As the Lenten season began on February 26th’s celebration of Ash Wednesday, the Christian Brothers Academy community appropriately demonstrated “faith in action” during the week.

Brother Arturo Martinez visited the CBA campus for two days, speaking to the junior theology classes about the importance of vocations. He reminded the students that vocations do not just include becoming a priest or brother, but also simply seeking a relationship with God and doing good in the world.

Brother Arturo also preached the virtues of patience and trust in everyday life, something that can be applicable to all students here at CBA. He stressed the value in personal prayer or reflection to achieve their personal goals.

Brother Arturo currently serves as the associate director of vocations with the Brothers’ District of Eastern North America, guest speaking at Lasallian schools across the district.

On Tuesday, Mr. Saverino held his sophomore Theology II class in the CBA chapel with the idea that the reverent setting would better help apply the lesson of the day.

Saverino’s topic was “oneness” and he wanted his students to experience that as a group in a quiet, peaceful setting. The overarching theme was the Four Marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.

Together, the sophomores recited “One” which is a song that dates back to the early Church.

Finally, the entire CBA community gathered on Wednesday morning for Ash Wednesday Mass to officially begin the season of Lent.

CBA’s chaplain, Father John Zec, reminded the young men that Lent provides the chance for a period of self-reflection, so that each person seek improvement in his life, as well as the lives of others. Among other things, he challenged the students to set aside anger, foster a new relationship, and spend more time with loved ones.

The student body and faculty received their ashes, which signifies a commitment to repentance during the six weeks leading up to Easter.