Ash Wednesday: Can You Find The Catholics?

It was a very nice morning, not at all cold, and I was able to walk to mass without a coat. See how pretty it was with the sun rising?

A beautiful start to the day

Mass was different from back home. It was only half an hour, but still very satisfying. When I went up to receive my ashes, the priest said, "Repent and believe in the gospel." There was no singing, as per usual, and there were maybe thirty people there, ten of which were Americans I knew. I don't usually like it when people post pictures with their ashes, but I'm really proud, so I will. 

My very first Ash Wednesday selfie

When I went to Christology, the priest noticed my ashes and asked if we had this custom in the states. I explained that we did, however, I was used to being told, "'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." He agreed that that's the better phrase, and appreciated that I woke up early to attend mass. 

Walking to and from classes, there were a lot of kids who would stare intently at my face, and then get really wide eyes. Some even said out loud, "Oh, crap! It's Ash Wednesday!" I didn't see many Irish kids with ashes, but that could be because they didn't go to mass until later at night. However, some of the Irish kids I know said that they haven't participated in Lent since they left home. 

After classes, I had a nice chat with Ashley. It was really great to be able to catch up and talk to someone back home about classes and all my adventures here. I miss everyone so darn much.

We were happy

It was so warm, Suze and Sara and I took a walk around campus. They showed me the cemetery, that was surprisingly right behind my religion class. It had this AMAZING walk way that was covered by trees and was so incredibly cool. There was also a short walking path, which we found forked at one point and went to an abandoned farm (we were too scared to go in). 

The opening

The coolest path ever

The cemetery

My ashes stayed on most of the day. I touched my head a lot doing my homework though, but I was still impressed that they lasted so long. I watched the boys play rugby in the field outside my bedroom, and started my first paper, which helped keep my mind of how hungry I was from fasting all day.

Still on!

My roomies and I waited until midnight to go out (they are very respectful of my religion which is so great). It was Clockhouse night, So, we were sardines again. We left after an hour since there were a lot of fights breaking out and people blacking out. 

Home is better anyway

Tomorrow is our favorite night: The Roost! I'm so excited for live music and actual room to dance. The night is so much better when you're not getting shoved into other people. I look forward to sharing with you all!