Traditions are a very important part of Saint Anselm culture; we honor them and celebrate the meaning that they bring to our community. Lent is one of the biggest religious celebrations on our campus during the spring semester. Over the course of 40 days, the Office of Campus Ministry and the Abbey Church sponsor a series of events, Masses, and reflections.
“Traditionally, there are three pillars or observances that guide us through this interior pilgrimage - prayer, fasting and almsgiving,” said Susan Gabert, assistant dean of students and director of campus ministry. Prayer during Lent is supposed to draw us closer to God. Fasting is an ancient practice linked to Lent, seen as an aid to prayer. The hunger is meant to remind us of our hunger for God and those who are forced to fast because of poverty or their circumstances. The Anselmian tradition of abstaining from meat can also link us to the poor and as a spiritual link to those whose sustenance is sparse.
Lastly, almsgiving can be an expression of gratitude for what God has given us. Among the various programs offered on campus, Operation Rice Bowl exemplifies the almsgiving pillar. This program allows for 75% of gifts to fund development and education projects overseas while the remaining 25% supports and alleviates local hunger and poverty in New Hampshire.
Ash Wednesday commemorates the beginning of the Lenten season. Three masses are offered throughout the day which are opened to students, staff, and visitors. Many members of our community choose to attend Masses on campus to participate in our unique way of following this tradition. Ash Wednesday is also distinguished on campus as a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. On this day, no meat is served at college dining services to honor the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. This also highlights the college’s commitment to our Benedictine values and our connection to the monastery.
Additionally, meat is renounced on Fridays until Easter, which indicates the end of Lent. This experience educates members of our community about the significance these traditions have on our campus and of our Catholic identity.
The daily Lenten reflections are also a big part of the celebration at Saint Anslem College. Every day during Lent, Campus Ministry emails the community a reflection written by a student, faculty, staff member or monk. These reflections help in unifying the Anselmian community and also share different religious perspectives.
Many students happily participate and enjoy Lent on campus as well as the activities and programs established. Jessica Diggings ’23, an English major and a Campus Ministry Peer Minister, is always “uplifted by the unitive effect of Lent on campus.” Diggings sees this Lent celebration alongside the Monastic community as a blessing. “Their reverence, constant sacrifice and humility, and —most importantly—love for the campus community embody so much of what we should all be striving toward during this season,” said Diggings.
With the idea of Anselmian traditions in mind, the college is also excited to bring back two Alumni events during the Lenten season. Because of COVID, it will be the first year that these two events are in-person since 2019.
The Anselmian Day of Reflection and Renewal is on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 11 AM. This event has taken various forms over the last 30 years. Initially, it was considered a “Golden Anselmian” program, which welcomed alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Approximately five years ago, it was opened up to all alumni. The event will be led by Abbot Matthew Leavy, O.S.B., beginning with a Mass, followed by lunch, guided reflections and prayer.
Additionally, the college is also hosting its 26th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 10, 2022. This event is opened to all alumni and is seen by Father Benet Phillips, O.S.B. ’87 as an opportunity for families with young children to return to campus. The beauty of the tradition is the introduction of the “next generation” to Saint Anselm College.