As the season of Lent unfolds, students at the University of Illinois Springfield embark on a journey of spiritual preparation and reflection. For senior TJ Pinedo, Lent holds a special significance as a time to draw closer to his faith through intentional practices and disciplines. To TJ, Lent is more than a countdown to Easter.  “It symbolizes the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert to prepare for His ministry,” he said. “We do similarly with spiritual disciplines and practices to grow closer to Him.”.For many students like TJ, Lent is an opportunity to delve into prayer, self-reflection, and acts of sacrifice, aligning their lives with the spiritual journey of Jesus.

On the UIS campus, the Lenten community may be sparse, but it carries a unique camaraderie among those who intentionally observe the season. According to TJ, the number of Christians actively practicing Lent is relatively few, creating a sense of rarity within the community. “There’s a lot of Christians, but the number of Christians that intentionally practice Lent is much less,” he noted.

Despite the smaller community, Lent becomes a unifying factor for those who participate. The intentional observance of Lent becomes a shared experience that fosters bonds among students. “It does mean that there’s less of a community as well, but when others do practice, it can be another way to bond with them,” TJ said. In this way, Lent becomes a thread weaving through the diverse fabric of the UIS campus, connecting students in their shared commitment to spiritual growth and preparation.

In conclusion, Lent at UIS is not just a personal journey for individuals like TJ Pinedo – it is a communal experience that brings together a select group of students, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose during this sacred season of preparation.