Pontiff moved by suffering

Feb 24, 2004

AS Lent starts today, Pope John Paul II has urged all Catholics to make use of the 40-day period to reflect on the plight of those in need, particularly the children.

By John Kakande

AS Lent starts today, Pope John Paul II has urged all Catholics to make use of the 40-day period to reflect on the plight of those in need, particularly the children.

“Let us set out with trust on our Lenten journey, sustained by fervent prayer, penance and concern for those in need. May this Lent be a time of ever greater concern for the needs of children, in our own families and in society as a whole; for they are the future of humanity,” said the Pope in his message issued from the Vatican.

Lent is the 40 days preceding Easter when Christians pray, fast, give alms and reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The season begins with Ash Wednesday, when priests shed the foreheads of Christians with ash as a symbol of repentance.

Christians believe that prior to undertaking his ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness praying and fasting.
The Pope emphasised concern for children.

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