Christians mark lent with call for calm, prayer for the Nation

Feb 09, 2016

We pray that the season enables us to look at the events of the nation as a means of good governance of the country

Christians in Uganda and around the world will tomorrow mark the beginning of their annual Lenten period. The event, which begins with the commemorative Ash Wednesday, is a period of self-examination, repentance and helping the needy.

 

"It is a blessing that lent has come in this heightened time of elections. Please calm down and reflect on what we do and how we do it as believers of Christ," said Msgr. Gerald Kalumba, the Christ the King Parish priest.

 

"We pray that the season enables us to look at the events of the nation as a means of good governance of the country," he said, urging Christians to show maturity, fairness and dignity.

 

Explaining the symbolism of ash, Kalumba said it is used as a sign of penance. "Ash is a biblical symbolism of repentance. It signifies the human condition of the sinner who seeks to express his or her guilt before the Lord with an outward sign expressing inner conversion."

 

In his annual Lenten message, Pope Francis warned the proud, rich and powerful, saying if they ignore the poor, who represent Christ, they will end up in the solitude of hell.

 

The Pope appealed to Christians to use the Lent season to listen to God and do works of mercy. His message was released by the Apostolic Nunciature on Saturday last week.

 

Rev Canon Michael Mukhwana the Provost, All Saints Cathedral Nakasero said this years' fasting period is dedicated to praying for the nation.

 

"As a diocese, this is a season of prayer for the nation. As we bring our repentance to the Lord, he is going to release good leaders that will bring about the change the country desires," Mukhwana said.

 

He added that it is a time of evaluation, looking into our lives and seeing how our walk with the lord has been and getting a clear direction with the Lord.

 

Believers are expected to fast and repent during the 40-day-long season which will climax on Holy Thursday on March 24, 2016. This will be followed by Good Friday and Easter Sunday on March 27.

 

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