Ricordia: Lent at Merion Mercy Academy

by Valentina Tartaglini '29

Lent is a time for reflection, prayer, and service. Students at Merion Mercy Academy deepen their relationship with God during this time through community and prayer. 

What religious services are held?

Students, faculty, and staff attended Ash Wednesday Mass on February 18 to begin the Lenten season, and throughout the month of March, Merion held a Lenten enrichment program on Wednesday evenings for adult members of the Mercy community.

How do students get involved?

The customary question: “What are you giving up for Lent?” is integrated into Good Morning Merion, StuCo meetings, club meetings, class discussions, etc. It allows students to get in touch with their faith and reminds students of their responsibility to serve God. 

Student Programs Coordinator Mrs. Tara Dolan ‘94, P’28 teaches a freshman section of theology. Recently, the class wrote a reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten message. The school also held a palm braiding session during which students created palm crucifixes. 

Mercy Minute

What is your favorite part of Lent at Merion?

Margaret Kavaugh’29: “Going to mass regularly is my favorite part of Lent at Merion. Feeling the community!”

Andrea Azuelo’26: “My favorite part of Lent has to be the self-reflection [and] to think about what you want to give up. It allows you to think about what would be the most impactful. You just can’t quit sweets and go back to it after Easter. It helps you create habits. I love Ash Wednesday at Merion. It’s just a time where we can all come together in solidarity with one another and it's a way for us to come together as a community.”

Sister Mandy: “Lent comes from an old Latin word coming for ‘lengthening of days.’ It’s about spring and renewal and growth, instead of death, suffering, and sin!”

Kate Del Pizzo’28: “Grilled cheese sandwiches!” For context, Merion provides students with meat-free lunches on Fridays. 

Mr. Clementi P '16: “Just being part of the communal experience. Having it here [Lent] and present!”