TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:
A Few Thoughts on Lenten Observances: As we begin the season of lent, we hereby remind everyone of the following regarding the season:
- 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 26) and Good Friday (April 10) and all the Fridays of Lent.
- 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.
- Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize the value of genuine acts of penance and self-denial. We are also required 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 in order to receive the graces of the season in full:
i. Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. If you fall into sin, repent and return to God by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, doing appropriate penance and making a firm resolution not to fall into sin again.
ii. Practice Charity; 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 or with whom you have a quarrel of misunderstanding.
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. - 40 DAYS OF LENT WITH THE ARCHBISHOP: Join the Archbishop, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins for daily Lenten Reflections on Metro 97.7 FM at 6.00am and 9.05pm daily. Kindly inform your parishioners and encourage them to tune in to this frequency and listen to the reflection. May the Word of God nourish our souls. Amen.