The Padua Franciscan High School community gathered to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass, which was presided over by Fr. Bill McIntyre, OFM, Fr. Stephen DeWitt, OFM, Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM, Dcn. Matt Harley and Dcn. Tom Litwinowicz on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
During the homily, Fr. Bill McIntyre talked about the importance of Lent and having the right attitude for maximizing the season as an opportunity to draw everyone closer to God.
“We’re gathered here in public as our Padua family because we will receive ashes,” McIntyre said. “We will fast. Hopefully, we’ll give alms, we’ll pray and be kind to each other. But what does Jesus mean when He asks us not to do these things so others might see them?
“Attitude is important. Your intention makes all the difference. We’re not alone. How does it go? Never alone, always a Bruin.”
McIntyre told a story of a young woman, Jordan, who worked on an engineering project by herself because “group work just slows me down.”
She worked on building a bridge that was tasked with holding books. Despite making the bridge look nice, Jordan’s structure gave way under the weight of the third book, while another group, whose project did not look as put together as Jordan’s, withstood the test.
“How did you do that, Jordan asked. Well, we fixed each other’s mistakes answered one student,” McIntyre said. “Jordan looked at her beautiful but broken bridge and nodded. On the next project, Jordan did not work alone.”
McIntyre reminded us that Lent is not just a solo journey, but a shared experience with an opportunity to help those around us.
“We fast, we pray, we give to charity,” McIntyre said. “We’re all going to pray a little bit more. Alms is an old word meaning giving money, something of value to another person. It also means being a little more generous, and a little kinder to each other. Then, there are those who are in the OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, some of whom are here today with us, and they will be baptized for Easter, receive Communion for the first time and be confirmed.
“We accompany them. We go on their journey together toward Easter. That’s the beauty of our life in Christ, our discipleship. We are never alone.”
McIntyre took the message one step further to remind everyone that “Never Alone, Always a Bruin” is more than just a phrase.
It is a constant reminder to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and to lend a helping hand when needed. He referred to it as “The Three Ss,” feeling safe, seen and supported.
“You’re here to learn,” McIntyre said. “A student is successful in school if they feel safe, seen, and supported. You feel safe where you are seen. People know you, and you know people. People help you become who you need to be, who you can be, and you do the same for others.
“Our expression is similar, and you know it…to be happy, healthy, holy, and highly prepared. These must be more than just beautiful words. Bring others into your circle.”
Following the service, Principal Bob DiRocco reflected on the Ash Wednesday Mass, including the pre-liturgy message from Miss Sarah Jesse ’12, which focused on deepening the relationship between each individual and God.
Then, Principal DiRocco closed the celebration with the words of Pope Leo XIV, who released a Lenten Message before the start of the Catholic Church’s holiest season.
“Pope Leo said, ‘I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor,’” DiRocco recounted. “‘Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.’
“That’s what I’m asking of this community for the next 40 days, that as we walk these halls together, to abstain, to fast from hurtful things, and to turn toward love, to turn back towards God, and to follow His invitation, the holiness to become fully alive. I pray that you have the most blessed Lent. It’s all about God’s love for us, and God’s desire for us to be fully alive.”
