Catholic schools focusing on prayer for Ukraine as season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 2, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

As the season of Lent begins, students and staff in Medicine Hat’s Catholic Board of Education are taking time to learn about and reflect upon the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as to show support through prayer.

“March 2 is Ash Wednesday, which is a very sacred day in the Catholic Church calendar as we begin the season of Lent,” Heather Irvine, religious education co-ordinator for MHCBE, told the News. “There’s always a prayer and fasting … but this year Pope Francis has invited everyone to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.”

“(Today) all schools will be having an Ash Wednesday liturgy where they will be joining in prayer together … for the situation in the Ukraine and having some silence and reflection,” said Irvine.

With a strong focus on solidarity, students have been invited to wear blue and yellow – the colours of Ukraine’s flag.

“We are one, even though we aren’t living side-by-side with them, that we are with them (in spirit),” Irvine said. “Sometimes it might feel it’s hard to make a difference, but we firmly believe with our prayers we can make a difference, so we are calling our students and staff to just join in prayer, fasting and sacrifice … and to think outside of ourselves and do what we can to support the situation.”

Age-appropriate materials focusing on the invasion will be presented to students across the division and teachers will be speaking with their students.

“They are important conversations.,” said Irvine. “We have to be aware of the need for peace in our world. Hopefully, it helps (students) realize peace can start with them in little ways (and inspire them to) be grateful for the peaceful nation we do live in and then, hopefully, look at if there are any ways they can support this situation.”

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