Many Christian students at Perry participate in the practice of Lent. Lent is the religious practice of giving up something that you hold dearly or love for 40 days. During the Lenten season people are called to fast from Ash Wednesday to Holy Friday. 

For Ash Wednesday, people usually go to mass and receive ashes on their forehead from the priest. The ashes symbolize mortality. 

“I’ve always participated in lent because I was always taught that it was the right thing to do, and as I got older I learned the importance, so now I do it voluntarily,” said Yaime Jorge. 

It is common for people to fast from something they can’t live without. This is because by the end of the 40 days, people will feel more connected with those around them and their faith. 

“For lent this year I gave up eating sweets, specifically chocolate because I enjoy it very much,” said Jorge.  

Traditionally people don’t eat red meat on Fridays in memory of Good Friday. Which is why you may see churches or schools providing fish on Fridays. 

“ I don’t eat meat on Fridays during lent but I usually don’t eat fish either, a very traditional food that is eaten during this time by many Hispanics I know are enchiladas, “ said Jorge.