Q+A: Describe your best Lent

DESCRIBE YOUR BEST LENT


Amelie Hebert

For me personally, Lent has always been an important time of my year and a chance for me to truly grow in my Faith. Throughout my entire year I am constantly trying new ways to encounter the Lord, but sometimes it can be difficult to stick to these new routines. Lent has always been a way to keep myself accountable and to create new habits that lead me closer to the Lord. This past year I gave up two of my main forms of social media, TikTok and Instagram. This gave me so much extra time in my day to spend with my family, be more productive, and most importantly spend more time with the Lord. Those forty days allowed me to let go of these apps and further lean on the Lord.

Jene Robinson

In 2013, my first and most impactful Lent marked the beginning of my journey to the Catholic Faith. My best friend, Rianná Reed, invited me to St. Luke’s one Sunday. Intrigued by the spirituality there, I began attending regularly, even while still going to Moses Baptist Church. As I got involved at St. Luke, singing in the choir and helping with events, I felt a void. My heart longed for more, especially communion. While I participated in communion at the Baptist church, the Catholic belief in the true body and blood of our Lord intrigued me. I had many conversations with Ms. Christine Streams, Roxanne Reed (whom I call Mother and sponsor), and Father Mitch Semar who played vital roles in my discernment journey. Reflecting on that Lent, it amazes me how God works; my maternal grandfather was Catholic, my grandmother Baptist, and they later became the last couple married at St. Luke. My mom was baptized Catholic, and my grandfather eventually joined the Baptist Church. Growing up Baptist, my journey ultimately led me back home to Catholicism.

Caleb Sylvest

My ideal Lent involves practices such as attending daily mass, frequenting confession, and picking up different ascetic practices, but also paying attention to the small opportunities God presents me to grow in virtue. These opportunities often require daily self-denial which I believe is key to a fruitful Lent. Denying ourselves may feel like we are missing out or losing something, but Jesus says this is the way for us to truly find life (Matthew 10:39). By saying “no” to ourselves, we are saying “yes” to God, better disposing ourselves to hear His voice. When I practice self-denial for the glory and love of God, Lent becomes more than just a forty-day challenge at the beginning of every year, but rather a time of spiritual expansion leading to the most holy reward. Sharing a life with Christ will come with many challenges, but as we unite them to His Passion, He will bear fruit for us that will last forever. Galatians 2:20 “…it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Alisha Bergeron

Before Mass on the Feast of the Epiphany, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide my words for this piece, and I heard “You are imperfect. Your family is imperfect. But keep the faith.” My husband and I have two teenage boys who are at impressionable ages. My prayer is that we are providing a strong, faith filled foundation for them, but I also worry we aren’t doing enough.

Every year during Lent, we clean out our closets and donate the items to Gym Dandy, our favorite thrift store. My husband and I meal plan during the weekdays; on weekends we get lazy. During Lent, we only go out to eat or have take out once a week. This becomes a sacrifice for our boys because they enjoy our local fried chicken restaurant chains. We donate the money saved to our Church collection.  On Fridays during Lent, we try to not substitute meat with seafood. Seafood is not a sacrifice for us. I am a firm believer that little things matter because they become big things. Serving others, practicing self-discipline, and sacrifice are little things that help us “keep the faith.”

Sr. Carmelita

My best Lent was when I heard God’s call to leave teaching and to move into something unknown. The transition unfolded as a prayer of questioning, trust and wonder about where God was leading me. Unlike previous ministry changes, this call felt distinct. Exploring counseling initially, I embraced the uncertainty, trusting that God had a plan. When I learned my teaching position had been filled, I remained untroubled, deeply rooted in my trust in God.

Soon, a job description for a Campus Ministry position at Nicholls State University arrived, offering a journey down the Bayou. On a beautiful sunny day in August, driving along Bayou Lafourche, I felt the Spirit’s presence. At a specific spot, I sensed this was the answer.  I was excited although the specifics remained unclear. Interviewing with Fr. Willie Todd at St. Thomas Aquinas, I was eventually hired. That Lent and the profound awareness of letting go has been a significant reminder of the Cross’s power and trust in the One who “let go” to die for us.  

Fr. Joey Pilola

My most memorable Lent in 1984 at Our Lady of Mepkin Abbey. On the Long-Term Guest Program, I embraced the monastic life for three months, seeking discernment on which Diocese to serve. By the end, they asked me to stay, but the Lord guided me to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. During my Lent, I deepened my relationship with Our Lord, and discovered my Gifts and understanding how to use them faithfully, not perfectly. That Lent of 1984 opened me to the Father’s will, leading me to leave the monastery and the Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport. Welcomed by the people of Houma-Thibodaux, I worked during the day and served the Diocese, becoming a priest in 1987. It’s been a blessing to serve here for more than 35 years.