08 / 04 / 25 | NEWS
At Marymount International School London, the season of Lent leads us through a spiritual journey towards Easter; it’s a time for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and community-building. This year, Lent is celebrated in alignment with the Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” an opportunity to journey together and build a better world. The school encourages students to reflect on the RSHM (Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary) goals that prioritising the many facets of their well-being during this important time.
March is dedicated to well-being at Marymount, with students actively engaging in their well-being passports. These passports help track their progress towards their RSHM goals, which focus on personal growth, faith, and service to others. The theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” aligns with the idea that Lent is a spiritual journey, not just for individual reflection, but for creating a collective path toward a more compassionate and better world.
Marymount takes an inclusive approach to spirituality, emphasizing that students do not need to be religious to engage with the Lent experience: “We are spiritual beings having a human experience” (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin). Whether it’s through acts of service, mindfulness activities, or personal prayer, everyone is invited to participate in a way that aligns with their own beliefs and practices.
A significant part of Marymount’s Lenten celebrations is the creation of the Purple Silk Lent Tent. This unique space offers students an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves, whether through prayer, mindfulness, or quiet reflection. Inspired by the story of Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai and the construction of a tent to house the Ten Commandments, the Lent Tent at Marymount serves as a sacred space. The “Holy of Holies” in the Bible, which later became was the inner sanctum of the Temple in Jerusalem, provides a direct parallel to the peaceful solitude and warmth that students feel when they step into this sacred space.
The Lent Tent is not just a place for prayer but a sanctuary for students to meet with God and themselves. It’s a space for comfort, protection, and experiential understanding. During this period, students can visit the tent as a way to quiet their minds, deepen their spirituality, and reflect on their journey during Lent.
Another beautiful tradition at Marymount during Lent is the 40 Acts of Love, an initiative created by the Campus Ministry team. These 40 days and nights are guided by small but meaningful acts of love that encourage students and staff to reflect and act in ways that embody kindness, generosity, and compassion. The acts are designed to align with the Lenten journey, helping students to grow spiritually and emotionally while building a sense of community and purpose.
Each act challenges students to make a difference, whether it’s through serving others, showing appreciation, or making small changes that contribute to a better world. These acts serve as daily reminders that Lent is not just about personal sacrifice but also about contributing to a collective sense of love and hope.
To deepen the connection and understanding of the season of Lent and the Bible story, Marymount offers a special experience of the Garden Stations of the Cross. These pictorial representations of the final stages of Jesus journey to the cross are sections spread throughout the school grounds and become a journey of reflection and prayer. Students can walk the way of the cross, reflecting on the story of Christ’s sacrifice, and using each station as an opportunity to meditate and pray.
This experience allows students to physically engage with the Lenten narrative while also fostering spiritual reflection in a serene, natural setting. It’s a visual and emotional journey that connects the school community with the sacred story of Lent, particularly the events of Holy Week helping everyone to see the journey as a shared pilgrimage.
Lent at Marymount begins with the Ash Wednesday Mass, a reflective occasion where the entire school community comes together to mark the start of the 40-day journey. This celebration is a time for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the meaning of Lent, receive ashes, and come together as a community in prayer. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on the significance of the season, while also embracing the opportunity for growth, healing, and connection.
Throughout the season of Lent, Marymount’s Chaplain offers the sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacred opportunity is available on two Fridays during Lent and allows students, staff, and faculty to seek spiritual renewal and healing through confession. The sacrament is an integral part of the Lenten experience, offering a chance for personal reflection, forgiveness, and growth in faith.
Lent at Marymount International School London is not only a religious tradition—it’s a holistic experience that nurtures the well-being of every student. The focus on personal growth, spirituality, and community reflects the school’s commitment to helping students navigate life’s challenges with resilience, compassion, and faith. By offering opportunities for mindfulness, prayer, and acts of service, Marymount creates an environment where students can reflect on their Lenten journey while building a better world for themselves and others.
As we journey through this Holy Year and reflect on the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that Lent is not just a season to observe; it’s a time to grow together, embrace hope, and work toward a more loving and peaceful world.
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