By Francesca Hangeior
The Catholic Priest-in-Charge, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Tedi, Ojo, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thompson, has urged the faithful to exhibit self-denial and charity and pray for the nation during the Lent season.
Thompson spoke during a Mass celebrated in the church to mark Ash Wednesday as Nigerian Catholic faithful joined others across the world to celebrate the beginning of the season.
The Mass offered a faithful opportunity for faith renewal in God.
At Saint Peter and Paul, people came in early to take part in the 6.30 a.m. Mass and the administration of ash on the forehead.
Speaking during the Mass, Thompson described the lent period as a public and regular fasting and prayer season used to ask God for the forgiveness of sin for the common good.
He said that the ash administration on the forehead was a show of one’s commitment to the rules and observation of the period.
“The act of self-denial is expected of you, especially during this time, as one of the observances that will earn you quality Christian character.
“The quantity and quality of your food intake should be reduced to correspond to the season and build in your personal traits devoid of materialistic drive.
“Savings made from a reduction in your excessive intake and luxurious lifestyle during this period should be donated to charity without making such almsgiving public.
“This is the right time to pray for your country for God to grant its leaders grace to lead the people right.
“Fast and pray for the development of society.
“Atonement for one’s sin and that of others during this period draws the attention of heaven for forgiveness and blessings,” he said.
The preacher said there were various benefits and rewards attached to the individual and community that participated in the yearly ritual.
He said that the scriptures enjoined the faithful to cater for the poor in society.
“This is the period to exhibit that directive more, to give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
He noted the insecurity in the land and asked the faithful to make it a daily prayer point for God to wipe it out.