Embrace the Eucharist

By Ethan Holverson

Lent is a season in which Christians around the world reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. As a college rooted in Catholicism, Loras offers a variety of events and opportunities to encourage students to participate in the Lenten season and grow in their faith.

Last week, a Loras alumnus named Fr. Angelus Montgomery (’07) was back on campus to celebrate Mass and help with communal Reconciliation. However, his primary purpose of being back on campus was to deliver a series of three talks for the Loras “Lenten Mission”. The attendees included Loras students, faculty, and community members.

Senior Andrew Grossklaus attended all three of these talks, and said,

“He wanted to empower college students to be their best, authentic self. Fr. Angelus was straight up honest, vulnerable and real with us. He has been in our shoes and knows that navigating college is difficult. I walked out of there with a deeper appreciation of just how powerful faith can be in order to be the people for whom God created us to be.”

Another opportunity offered during the Lenten season was the “Father’s House” retreat, hosted by the Loras FOCUS team. This retreat took place from March 8 through March 10, in Waterville, Iowa.

“The most rewarding part of this retreat was being able to spend time in the real presence of the Blessed Sacrament. I’ve always enjoyed adoration, but being in front of the Eucharist up close and on my knees was the most powerful and profound thing I’ve ever experienced. This experience brought me a deep sense of peace and it gave me affirmation in knowing that I am deeply loved. The Father showed me that night that He knew the deepest depths of my heart and that He wants so much for me to trust in Him,” senior Elizabeth Tigges said of the retreat.

The retreat consisted of a few talks, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and small group discussion, as well as lots of silent time for prayer.

Tigges continued, “I would definitely recommend this retreat to everyone. Whether you are looking to start a relationship with God the Father or seeking deep healing, this retreat is a great opportunity to grow and be touched by the Father’s love.”

In addition to the retreat, Loras also offers Eucharistic Adoration each day in St. Joseph’s Chapel from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., highlighted by a special overnight Adoration in Christ The King Chapel, from Tuesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. through Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m. Students were asked to sign up for a 30 minute shift to be present in the chapel over the entirety of the 21 hour period.

Loras will host other events throughout the Lenten season, such as the Holy Power Hours hosted by FOCUS, which will be held on April 6 and May 4, which are both Saturdays; Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will continue not only through the season of Lent, but throughout the rest of the year. For those who wish to get involved, contact any of the four FOCUS missionaries: Hayden Merkel, Hunter Beggs, John Piccone, and Veronica Kramer.