In Secret, God Sees

On 18 February 2026, the entire school community gathered in Korungku Hall to mark the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr. Joseph Sewiss, Secretary to the Papal Nuncio, as the main celebrant. He was joined at the altar by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, the newly installed Rector of the school, who concelebrated. Meanwhile, Fr. Angel Sanchez, SDB, Vice Rector and newly appointed Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama, and Fr Angelo Fazzini sdb, administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering students and staff the opportunity for spiritual renewal.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

In his homily, Fr. Sewiss emphasized the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and added a fourth dimension: doing all these in secret. God calls us to pray, fast, and give quietly, without seeking recognition or praise. In the Gospel, Jesus repeats three times: “Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” This repetition underscores the profound importance of the teaching and reminds us that true discipleship is measured not by outward display, but by the sincerity of the heart.

Why should we pray, fast, and give in secret?

There are two profound reasons:

First, to dedicate everything to God. Our good works are not meant for our own glory or self-promotion. When we offer them entirely to God, He Himself will reward us. We don’t need to chase human praise—God’s recognition is greater.

Second, to protect the dignity of others. Giving in secret ensures that those in need are not exposed or embarrassed. It preserves their honor and reminds us that charity is about love, not display.

The homily was followed by the imposition of ashes—a gesture rich in meaning. Ashes remind us of humility, our dependence on God, yet they also carry a message of hope. They mark the beginning of a sacred journey: a call to turn away from whatever distances us from the Lord and to return to Him, the One who never tires of welcoming us with open arms.

This solemn celebration invited the school community to embrace Lent not merely as a season of sacrifice, but as a time of renewal and grace. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in secret, each person is called to grow closer to God and to live out their faith with humility and compassion. As the ashes remind us, our journey begins in repentance but leads us to hope—the promise of God’s mercy and the joy of Easter.

Lent is therefore not only about giving up or denying ourselves, but about rediscovering what truly matters: our relationship with God and our love for one another. It is a season that challenges us to strip away distractions, to quiet our hearts, and to listen more attentively to the voice of the Lord. In doing so, we learn to see His presence in the ordinary moments of life and to respond generously to those around us.

Christ present among us in the Most Holy Eucharist.

As the school community steps into this sacred season together, the call is clear: to walk the path of humility, to serve with compassion, and to prepare our hearts for the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. May this Lenten journey strengthen our faith, deepen our love, and renew our hope in the God who sees in secret and rewards with eternal life.