The spring season is often seen as a time of rebirth and renewal. Many can start to feel the shift in warmer weather as the transition from winter to summer begins.
This time of the year also marks the season of Lent for many religious Sun Devils across ASU's campuses and worldwide. Lent consists of the 40 days leading up to the resurrection of Jesus, widely known as Easter.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Thursday before Easter — Holy Thursday. During this time, many Sun Devils have altered parts of their daily routines through Lenten sacrifices or practices.
Many denominations of Christians partake in Lenten sacrifices to replicate the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus went into the desert and was tempted. This acts as a time of reverence for religious individuals and serves as a way to strengthen their faith.
For Catholics, Lent is viewed as a season that focuses on prayer, fasting and almsgiving — a time to rely on God's grace.
"He (Jesus) did all this for us," said Alyssa Lopez, a junior studying neuroscience and psychology. " I've been trying to find ways that I can make sacrifices for him."
Lenten sacrifices differ depending on the individual. Catholics, specifically, decide between sacrificing a habit or picking up a new one for the 40 days.
When considering a sacrifice, individuals make their decision by comparing which act will make their season more meaningful. Some give up sweets, social media or fast food, while some dedicate time to the gym, school or prayer.
Inspired by an old family tradition, Lopez decided to partake in fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays, from sunrise to sunset. During the times when she would typically eat, she reads her Bible and takes a moment to reflect.
Nathaniel Groff, a sophomore studying Spanish and student leader of the Latino men's Bible study, is partaking in a program called Exodus 40. According to Groff, participants begin taking cold showers, going to the gym and praying for an hour a day while cutting out snacks between meals, video games, social media and unnecessary phone or computer use.
Groff took on the program with several of his friends and said they act as anchors providing accountability.
"You have those people that you can communicate with," Groff said. "Share your struggles so that people can keep you accountable."
Both students gave gratitude to their fellow Catholics and friends who have helped them to stay obedient in their practices. Groff and Lopez are active members at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center on ASU's Tempe campus.
Newman Center student outreach coordinator Ashley Byron, a junior studying community health, put a spin on a traditional social media cleanse. Rather than cutting social media out all together, Byron is only allowing herself to use social media while standing.
This applies to waiting in lines and idle situations. Byron said this helps her to refrain from getting caught in the loophole of "doom scrolling." On top of the cleanse, she is also cutting back on unnecessary online purchases.
Byron said it's been difficult to cut back on something that is so habitual. She also said a common struggle people may face is understanding the full extent of what they can get out of Lent, noting that some people may abandon their new habit after the season is over.
Byron said her advice to fellow Catholics struggling is to "remember the reason for the fast and rely on God's grace."
Byron emphasized that the season is about building consistency and not beating yourself up when you do not complete a habit.
"Lent is not a practice only for Catholics," Byron said.
She said people do not have to be religious or actively practicing to participate in Lenten sacrifices to benefit from the exercise.
"It's a great way to challenge yourself and to rely on something bigger than yourself to complete something difficult," Byron said.
Edited by Senna James, Sophia Braccio, Tiya Talwar and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at emalvar9@asu.edu.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
Emilio is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication and political science. This is his first semester with The State Press.
