Cause for reflection

Deirdre Newman

The ashes in Ash Wednesday this year took on deeper significance with

a potential war in Iraq looming, Newport-Mesa Catholic leaders said

Wednesday.

On the day Christians searched their souls and repented for their

sins, the ashes that marked their introspection reflected the

destruction that could rain down on Iraq, said Monsignor Bill

McLaughlin of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach.

“If I were in Iraq today, ashes would be [what] me, my neighbors

and the cities would be in a short time, and that wouldn’t be a

delightful thought,” McLaughlin said. “As a Christian, I pray for

peace in the world.”

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent -- the 40 days,

excluding Sundays, that lead up to Easter -- and is supposed to be a

day of fasting. McLaughlin urged the congregation to fast for the

right reasons.

“Don’t go on a diet for Lent. That’s vainglorious nonsense,”

McLaughlin said. “Fast for good things to happen in our world. Fast

so the poor can eat, so the blind can see. Don’t make it for

cosmetics.”

Adults, high school students and families flocked to Our Lady

Queen of Angels to join in the somber service. Lorian Petry said she

came to fortify her bond with other Christians.

“We often pray alone, hopefully daily,” Petry said. “There’s a

sense of wholeness and coming together of the love and the praise

that we want to give God, and the relationship we have with each

other is hopefully strengthened by our presence here.”

Lent is also usually a time of sacrifice.

Andrea Savopolos, a 16-year-old junior at Corona del Mar High

School decided to give up chocolate. Andrea said she loves chocolate

and that sacrificing it will mean more to her and be more effective

this year because of the uncertainty of the times.

Mariann Dwyer, who teaches an informal Bible study class, said she

would tell her students to read the Bible more during Lent.

“It just gives encouragement, affirmation and a sense of optimism

for the day,” Dwyer said.

Petry said she considers Lent in its more historic version as a

time of significant change, or metanoia.

“It’s a change from within,” Petry said. “Don’t give up something

so superficial, but make a change that’s good and lasting, so once

you do it for 40 days, hopefully you’re changed for the better.”

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers Costa Mesa and may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at [email protected].