of aspects of your life that might need to be replaced, for example, being on your phone too much, eating too many sweets, sleeping through your alarm every morning, etc.

During Lent, we are called to give up something that is taking away from our relationship with God. This sacrifice should be a commitment that you can stick to from Ash Wednesday all the way to Easter.

Ideas for What to Give Up for Lent: Social media Your favorite snack or food Your Airpods Coffee/soda/sweets Hitting the snooze button Spending money/ Shopping

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Personal Reflection Questions: What will I give up for Lent? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Sometimes, it is helpful to have an accountability partner someone who knows what you have given up and can remind, encourage, and help you to stick to your sacrifice. Often, this can be a parent, sibling, or close friend. Who are you going to ask to be your accountability partner? __________________________________________

How are you going to make sure you stick to your sacrifice?

How is it going to be difficult? How is it going to be easy? How is it going to help you to grow in your relationship with God? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The First Word “Forgiveness”

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:34

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Reflection

Mr. Quigg, History Faculty Years ago when I was teaching seventh grade religion, I posed the following question to my students: How or where do you experience God in your lives? I was prepared for the typical responses a thirteen-year-old might answer with - nature, family, friends, church. While all of their reflections were correct and certainly sincere, I was not quite ready for the response one student gave: in moments of forgiveness. While I was taken aback by the maturity and thoughtful nature of this student, words of forgiveness are indeed one of the last things to come out of Jesus' mouth before he dies. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

To think that forgiveness was one of the last things on Jesus' mind while suffering in agony on the cross is mind-blowing. Jesus, in all of his pain, asks His Father to forgive those who have perpetrated the ultimate crime against Him - murder. What strikes me most about this request is that it shows us that Jesus is more than mere talk; rather, Jesus truly "walks the walk". When we listen to the stories Jesus told the parables of the unforgiving servant or the prodigal son - they were not merely hyperbole. Jesus meant what he said when it came to forgiving one another. In his final plea, Jesus is asking God to forgive those who have killed Him. By forgiving those who have inflicted unimaginable pain on Him, Jesus is guiding us in how to live out our faith. Jesus recognized that the resentment that we hold on to when we hold grudges will consume us. In his book, Carry On, Civil Rights leader, John Lewis wrote: "I had long ago decided that I wasn't going to be bound by the mental shackles of hate, anger, and discontent. Forgiveness is medicine for the mind, balm for the body, and healing for the heart." It is through forgiveness that we are freed from the bondage of resentment and bitterness. During this Lenten season, let us remember the healing and liberating power of forgiveness.

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“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless.

God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

-St. Padre Pio

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Week TWO Events: Adoration | 3/3/26 Why are Fridays different during Lent?

On Fridays during Lent, Catholics should not eat meat as another Lenten sacrifice!

Are there any special “days off” in Lent?

Yes! On Feast Days, like the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Catholics are given the day off from fasting. This means that you can take a break from your personal sacrifice for the day! If it is a Friday, you can eat meat. Although every family/community handles this differently, it is common for people to pause their fast on Sundays as well. You can choose what works best for you!

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“Gather your Tools” When I am getting ready to bake, the second thing I do after taking out the ingredients is make sure all of the tools I need are clean and ready to go. Measuring cups, the stand mixer, bowls, and baking sheets all need to be prepared so you can bake quickly and without a mess.

As Catholics, we have tools like these in our prayer lives!

Through rosaries, Bibles, novenas, prayer cards, and much more, we are given a spiritual kit of everything we need to grow closer to Christ. These tools can be helpful to different people in different ways, and it’s okay if your toolkit looks different than others.

During Lent, we are called to examine our prayer life and think of ways we can grow in our relationship with God. Ideas for How to Refresh Your Prayer Life: Set a day and time each week to pray a rosary, either alone or with your family Start each morning by reading your Bible Create a list of special intentions to pray for Go to Adoration Look up a novena to pray for 9 days Choose a saint to be your patron throughout Lent, and ask for their intercession each day Pray the Stations of the Cross

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Personal Reflection Questions: What will I do this Lent to grow in my prayer life? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What does my prayer life look like right now? In what ways is my prayer life fulfilling, and in what ways is it lacking? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What do you think about St. Padre Pio’s quote (page 9)? Do you feel like you follow that advice in your own life? Why or why not? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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Adoration Journaling: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Second Word “Salvation”

“Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’ The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, ‘Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?

And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Luke 23: 39-43

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Reflection

Mr. Pileggi, Religion Faculty In his Gospel, Luke tells us the story of Jesus’ conversation with a man crucified beside him. The man, a convicted thief, asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus enters His Kingdom. Reassuringly, Jesus promises the man that they will be together in paradise. This scene really brings home Luke’s Good News, that Jesus will invite faithful people into the Kingdom, no matter that person’s circumstances. This penitent man, desperately asking Jesus for salvation, could not have found himself in a worse situation. Thankfully, Jesus offered him the same grace that he offers all those who humble themselves enough to ask for it. Astoundingly, Jesus found Himself in that same terrible situation, despite his innocence, making Him available to comfort the man while they suffered together. In their shared experience on the cross, the thief found salvation.

Salvation can seem so far away, and admittedly, I spend very little time thinking about it. Try as I might, I cannot actually grasp the paradise that Jesus promises, so I usually do not even try. Luke’s crucifixion story, foreign as it may feel to my life, does provide me with some inroads to understanding salvation. When I feel particularly down, when life gets the best of me, I push Jesus as far away as I can. In these times, I make the mistake of hiding my troubles from Jesus, as if Jesus would not want to receive me in such a sorry state. Of course, Jesus can see me in my worst times, even when I cannot see Him. Luke’s Gospel reminds me that Jesus will meet me in any moment of suffering, just as he met the crucified thief in his own lowest moment. This Lent, I am pushing myself to accept Jesus into my lowest moments, and praying that humbling myself will bring a small taste of my eventual salvation.

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“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

-Hebrews 13:2

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“Pouring Out” After you have gotten out all of your ingredients and tools and prepared the kitchen, it is time to start baking! This is the fun step, but it can also be the messiest, which is why it means the most. While you pour, measure, mix, and bake, you take the time to do something that will bring joy to someone else. Although it might be time-consuming, messy, or wearying, the effort you put in is done out of love for the other.

The last thing that we are called to do during Lent is almsgiving, which is just a fancy way of saying giving to the poor. Have you ever heard the expression “made with love?”

Just as we pour our love into baked goods, we can pour our love out in everything we do and each person we encounter.

This will look different for everyone, but know that your acts of service, no matter how big or small, can be done with a love that can have huge impacts.

Ideas for Almsgiving During Lent: Save a little money each week, then donate it to your favorite charity at the end of Lent Go to a service activity, club, or meeting during school Do small acts of kindness for your friends and family Make a card for someone important in your life Gather old clothes, shoes, or toys that you don’t use anymore, and donate to Goodwill or another organization

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Personal Reflection Questions: How will I give to others this Lent, especially those who are in need? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What does it mean to show love to another person? How can you show your love to others in small ways? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

When is it most difficult to serve others selflessly? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Third Word “Relationship”

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.”

John 19: 25-27

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Reflection

Annie Brogan ’26 In the third word, Jesus says, “Woman, behold your son…Behold, your mother.”

Even while Jesus is on the cross and in pain, he is still thinking about relationships in his life and making sure the people he loves are taken care of. This moment in Jesus’ life shows how important it is to have relationships in your life that have true connection, honest love, and even responsibility in the hardest times.

When I think about relationships in my life, I think immediately about my relationship with my mom. My mom and I have a stable mother-daughter type relationship that I have always been grateful for. She has always been there for me, supporting me in everything that I do. Our bond has shaped me into the person I have become today. She is the steadiness I need in my life, especially when things get hard for me. I know she will always be there for me. I know I have my mom to lean on at any time in my life. She has always been there for me, not just in big moments, but also in the little ones. This is something I am so thankful for, because I don’t know who else the first person I would text when I don’t do well in school, or get anxious about someone, would be if it wasn’t for her.

I am lucky enough to call my mom one of my best friends, and while I know at times we can fight, and I can even be mean to her sometimes, she is still always my biggest supporter. We have been through thick and thin together, and it's comforting to know she is always going to be there for me because I know not all relationships I’ve had in my life are as stable as the one with her. Her love is unconditional, like Jesus’.

Jesus, creating a new relationship between Mary and John reminds me of how my mom loves so selflessly. Just as Jesus was thinking of his mom while suffering, I know my mom is constantly thinking about me, even when she is stressed, tired, or going through her own struggles. Her love is steady and unconditional, just like Jesus’.

The third word reminds me that relationships are one of the most important parts of life. My relationship with my mom reflects the same love and care Jesus showed on the cross. It’s a relationship built on trust, sacrifice, and unconditional love, and I am so incredibly grateful for it.

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“Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving.

Without sacrifice, there is no love.”

-St. Maximillian Kolbe

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“ICING ON THE CAKE” When your cake is done baking, you might think that there is nothing left to do, but that is not true! There are still many important steps to make this cake even better, like frosting!

This simple topping adds so much sweetness and flavor, and there is a reason it is many people’s favorite part of any dessert!

We are halfway through the Lenten season! You may have had some difficulties when Lent first started, like sticking to your sacrifice or remembering not to eat meat on Fridays. Now that you have had time to settle in, you can look at the final half of Lent as a time to add some extra sweetness! You might think of ways to serve others more, stop complaining about how hard your sacrifice is, or bump up your prayer life even more! In these final weeks of Lent, focus on how you can continue to inwardly prepare for Christ’s resurrection. These next few weeks should not be about making large, dramatic changes to your life, but instead about reflecting on the minuscule ways you can grow in holiness. Like frosting, it does not need to be the main attraction to add to the cake.

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Personal Reflection Questions: How has your sacrifice impacted your life in good ways? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What has your personal reflection looked like this Lent? How has your relationship with Jesus grown, changed or developed this Lent? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

How have I seen God most today? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Fourth Word “Distress”

“After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.”

John 19: 28-29

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Reflection

Bridget Blaney ’26 Distress typically carries a negative connotation and is associated with painful, anxious, or sorrowful events. After much reflection on why bad things happen in life, I concluded that there are little gifts of God’s love for us hidden within distressful times. Sometimes they are hard to see in the moment, and sometimes it is something you cling to during challenging times.

Jesus was in a great deal of distress, suffering, and pain as He was on the cross. His fourth last word was “I thirst.” Even though Jesus suffered, He died so that we could reach eternal salvation.

In October, I had to have an emergency surgery. After surgery, I was in constant pain and extremely frustrated that I was not physically able to do the simplest things, like sitting down and standing up. I wanted so badly to be back in school and back on the river rowing. Throughout this time of distress, I clung to the little gifts of love God provided. I had friends who checked in, came to visit, just sat and talked with me, I received cards from my teammates, flowers from friends, and many well-wishes from those I love.

My older brothers are both in college, but they came home to spend their weekend with me. Even though I experienced a lot of pain and distress, the experience truly grounded me. Being forced to slow down reminded me of what was important in life. The love that was shown during these challenging times was God reminding me of what really matters: I was eventually going to make a full recovery, and I had my family and friends around me. The acts of kindness from those I love really reminded me of the same love God shows. In times of distress, it is important to turn to God, and He will remind you how loved you are by so many people.

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“Chosen soul, God wants you to be holy like Him in this life, and glorious like Him in the next. It is certain that growth in holiness is your vocation.”

-St. Louis de Montfort

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Week FiVE Events: Solemnity of St. Joseph | 3/19/26 Lunchtime Confession (see email from Ms. Tully!)

Why do we go to Confession during Lent?

As we have seen earlier, Lent is a time for penance, self-growth, and reconciliation with God. It is the perfect time to prepare our hearts for true holiness, and there is no better way to do so than to bring your heart to God in Confession. Although it might seem scary or unnecessary to you right now, Confession is a wonderful source of grace, and there is nothing to be afraid of!

See Ms. Tully if you have more questions.

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“Alter your recipe” The hardest part of any baker's job is finding the perfect recipe. It may take hundreds of tries to get to the exact consistency, flavor, or sweetness, but the baker continues to try until their vision comes to life. Over time, the baker will alter their recipe, with little changes here and there, until they get the recipe just right.

Our life as Christians does not need to be perfect on the first try. If that were the case, Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection would have been unnecessary. Instead, we are given the opportunity to persist in holiness, even when we make mistakes or stray from the path. Christ’s divine mercy is infinite, and as long as we continue to seek Him in all that we do, we will be given the ultimate gift: salvation. As you reflect on your Lent season so far, think about what has gone well, what needs to be done better, and what you will need to continue to grow in after Lent.

One of my favorite quotes from Robert Louis Stevenson says, “Saints are only sinners who keep trying.” Our path to Heaven may be crossed by every imaginable obstacle, and there will inevitably be times when those hardships cause us to stumble. In those moments, Christ is with us even more, hoping to regain hold of our hands and help guide us back onto His path.

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Personal Reflection Questions:

Has it been difficult to adjust to your new sacrifices, prayer goals, and service this Lent? Why or why not? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What can you do going forward to make sure you stick to these things for the final weeks of Lent? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Do you think you will continue these habits after Lent? Do you feel like they have genuinely helped your relationship with God? Why or why not? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Fifth Word “Abandonment”

“At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Mark 15: 33-34

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Reflection

Maria Tufaro ’26 “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

As humans, we have all felt this sense of abandonment in our lives, whether it was in a time of suffering, obstacles, or stagnancy. In my own life, I wrestled with the feeling of isolation from God for many years as I faced challenges that made me feel like God could no longer possibly love me. My faith has always been strong, and there was never a time that I doubted my beliefs. However, there were times when I felt that everything that could go wrong had, and I struggled to maintain my relationship with God when I felt that He was pulling away from me. This verse had a large impact on my life at a time when I felt at my lowest, and it gave me strength during times that I felt alone in the hardships I faced. As I reflected on how my life needed to look during that time, I thought of the example Christ set for us. Through His time in the desert, Jesus was faced with every temptation and evil that humans have ever experienced.

On the cross, Jesus was overwhelmed with emotion and cried out to His Father, seeking comfort in His moment of utter distress. Jesus was not doubting God’s plan or care during His passion, but in His humanity, He reached out to His Father to find the support He needed. Jesus Christ’s cry on the cross was rawly human, but His attitude was purely divine, and we can take it as a lesson in how we can face our trials with assurance in Christ’s plan.

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“Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.”

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

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Week SIX Events: Solemnity of the Annunciation | 3/25/26 Reminder - day off from fasting Palm Sunday | 3/29/26

How to make a cross out of your palm leaves: 1. Hold palm pointing up; about 5 inches from the bottom, fold top over keeping the long part toward you 2. About 1.5 inches from the top, fold long end on the diagonal to the right 3. Wrap the long end around the upright 2.5 times 4.

Flip the palm over 5. Make an arm about 1.5-2.5 inches, folding the long end toward you 6.

Make a second arm, folding on the left 7. Make a diagonal fold so the long end points up 8. Slip the point of the long end behind the center loops 9. Loop the long end a second time behind the center loops; pull taut to secure

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“Let’s Decorate” When you were a little kid, did you ever have a cake that was perfectly matched to the theme of your birthday party? For me, it was the ballet slippers cake that my Oma made me when I was obsessed with dance. I remember thinking how special it was that I got to have an entire party centered around something I loved, and the thoughtfulness that went into every detail, even the shape of the cake, made me feel greatly loved.

When we are preparing a gift, the first thing we think about is who the gift is for. The most special gifts are not necessarily the most expensive, largest, or most popular. Often, the most special gifts are small, but show a great deal of care and effort put into them. During Lent, we are called to three things: sacrifice, prayer, and almsgiving. These are not random tasks, and they are not meaningless. Through these three things, we are giving a gift of ourselves, our desires, and our resources, and as with any present, we have the opportunity to think about how we can tailor these gifts to give them greater meaning. Our ability to be intentional, generous, and welcoming in our actions is one way we can live out love and faith, especially during Lent as we prepare our hearts to receive Jesus’s gift of self and salvation.

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Personal Reflection Questions: What was the purpose of the sacrifice, prayer, and almsgiving I did throughout Lent? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What does it mean to receive a gift well? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Reflect on the verse Philippians 2:8. How was Christ’s Passion the ultimate gift and display of love? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Sixth Word “Triumph”

“When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.”

John 19:30

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Reflection

Grace Logan ’26 With every late-night study session and difficult test, the goal of college lived in the back of my mind. My path to college acceptance was defined by more than just grades; it was a battle against uncertainty. I was up late at night, balancing expectations with self-doubt. For months, I felt the weight of the “what ifs.” What if the grades I worked so hard to get weren’t good enough? What if I didn’t participate in enough extracurriculars? When I opened my student portal and heard the words, “Welcome to Villanova,” I was filled with immense relief and joy. All of the pressure I had put on myself the past three and a half years evaporated. This was my moment of triumph because I saw that my potential was reflected back at me by the outside world. The discipline and hard work I had been practicing had built a foundation strong enough to hold the weight of my dreams. To me, triumph isn’t just about the final success; it’s about the fact that I kept moving forward when the outcome was completely unknown. I was persistent even in the moments when I felt the urge to settle for less. Christianity teaches that waiting is not wasting. In Exodus, God uses the “long way” to train our character and discipline before we are ready for the “Promised Land.” God was directing my path through all of my uncertainties, even when I felt lost and anxious. By walking in spirit rather than sight, I was able to put my trust in God that his plan for me was right. Getting into college proved to me that obstacles are not dead ends. One triumphant moment is not the end of the journey; it is fuel for the next chapter, and God is with us every step of the way.

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“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.”

-St. John Paul II

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Week Seven Events: No school!

Holy Wednesday | 4/1/26 Holy Thursday | 4/2/26 Good Friday | 4/3/26 Easter Sunday | 4/5/26 What is Holy Wednesday?

Also known as “Spy Wednesday,” this is the day when Judas Iscariot decided to betray Jesus by planning to hand him over to the Temple guards.

What is Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and establishes the Eucharist.

This day holds many reminders of the humility, love, and service Jesus exemplified, which we are called to live out as Christians. This day is also the beginning of the Triduum.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the day of the Passion of Jesus Christ. It is the most solemn day of the Triduum, and is a day of fasting and penance.

Instead of receiving the Eucharist on this day, Catholics venerate the cross in Mass.

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“celebrations and Candles” There are many reasons why you might have cake - a birthday party, a wedding, a graduation party, or for no reason at all.

Cake is a way to honor all occasions, and it is symbolic of the joy, unity, and sweetness we experience when celebrating special moments with our family and friends.

So, if we have spent the past six weeks thinking of Lent as the baking, decorating, and gifting process, what is the occasion that the Easter cake is celebrating? Through our preparation, we have made our way to a new beginning that brings incomparable love, peace, and joy. Despite the challenges you may have faced along the way, whether it was forgetting about your fast one day or struggling to find time to pray, you have made it to Easter! Our reward is made greater on Easter day because of how we have prepared ourselves for it through the Lent season, and we can enjoy the fulfillment, renewal, and exultation of Christ’s resurrection. Going forward, the faith and relationship that you have built with God over these past 40 days will continue to flourish if you continue to care for it.

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Personal Reflection Questions: Lent is over! How do you feel as you think about the past 40 days, the Easter celebration, and looking ahead? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What are the biggest ways that you have grown this Lent season? What was the most challenging part? __________________________________________ __________________________________________

How will you live out the new beginnings you have built for yourself this Lent season? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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The Seventh Word “Reunion”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last”.

Luke 23: 44-46

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Reflection

Lindsay Cooper ’28 Lent, for me, is a season of reunion; with others, with myself, and most importantly, with God. In my daily life, I make mistakes constantly. I give wrong answers in class, underperform in sports, and snap at my friends and family when I feel overwhelmed. I often get caught up in the business of my commitments and forget to make time for the people who matter most to me. It’s surprisingly easy to choose studying over having dinner with my family or going to practice instead of spending time with friends. While these responsibilities are important, the people I love should always be my priority, and sometimes I lose sight of that. Lent reminds me to slow down and reconnect with the people in my life. It challenges me to be more intentional with my time and to recognize when I am choosing productivity over relationships. Through this reconnection with others, I also find myself reconnecting with God. When Jesus rose to heaven and reunited with God, He was welcomed with open arms. In these moments, Jesus experienced a joy far deeper than the joy we feel from earning a good grade or performing well in sports. It was a joy rooted in unconditional acceptance and forgiveness; something only God can give. God knows that we will sin and accepts us not despite our imperfections, but because of them. During Lent, I make a conscious effort to prioritize the people I love, and through this effort, I grow closer to God as well. Lent reminds me that God is always present, patiently waiting for a relationship with me. I find comfort and joy in knowing that God will never abandon me, no matter how often I fall short. By surrendering to God and letting down my defenses, I am able to reunite with Him during this Lenten season.

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Dear Notre Dame Community, Thank you for following along this Lent and Easter season. We hope that your time following along with this devotional has been fruitful and that you have received all of the graces you were looking for. We will end with a final prayer: Heavenly Father, source of all blessings, I thank You for this sacred Lenten journey. As this season ends, I bring to You the sacrifices I have made, the moments of reflection, and the areas where I have fallen short.

Wash me clean and renew my spirit. Let the transformation begun in me continue, that I may emerge from this time as a truer follower of Your Son. Prepare my heart to celebrate the joy of Easter with a renewed life of love, service, and faith. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia!

Campus Ministry

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