ON THE OCCASION OF ASH WEDNESDAY, CHRISTIANS ADVISED TO SHOW LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER.

As Orthodox Christian Community all over the world observes Ash Wednesday today, Christians are urged to have true repentance and seek the face of God.

The Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, the Most Reverend Christopher Ede gave the advice in Enugu while speaking on the significance of the day.

The Most reverend Ede explained that this observance which marks the beginning of Lenten season, was a period of fasting, repentance and spiritual discipline.

Also,the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the Most reverend Callistus Onaga wants Christians to take advantage of the of the season to imbibe the culture of self discipline and remain focused.

Speaking on the essence of Ash Wednesday in Enugu, Bishop Onaga noted that the memorable feast ushered in Lenten Period.

He maintained that during Lent, people take note of their shortfalls and repent where they had erred.

Bishop Onaga laid emphasis on praying fervently for the peace and stability of the country.

While identifying alms giving and forgiveness as some of the things needed in Lent observance, Bishop Onaga advised people to reconcile with God and their fellow human beings.

In the same vein, the catholic bishop of Awka Diocese,Anambra State, the Most reverend Paulinus Ezeokaforwants Christian faithful to use the period to extend love to one another.

The Most reverend Ezeokafor who gave the advice in a chat with newsmen in Awka said the season offered Christians the opportunity to draw closer to God in prayers, fasting and meditation.

He said it was a blessing that this year’s celebration coincided with the Valentine’s Day, marked on the fourteenth day of February each year.

The Bishop explained that Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of the Lenten season signified sacrifice, so also is valentine day.

Bishop Ezeokafor however expressed dissatisfaction with those who criticized  people willing to demonstrate acts of charity through what God had blessed them with, and urged them not to be deterred by such criticisms.

Meanwhile, a Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Uchenna Ogwu

explained that the significance of the Ash robbed on the forehead of christian faithful on the occasion was to remind them they that they came from dust and would eventually return to dust.

The season of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday lasts for forty days before Easter Sunday.