Jakarta, February 18, 2026 – In order to welcome the Lenten Season of 2026, the Student Affairs Division of Bunda Mulia University with the Catholic Spiritual Activity Unit – KMK (Catholic Student Family) held the annual Ash Wednesday Mass with the theme “Returning to the Heart: With the Father Who Sees in Silence.” The main purpose of the Ash Wednesday Mass for Catholics is to mark the beginning of Lent, which is a 40-day period of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. Through this celebration, the congregation is invited to enter a period of repentance, fasting, and abstinence. This Mass was led by Father Rido Simatupang, SVD from St. Alfonsus Rodriguez Church, Pademangan, North Jakarta. In addition to Catholic students, this mass was also attended by Catholic lecturers and staff at the Ancol Campus.
The Mass began with the chant “O Lord, We Come,” followed by the Call to Penance and the Collective Prayer. The Liturgy of the Word included the first reading from Joel 2:12–18, the Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 51:3–4, 5–6, 12–13, 14, 17, the second reading from 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2, and the Gospel reading from Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18. In his homily, Father Rido reiterated Jesus’ teachings on the three main practices of Lent: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. These three things are the foundation for Catholics in observing Lent in 2026.
Through this activity, Bunda Mulia University demonstrates its commitment to supporting the development of Christian faith and the worship activities of its academic community. This Ash Wednesday Mass is expected to be a meaningful beginning for the academic community as they begin the Lenten season of 2026.
Bunda Mulia University
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