MICHAEL N
Catholics have been urged to abstain from words of hatred and create space for hope as the Lenten season begins.
As Christians across the globe commenced Lent, believers at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Ntungamo Municipality gathered for Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the start of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and charity.
The Mass was led by Rev. Fr. John Baptist Tumusiime, the Parish Priest, who called on Catholics to embrace humanity, good service, and spiritual renewal during this holy season. He emphasized that Lent is a time for strengthening faith and drawing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
Fr. John Baptist explained that the Lenten period begins on Ash Wednesday and runs until Good Friday, symbolizing the forty days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness. He noted that this year’s observance is unique, as Catholics, Anglicans, and Muslims all began their respective seasons of fasting at the same time.
He cautioned believers against engaging in immoral practices such as drug abuse, gambling, sexual misconduct, and the use of abusive language. He urged Christians to practice self-discipline and adhere to Church teachings, including abstaining from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.
Drawing from the scripture in Genesis 3:19 — “For dust you are and to dust you will return” — Fr. John Baptist reminded the faithful of the significance of Ash Wednesday. He explained that the ashes used to mark believers on the forehead are obtained from palm branches blessed during the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations, symbolizing repentance and human mortality.
He further encouraged Catholics to support one another in faith, practice forgiveness, resist temptation, and extend help to the needy. He stressed the importance of building a stronger relationship with God throughout the fasting period.
In addition, a message from Pope Leo XIV, read to the congregation by Fr. John Baptist, called on Catholics to embrace faith and the grace that comes with Lent. The Pope urged believers to be more attentive in their spiritual lives and to use their words wisely, avoiding quick judgment and hurtful speech.
As Lent unfolds, the message to the faithful remains clear: turn away from sin, renew your faith, and let hope guide your words and actions.
