By Chikezie Ogbonna
As Christians around the world prepare to embark on the solemn journey of Lent, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, delivered a profound reflection on the essence of the season. Speaking at a press conference at the Bishop’s court on Monday 3rd March 2025, Bishop Onaga urged Christians to embrace Lent as a time of deep spiritual introspection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery—the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Significance of Lent
The Bishop began by explaining the origins of the word “Lent,” which comes from the Old English term “Lenten,” meaning spring season. This reference aligns with the season’s occurrence at the end of winter in many parts of the world. Additionally, the Greek root of the word signifies “forty,” representing the forty days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving that define the Lenten season in the Catholic Church and many other Christian denominations.
Historically, Lent has been a period of preparation leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. The observance, which lasts for 46 days in total, including Sundays, was formalized by Pope Gregory the Great in the year 601 AD. Bishop Onaga emphasized that while Sundays within Lent are meant for some relaxation from fasting, the core of the season remains a time of self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
The Purpose of Lenten Observances
Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ, who fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry, Bishop Onaga stressed that Lent is a time for Christians to undergo their own spiritual preparation. He underscored the three pillars of Lenten observance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as essential tools for deepening one’s faith and fostering a renewed relationship with God.
- Fasting: Bishop Onaga clarified that fasting is not merely abstaining from food but involves a broader self-denial, curbing excessive pleasures, and engendering self-discipline. “If you are fond of drinking, you do not necessarily have to stop completely, but you must moderate it. If you indulge in excessive dressing or costly fashion, Lent is the time to tone it down. The essence of fasting is to create space in one’s life for God,” he explained.
- Abstinence: While fasting primarily relates to reducing food intake, abstinence is a broader concept. It involves refraining from activities or habits that bring excessive pleasure. “What do you do with what you sacrifice? You give to the less privileged. Almsgiving is an integral part of Lent. It is a season of generosity, where we channel our resources to care for the poor and the needy,” the bishop urged.
- Prayer and Repentance: Lent, according to Bishop Onaga, is a time to introspect and seek God’s forgiveness. “We are all sinners, and even the righteous sin at least seven times a day. This season calls for sincere repentance and a commitment to amend our ways,” he stated.
Ash Wednesday: A Reminder of Mortality and Repentance
Bishop Onaga took time to elaborate on the significance of Ash Wednesday, the solemn day that marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, ashes derived from burnt palm fronds used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday are placed on the foreheads of the faithful as a symbol of penance. The ritual, he noted, has deep roots in Jewish tradition, where ashes were used as a sign of mourning and repentance.
“The priest places the ashes on our foreheads with the words, ‘Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’ This serves as a reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of life. Everything returns to dust, humans, plants, and animals alike. But for us, death is a passage to eternity, and Lent is the period where we realign our lives with God’s will,” he explained.
A Call for National Repentance
In a striking extension of his Lenten message, Bishop Onaga addressed the current state of affairs in Nigeria, urging both the government and the people to engage in deep self-examination. He lamented the socio-economic hardships facing the country, pointing out the need for national repentance.
“Our government often acts as though it is helping, but in reality, it imposes undue hardships on the people. From the president down to state governors, there is a need for introspection. Policies that fail to prioritize the welfare of the citizens require urgent review. Corruption, greed, and poor resource management have made life difficult for the common man,” he said.
Beyond the government, the Bishop also called on individuals to examine their actions, particularly in the business sector. He criticized the adulteration of food and other goods for profit, warning that such practices amount to a distortion of nature’s gifts. “Why must we force fruits like udala and apples to ripen unnaturally? Why do we alter natural processes in the name of profit? We owe nature a confession and must repent for our exploitation of God’s creation,” he stated.
A Personal Commitment to Change
Bishop Onaga concluded his reflection with a challenge to every Christian to use Lent as an opportunity for genuine transformation. “We must mend our broken relationships, seek forgiveness, and extend mercy to others. What is good is good, and what is bad is bad. God has given us the conscience to know the difference. This Lenten season, let us commit to making our personal lives better and, in turn, improving the lives of those around us,” he urged.
As the faithful begin their Lenten journey, the Bishop’s message serves as a powerful reminder that Lent is not merely a season of ritualistic observance but a call to genuine repentance, self-denial, and renewed commitment to God and humanity. With Easter on the horizon, the faithful are encouraged to walk the path of sacrifice and reflection, knowing that resurrection and redemption await at the end of the journey.
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