On Feb. 25, people across the world, including Vice President Joe Biden, had smudged crosses drew in ashes on their forehead. UD's campus was no exception as hundreds of students lined up outside the doors of the chapel to participate in the Ash Wednesday services.

Receiving ashes on this day signified repentance and marked the beginning of Lent. The ashes used during the services were made from blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday services from the previous years.

"Lent is a season of the year that helps us take stock of our own hearts, our relationship with God, and our relationship with one another, especially those most in need," Marianist Brother Thomas Wendorf said. "It's also about allowing our hearts to be open to the transforming power of Christ's love, which we'll celebrate

in a focused way during Holy Week and Easter."

In the early centuries, Lent was a time to prepare individuals

for baptism through a time of fasting and purification. It was not until the fourth century that the Church established its current

40-day season.

The 40 weekdays that make up the Lenten season are meant to be used as a time of preparation

for Easter. The number 40 has always played a significant role in the Bible to mark a time of spiritual preparation. Moses, Elijah

and most importantly, Jesus, went through periods of preparation

consisting of 40 days and 40 nights.

During the 40 days of the Lenten season, Catholics are expected

to perform the practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Many observe the season by giving

something up or adding in an additional discipline.

"Giving something up during Lent is not meant to be an example

of willpower, but rather a time to be mindful of God's centrality in our lives and to the poor who go without many necessities without choosing to do so," Wendorf said.

To help students stick to their Lenten goals, UD's dining and residence halls have posted "Remember

Lent" signs and crosses. Many students mention their goals of not eating meat or drinking

pop as their Lenten promise. Others have decided to add something

into their lives instead of removing something.

"This year for Lent, instead of giving something up, I am going to try to go to church more often," junior Lauren Allen said. "For me, going to church more often, hearing the word and trying to live the word is important. I think making a conscious effort and not just going through the motions also makes church more enjoyable

and I get more out of it."

The Marianists on campus have many different ways in which they recognize the season. They rearranged their chapel at the Marianist Novitiate community

to reflect the change in season and to offer a new awareness.

They also practice meatless Fridays and have made Wednesday

evening meals a simple meal as well, consisting of only soup, bread and salad. Finally, the Marianists will go on a community

retreat during the weekend of Palm Sunday to prepare for Holy Week and have a time of silence and faith sharing.

"The Lenten practices are meant to lead us more deeply into the mysteries of our faith in Christ," Wendorf said. "We may not experience the reality of that on a feeling level but we can trust the power and goodness of these practices."