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 MARCH 2023: For Victims of Abuse: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR MARCH 2023: For those finding it difficult to live: That those who are finding it difficult to live, those who are about giving up on life, those who feel there is nothing worth living for, that God may shed His ray of light on them and give hope and meaning to their lives.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 5TH CYON ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS ESSAY COMPETITION: TOPIC: \”JAPA OR STAY: THRIVING IN NIGERIA AS A 21ST CENTURY YOUTH.\” ENTRIES & ELIGIBILITY:
• Participant\’s full name and contact details must be clearly stated in the essay
• Eligible participants are to be practicing Catholic youths between ages 15-35 years
• Essay must be written in Microsoft Word format (not in PDF)
• Essay must not be more than 2000 words.
• Font type: Times New Roman
• Font size 12 TIMELINE FOR SUBMISSION: RECEIPT OF ENTRIES ARE OPENED FROM THE 1ST FEB. 2023 TO END, MIDNIGHT 8TH APRIL 2023. (All entries should be sent to: cyonadclagos@gmail.com) For more information and prize sponsorship please contact via email: cyonadclagos@gmail.com