Giving up worldly vices
During the 40 days of Lent, a Christian tradition of 40 days of sacrifice, followers and participants fast and sacrifice a personal vice.
Most know of Lent as a Catholic observation, but some followers of various religions, or no religion, also participate.
Zachary Smith, a junior in speech communication, said he thinks Lent is a good practice regardless of your religion because you have to demonstrate self-control over your vices.
“I think it’s impressive that people will take the teachings of their religion and practice them,” he said.
Allison Huntsman
Last year Allison Huntsman, marketing sophomore, gave up Facebook as a Lenten sacrifice.
“One of my roommates was celebrating Lent, so I figured I might as well give up something as well,” she said. “It’s a good practice for anyone of any religion. I decided to give up Facebook for Lent and it was a lot easier than I thought. I realized after the 40 days I didn’t need it, so I ended up deactivating it for a while.”
She said she did it on a whim, but realized it was a good thing to do. Huntsman said it was like having a built-in support group.
“It’s nice to know that so many other people are also giving up something. I thought, I can get through it if they are doing the same thing,” she said.
After her social media sacrifice, Huntsman said she developed a respect for the Catholic church.
“It’s a hard thing to do,” she said. “Even if you’re not Catholic, it’s a good thing to implement in your life.”
Lynn Walker and Kerian Ludeman
Lynn Walker, an environmental engineering senior, witnessed his Catholic grandmother observe Lent. He said she gave up chocolate, “but she still made brownies for everybody.”
“It shows self control and dedication to give up something that you really enjoy,” he said. “It shows that you mean it and it shows that you’re serious about it.”
Freshman Kerian Ludeman, who is studying
dental hygiene, gave up sweets. She said she chose
to become healthier during Lent because it gave her
more motivation.
“I am LDS, so Easter does have a significant place in my life, but it’s not in the traditional Catholic way,” Ludeman said.
Brooke Siler
Some people attempt the sacrifice, but do not complete the entire 40 days. Brooke Siler, a sophomore in biochemistry, heard about Lent and said she decided it was a good idea.
“I decided to give up caffeine for at least the month of March. I made it two weeks and it was good for my pocketbook,” Siler said.
She said she was doing pretty well until her friend offered her caffeine as a gift. But she still feels Lent is a good sacrifice.
“I think it’s a good idea because if you have a vice, having motivation to give it up for over a month can be liberating,” Siler said.
Molly Austinson
Molly Austinson, who graduated in English education, said she would describe Lent as a preparation for Easter.
“During Lent, Catholics reflect on Jesus and his teachings. We cleanse ourselves spiritually by prayer and by physically abstaining from things to remember the sacrifices Jesus made for our sins,” she said.
Austinson said she participates in Lent, though she had not for a few years recently. She said she found it was one of her favorite times of the year.
“During this time, I have a conscious reminder of my faith and why I choose to be Catholic,” she said. “First, I have given up wine. I am not a lush by any means, but I really enjoy a glass at dinner,” Austinson said.
She said she also is participating in a traditional Catholic fast throughout the duration of Lent.
“This means that I do not snack between meals, cannot have meat before dinner, and my breakfast and lunch cannot equal an evening meal combined,” she said.
“I benefit from my Lenten sacrifices because it is a reminder that my trials are not impossible,” Austinson said. “It humbles me to feel small pangs of hunger, especially before dinner, and realize that many people feel this all the time and not by choice.”
Austinson said she supports non-Catholics participating in Lent.
“I would hope that they are doing it for spiritual fulfillment and they can connect their sacrifices to their beliefs,” she said.
For Catholics in Cache Valley, St. Jerome Newman’s Center holds regular mass every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Tuesday and weekend masses are held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park.
– natasha.bodily@aggiemail.usu.edu