Soroti clergy call for prayer, fasting and reconciliation as lent begins

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Christian leaders in Soroti have called on believers to observe the 40-day Lenten season with deep spiritual commitment, emphasising prayer, fasting, charity, repentance and reconciliation as central pillars of the sacred period.

The call was made during Ash Wednesday services held across major churches in Soroti city, marking the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and preparation for Easter, commemorating the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A call for transformation

At St Charles Lwanga Eucharistic Centre Catholic Church in Kichinjaji ward, Soroti city, the vicar general of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr Robert Ecogu, urged Christians to commit fully to prayer, fasting, almsgiving and reconciliation.

Even the elderly used Ash Wednesday to renew their commitment to prayer and repentance. (Credit: Christine Itado)

Fr Ecogu described Ash Wednesday as a profound opportunity for believers to make themselves “100 percent available to God”, noting that the imposition of ashes on the forehead serves as a reminder of repentance and spiritual renewal.

He emphasised that Lent is not merely a ritual period but a sacred journey of reflection and self-examination leading to Easter.

“This season invites us to deepen our faith through sincere prayer, disciplined fasting, acts of charity, and reconciliation with one another,” Fr Ecogu said.

He encouraged Christians to dedicate time to personal and communal prayer, attend church services consistently and meditate on the Word of God.

On fasting, Fr Ecogu clarified that it goes beyond abstaining from food.

“True fasting means turning away from sinful habits, negative behaviours, and anything that distances us from God,” he explained.

He further called on believers to extend compassion to the poor, the sick and vulnerable members of society, stressing that charity reflects Christ’s love in action.



Bishop Eciru warns against misinterpretation of fasting

At Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev. Joseph Eciru Oliach, cautioned married couples against misinterpreting fasting practices.

Delivering his homily during Ash Wednesday Mass, Bishop Eciru warned that some couples wrongly deny their spouses basic needs under the guise of religious observance.

He stressed that authentic fasting must be practised in a spirit of love, mutual understanding and spiritual growth.

“Fasting should draw us closer to God and to one another, not create division in families,” Bishop Eciru emphasised.

He urged Christians to renew their relationship with God and embrace Lent as a season of genuine repentance and transformation.



Anglican Church echoes call for repentance

Meanwhile, at St Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti, Anglican vicar Boniface Esomu called on believers to use the Lenten season to repent sincerely and turn away from wrongdoing.

He encouraged Christians to renew their faith through prayer, forgiveness and acts of kindness.

Similarly, Fr Robert Amoni at Immaculate Conception Cathedral urged Christians to intensify prayer, repentance and almsgiving, highlighting the importance of restoring broken relationships and letting go of grudges.

Christians reflect on the meaning of Lent

Several Christians who attended the Ash Wednesday services described Lent as a time for sacrifice, self-discipline and spiritual renewal.

Many said they intend to focus on strengthening their prayer life, forgiving others and supporting those in need during the 40-day journey.

A season of renewal

The Lenten season will culminate in the celebration of Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolising hope, redemption and new life.

Across denominations in Soroti, the message was consistent: Lent is not simply about ritual observance but about transformation of the heart, reconciliation within families and communities and renewed commitment to righteous living.