Xochilt Garcia
Editor in Chief
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22 marks the start of Lent observed by members of the Catholic faith.
Students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University-San Antonio can take part in two Ash Wednesday services and a mass hosted by the Catholic Student Association.
The first ash service will be held in the Auditorium Lobby following a noon mass on Feb. 22.
A second Ash Wednesday service will be held at 3 p.m. in the Ceremony Room of Patriots’ Casa.
Marina Olivares, the campus minister for A&M-San Antonio, said the CSA was expecting more than 60 people to attend. Olivares said ash services in the past have had turnouts ranging from 80-120 people.
“We’re expecting a big group. We get a lot of people that come around that really want to join us to start the Lent season together,” Olivares said.
Olivares said Chaplain Bryan Garcia will be leading both services.
Garcia works for the San Antonio Archdiocese and serves as chaplain for several San Antonio universities, such as A&M-San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In observance of Lent, Olivares said the CSA will host virtual Bible studies and in-person prayer sessions for the Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays.
“Take that time and really reflect, and ask Jesus to show you the way,” Olivares said. “If it’s coming back to church with us, OK. If it’s joining a bible study, cool. Just allow the Lord to really lead your heart.”
For more information, visit the CSA’s page on Jagsync.
