Ash Wednesday: Cleric tasks Christians on prayers, alms giving

The Archbishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, on Wednesday called on Christians to make the Lenten period very purposeful by praying, fasting and giving alms.

Dunia made the call during a Mass to celebrate Ash Wednesday in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

He also urged Christians to actively participate in activities to mark the Lent to gain the blessings accrued with the season.

“Lenten period comes with so much demand; as Christians and Partakers in the Kingdom, we have to fast, pray and give alms.

“We should make it a Lent with a purpose. We should not waste this period. We should act so that by the end of the period, we will stand firm and be happy with ourselves,’’ he said.

The cleric said that the Lenten period was a time for Christians to reflect on their lives, find out where they had gone wrong and where to make amendment.

Dunia said the Ash reminded Christians that they are dust and would return to dust one day.

He said that the mark on their foreheads remained an indelible mark in their hearts in order to help them always reflect on repentance.

“Ash Wednesday ushers in the Lenten Season, a 40-day period of penance, reflection and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

“It is a period of conversion, self denial, renewal, reconciliation, change and growth; it is about denying self for the life of others,” he said.