Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,
TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL;
1. POPE’S INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2023: For Parishes: We pray that Parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2023: for a free, fair and peaceful election: We pray for a free, fair and peaceful election this month and that God would help us to elect good and credible leaders that would govern our country and bring about positive change.
3. ASH WEDNESDAY: the special season of Lent wherein we are called to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving begins on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023. With the Ash Wednesday (22nd February, 2023), the Church ushers all into the solemn season of Lent to experience the profound call to repentance and renewal.
4. A FEW THOUGHTS ON LENT: As we begin the season of Lent, may I remind all of the following regarding the season:
a. Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age and above are required to abstain totally from meat or favorite dish or drink on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and Good Friday (April 7) and all the Fridays of Lent.
b. Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 60 years are obliged to fast. In practice, fasting involves limiting oneself to a single full meal or two smaller meals a day. Those who are sick, pregnant or nursing or whose health would adversely be affected by fasting should not consider themselves bound by this norm.
c. Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize the genuine sense in penance and self-denial. We are required to also to pray fervently for the catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during this period. Please find below some of the other ways we can observe this period of Lent so as to benefit from the graces of the season:
i. Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. Repent and return to God by a good sacramental confession and do appropriate penance if you fall into sin.
ii. Practice self-control; be more generous especially in giving to the poor and needy and in contributing to the works of the church, remission of debts and payment of just wages.
iii. Pursue and achieve reconciliation with anyone with whom you are not at peace.
iv. Read the Scriptures in order to deepen your intimacy with God, spread the kingdom of Christ and help others to know and return to Christ.
v. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, go to Mass often, if possible, daily.
vi. Be regular at the stations of the cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it every day if you can.
vii. Take part in the Lenten programmes and retreats that will be organized in your parish. Take full part in the Holy week ceremonies.
viii. Pray your Rosary daily.
Bear in mind that all other Fridays of the year remain Days of penance in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
5. LENTEN REFLECTIONS BY THE ARCHBISHOP: As has been the case in the last few years, the Archbishop, Alfred Adewale Martins will be offering Lenten reflections every day during the whole season. The reflections will be transmitted as follows:
NTA CHANNEL 10: DSTV Channel 369 @ 6:55pm
LUMEN CHRISTI: DSTV Channel 350 @ 1:00pm & 9:15pm
RADIO: Metro 97.7FM @ 5:55am & 9:15pm
All our Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram- Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.
Everyone is encouraged to tune in and listen to the reflections as we pray that the Word of God will nourish our souls. Amen.
6. TOWARDS 2023 ELECTIONS: The general elections are here and once again we encourage everyone who has registered and received their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to ensure that they exercise their franchise and not allow themselves to be intimidated or discouraged by any factor at all. Those who have not got their PVCs should continue to make the effort to receive them and report whatever hindrances they may have so that they can in turn be reported to the INEC officially. Secondly, we encourage all the faithful to keep up with the prayers for free, fair and credible elections that we began since November 2022 with the confidence that the Lord will take absolute control of the situations that give us concern as a people. Let us keep on using the rosary, the effective weapon that we have to battle against all evils in confronting our nation. May the Lord be our help and strength.