Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday!

In the cozy warmth of St. Boniface Grade School's classroom, with its walls lined by the reassuring presence of religious icons and the slightly off-beat clanking of the radiators, Sister Mary Claire walked to the blackboard and with a squeak from her chalk wrote   "Today is Ash Wednesday." Outside, the silhouette of St. Boniface Catholic Church stood stark against the Iowa sky, a constant reminder of faith and community for the children within.

"Children," Sister Mary Claire began, her voice gentle yet clear over the hum of the radiator, "today marks the beginning of Lent, a very special time for us to reflect and prepare for Easter."

Kathy, with her hair tied in neat ribbons, looked up attentively, her eyes wide with the earnest desire to understand. "Sister, what should we do for Lent?" she asked.

Sister Mary Claire smiled, turning to the Crucifix hanging near the  blackboard "We pray, we fast, and we give alms. It's a time to grow closer to God, to understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us." She handed Kathy a small purple booklet. "This will help guide you through the next forty days."

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, marking the passage of the sacred season's start. In this moment, in the heart of the year1955, Sister Mary Claire was not just imparting a lesson on liturgical observance but nurturing a seed of faith that would grow with Kathy, rooted in the rich soil of tradition and community at St. Boniface.