ASH WEDNESDAY: CLERGYMEN IN ENUGU CALL FOR SOBER REFELECTION

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the Most Reverend Callistus Onaga wants Christians to take advantage of the Lenten period to forgive one another amend their evil ways and make peace with God.

Articulating his views on significance of Ash Wednesday in Enugu, Bishop Onaga described it as the beginning of Lent, which ushers in forty day of prayer for purification and self discipline.

The Bishop noted that the remark during Ash application “remember man dust thou art and unto dust thou shall return” reminds man that everything on earth is mere transitory.

In a homily during a Holy Mass celebration to mark Ash Wednesday at the Lambhood Community Enugu, the Provincial Superior, the Reverend Father Casmary De Jesus Nwokolo, attributed incessant killings in parts of the country to lack of love; urging Nigerians to love one another no matter the tribe or religion.

The Ash Wednesday Holy mass featured application of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful and prayer for blessings on families.

Similarly, the Director of communications, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, the Reverend Father Benjamin Achi have encouraged Christians to use the period of lent to make peace with mankind and God to enjoy eternal salvation.

He gave the advice during an Ash Wednesday Sermon at the Sam Nwaneri Event Centre, Radio Nigeria Enugu.

The Reverend Father Achi while reminding Christians of the essence of the season, which according to him is anchored on prayer, fasting and almsgiving, says human stay on earth is short-lived, thus the need to prepare for eternity.

He explained that Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lenten season, which was of time of penance and deep reflections, stressing that the church used the occasion to remind humanity that the world was transient.

He also stated that the church had dedicated the day to pray against the problem of insecurity, poverty, hunger and economic hardship currently confronting the country.

In an interview, the Deputy Director Administration, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Enugu National Station, Mr. Innocent Egwuagu, stated that the faith of Christians in Nigeria was being challenged by insurgency and called for prayers to attract God’s intervention and mercy.

Others who also stated that the Lenten period meant to them, including Mr. Greg Odiakosa, Mrs. Chika Okafor and Mrs. Chinyere Eluka, explained it was a time for sober reflection and living according to the doctrine of Christ.

Most FRCN Catholic members wore black cloths in compliance with the directive of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria to protest incessant killings in the country.

In another interview, the Parish Priest of the Church of Redemption, Anglican Church Ogui New Layout, the Venerable Emeka Ezeji advised Christians to use the period to pray for the country and ask God for forgiveness.

The Venerable Ezeji encouraged the faithful to show love to their neighbours and use the period to forgive those who had wronged them.

Meanwhile, some Christian adherents in Enugu metropolis say Ash Wednesday reminds them that they are nothing but dust.

Two Christians, Chukwuemeka Orjiude and Chukwuemeka Mba told our correspondent that the occasion provided them the opportunity to reflect on their lives and renew commitment to always uphold the peace and unity of the nation.

Another respondent, Mrs. Ngozi Mba, said the period was significant as it offered her the time to rededicate her life to God and imbibe humility.

Ash Wednesday is observed globally by some Orthordox churches, basically the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.

ADAOBI ANAH, OBINNA OGBUKA AND CHRISTIAN NWANGENE