By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga has described Ash Wednesday as a time for sincere repentance and new turn around.
His Lordship speaking on the 2021 Ash Wednesday evening Mass held at Holy Ghost Cathedral reminded Christians that Ash Wednesday presents an opportunity to seek repentance from our sins through fasting and prayer, live a holy life and to always bear in mind that from dust we are made and to dust we shall all return.
“This is a time of repentance and holiness”, said his Lordship.
It has been Bishops’ tradition to say the Ash Wednesday Mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral each year and this year, the Mass was said while observing strict Covid-19 protocol.
In his Homily, Bishop Onaga said that Ash Wednesday brings out two basic things that are special and are cardinal to the lives of Christians. He said; “It reminds us that we are sinners and are seeking repentance and it teaches us that from dust we are made and to dust we shall return.”
His Lordship reminded the faithful of the importance to understand and be in tandem with why they are participating in the ceremonial placement of Ash on the forehead.
According to Him, Everything is transient in this world, therefore, nobody should allow the things of the world to worry or hold them hostage.
His Lordship decried the level of evil and abnormality that has unfortunately been accepted as the norm in the society today and charged everyone to search through their hearts and make amends where they are failing.
“It is possible God is not happy with us in this country and the world and he needs us to come back to him in repentance. Let us repent and go back to God. This period, we are expected to prayer more fervently, pray our Chaplet every day and while we pray, we should also offer thanksgiving.
“The act of charity is essential this period. Help the helpless and the needy. You have to give because it is good to help and it is in obedience to God.
“This is the time to reconcile with everyone you are in conflict with. Make peace with everyone and if they don’t want to reconcile, put it in prayer as well.
“Also, be humble enough to seek for forgiveness and say ‘I am sorry’ when you are at fault, learn to say i am sorry!
“Everybody in Enugu Diocese has to show God that they are sorry for what is happening in the society, and at least, for this Forty(40) days make sure you wear your face mask always”, His Lordship admonished.
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