The Lenten season is here! It is traditional to give up a regular indulgence from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday and replace that time with spiritual practices to grow closer to God.

DeMatha religion teacher, Stephen April ’10, is giving up most of the apps on his phone for Lent. “I have given up all of the apps on my phone, except for text messages and phone calls; stuff that a normal phone would provide.” He has completely gotten rid of social media apps and other apps he would use. After a couple of weeks experiencing this new habit, Mr. April says that he is “enjoying not looking at Facebook. It is freeing me.”

Many students also participate in the practice. Some students are giving up candy or video games.

Senior Amani Aguko, like Mr. April, gave up an aspect of his phone usage for Lent, specifically when he uses it. “For Lent, I’m giving up my phone for an hour before bed.” He thinks that he will sleep better with this change. “I sleep better when I don’t stare at  a phone screen before bed” and it reduces brain fog throughout the day, he says. Amani doesn’t really have any traditions that he and his family do for Lent, but he does celebrate it.

Other students, instead of giving up material items, are focusing their Lenten energy on their every-day interactions.

Senior Vice President of the SGA, Colin Roman, emphasizes the spiritual sense of Lent. “[Lent] is a period when we change something about ourselves whether it be giving something up or creating a new positive habit.” He also talks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  “It’s a time for spiritual healing and preparation in order to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.” Colin wants to focus on being more understanding in situations. For him, “if somebody says something or does something that normally I would get angry at, I’m trying to understand where they are coming from and not react hastily. One interaction is just one aspect of somebody’s life.”

Whatever students and teachers are giving up, they are doing it with their spirituality in mind, an important aspect of living the life of a Faith-Filled Gentleman and Scholar.