What does Lent mean to you? Do you think it is a particularly significant period?
It is a period of preparation, penance, prayer and alms-giving. I believe it should be an important time of year for Christians as it commemorates the passion of Jesus Christ. If not significant in the eyes of some, I guess it should still be respected. Jeremy Spiteri, 20, B. Commerce (Accounts and Insurance).
I found Lent more significant when I was younger; it meant sacrificing something I considered to be big because God had sacrificed everything for me. I still feel the same way about it now, but not making a sacrifice isn’t such a big deal anymore. Kristina Mulligan, 21, Doctor of Laws.
I was brought up tying Lent with the concept of fasting and sacrifice, but that connection started ebbing away in my teenage years. I get the historical significance behind it and I appreciate the concept, but I’m not a believer in the Church, so I won’t fast during this period. David Hudson, 20, BA English (Hons).
Are you doing any sacrifice during this period?
Yes, I try to abstain from sweets and other sugary foods. Jeremy Spiteri
We don’t eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays at home, and for the past four or five years my sacrifice has been biting my tongue and not arguing for 40 days, which is the biggest sacrifice I can make. Kristina Mulligan
Since it is a religious matter, no, because, as I said, I don’t adhere to the doctrines of the Church. I believe our aptitude for sacrifice should be saved for significant matters, because some people consider fasting during Lent a substitute to being benevolent in moments that require our integrity. David Hudson
Do people do sacrifices during this period out of habit or conviction?
I believe the answer to this question lies in the strength of people’s faith together with their personal intentions. Perhaps many sacrifice out of habit because they haven’t fully understood the meaning of Lent. Jeremy Spiteri
I think most people do it for some ulterior motive, like not eating chocolate to lose weight or not watching TV programmes so they can focus on studying. Kristina Mulligan
I wouldn’t know as every individual’s convictions are very private matters. Whatever the case, I admire them for their resolution but I also hope that this sacrifice is a testament to their integrity when it comes to dealing with their peers. David Hudson
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.