Ash Wednesday falls this year on February 18, with the First Sunday of Lent following. Lent is a time set aside to prepare for Easter through prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal in the Catholic Church. Humphries’ reflection will premiere on the first Monday of Lent and will be available to Ascension App users worldwide as part of the app’s daily Scripture reading experience, which reaches tens of thousands of users each day.

"On the first Monday of Lent we read from Leviticus in Mass: 'Be holy, as I the LORD your God am holy!' This kind of holiness means nothing less than entering the mystery of God Himself. It is a blessing that we get to invite our students and those who use the Ascension App to a deeper relationship with Christ through Scripture and the Sacraments this Lent," Humphries said.

Humphries’ participation in the app reflects Saint Leo University’s mission to educate students in mind, body, and spirit, while advancing the university’s Catholic Benedictine tradition. At Saint Leo University, he teaches courses in philosophy, theology, and religion, as well as emergency management, and is actively involved in Campus Ministry, supporting the university’s Catholic identity and student spiritual formation. More information about Saint Leo University’s Campus Ministry is available at ministry.saintleo.edu/.

Humphries also teaches non-degree courses through Saint Leo’s Skills Academy, including Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part I, an eight-week, self-paced online course that introduces the Profession of Faith and explores foundational Catholic teachings. More information about this online course is available at skillsacademy.saintleo.edu/product?catalog=Catechism_Catholic_Church_Part_I.

Humphries is the author of “Ascetic Pneumatology from John Cassian to Gregory the Great” (Oxford University Press, 2013) and “Many Are Called, But Who Is Chosen” (Wipf and Stock, 2017). He holds a Mandatum from the local bishop, recognizing his pledge to teach Catholic theology in communion with the Magisterium of the Church, as required of Catholic theologians teaching at Catholic universities.

Ascension Press is a faith-formation apostolate and company, providing Catholic study programs, books, and resources to Catholic parishes, schools, organizations, and individuals. Its app offers daily Bible readings, podcasts, and faith formation content, and regularly features well-known Catholic leaders, such as Fr. Mike Schmitz. Ascension’s digital platforms are used by Catholics around the world seeking accessible and reliable faith-based resources.

About Saint Leo University:

Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university dedicated to helping learners of all backgrounds and ages gain the competence and courage to be more. Offering more than 55 degree programs to more than 13,000 students each year, the nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and several online programs. The university is home to more than 106,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.