On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, CSB, returned to Catholic Central High School to lead the Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. A member of the Basilian Fathers from Houston, Bishop Ramírez previously taught at Catholic Central for two years, an experience he recalls fondly.

“Here, I learned how to be a Basilian. I learned how to teach. I learned that you can work very hard and still be very happy. Those were two of the happiest years of my life,” he shared with students and faculty.

The Mass began with a simple yet powerful message projected on the screen: “Reform your life and believe in the Good News.” 

Bishop Ramírez used his homily to emphasize the significance of Lent as a time to reflect on who we are, acknowledging our sins while also embracing our identity as beloved children of God.

“Lent is a special time where we think about who we are,” he explained. “When we receive ashes, we repent and remember that we are dust, and to dust, we shall return. All of life is a preparation for our death.”

He encouraged students to view Lent not just as a time to give up small pleasures, like soda or social media, but as an opportunity to make deeper, more meaningful sacrifices.

Bishop Ramírez challenged students to fast from worry, selfishness, grudges, and ignorance.

“Many of you worry—about exams, making your parents proud, performing in sports. Stop worrying. Jesus is with you,” he said. “Why do you worry so much when Jesus is your shepherd, with all His power and love?”

He also urged the Catholic Central community to use Lent as a time to serve others. “Maybe at home, you can be a better sibling or a more helpful child.”

One of his strongest messages was about fasting from ignorance—specifically, the ignorance of Jesus Christ.

“Grow in your knowledge of Jesus. Make it a lifelong project,” he encouraged. “Take a theology class outside of Catholic Central, join a Catholic Bible study, go to Mass in college. The more you learn, the closer you grow to Him.”

As he concluded his homily, Bishop Ramírez shared what he called his most important takeaway for the students.

“Jesus says, ‘Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.’ That is my message to you—learn from Christ. Let Lent be a time to deepen your faith, serve others, and embrace the love of Jesus in all that you do.”