By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has delivered a powerful call to action, urging Christians to embrace the Lenten season as a period of deep reflection, renewal, and spiritual transformation.
In His Homily at the Ash Wednesday Evening Mass held at Holy Family Arena, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, Bishop Onaga emphasized the urgency of introspection, prayer, and genuine repentance. He reminded the faithful that Lent is not just a ritual but a sacred journey, one that mirrors Christ’s 40 days of fasting and ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
“Lent is a time of purification and cleansing,” His Lordship declared. “It marks the transition from spiritual winter into the warmth of renewal, just as the seasons change from spring to summer. This is the season to strip away sin, to discipline our bodies, and to reconcile with God and one another.”
A Time for Redemption
Tracing the historical roots of Lent, Bishop Onaga recalled how Pope Gregory I formalized the observance of the 40-day fast, giving it a deeper spiritual significance. He stressed that just as Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness, Christians must now undergo their own spiritual trials.
“This is a period of prayer and fasting,” he said. “It is the time to fulfill the very reason for Christ’s incarnation, the redemption of man from the grip of death. We all need repentance and redemption, and Lent provides us with that opportunity.”
Referencing Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, Bishop Onaga outlined the pillars of Lent: fasting, abstinence, self-denial, and discipline. He warned against holding onto sins, stating that an unrepentant heart cannot stand in communion with God.
“Confession is crucial. Lent offers a chance to shed the burdens that separate us from divine grace. If there is anything in your life that strains your relationship with God and man, let it go!” he urged.
The Symbolism of Ash and the Call to Penance
As the faithful bore the sign of the cross in ash upon their foreheads, Bishop Onaga emphasized its profound meaning. “This ash is a symbol of our remorse, a stark reminder of our mortality. We came from dust, and to dust, we shall return,” he declared solemnly.
But repentance, he stressed, should not be performative. “Matthew 6 teaches us that our penance must be sincere, between us and God. True fasting is not just about food but about giving up anything that leads us away from righteousness.”
A Renewed Call to Prayer and Devotion
Bishop Onaga passionately urged Catholics to take Lent seriously, fully engulfing themselves in its practices. He called on the faithful to observe the Stations of the Cross diligently, pray the rosary, and visit the Blessed Sacrament.
“This is not a time for complacency. Intensify your prayers. Reconcile with those you have wronged. Seek God in the chapel, in the silence of adoration, and in the depths of your heart,” he exhorted.
He also pointed out the visual and liturgical changes in the Mass, the somber altar, the violet vestments, signifying the solemnity of the season.
“This is a period of mourning, a time of profound spiritual reckoning,” he said. “Let us not waste it.”
As the congregation departed, marked by ash and the weight of his words, the message was clear: Lent is not merely a tradition. It is an invitation, an urgent call to return to God, to embrace transformation, and to prepare the soul for the glory of resurrection.
Will you heed the call?
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