STELLA T
The Dean of Nyakibale Denary, who also serves as the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Rev. Fr. Dr. Julius Turyaturanwa, has urged Christians to embrace humility, forgiveness, and respect for others as they begin this year’s Lenten season on Ash Wednesday.
He emphasized that Lent serves as a reminder that human beings are God’s creation and should uphold virtues such as integrity, honesty, and concern for the welfare of others. He noted that this is why Christians worldwide observe Ash Wednesday as the beginning of Lent.
Fr. Julius cautioned Christians against making a public display of their prayers, fasting, or almsgiving. He reminded them that there is no need to disturb others while praying or to seek attention by looking sorrowful. Instead, he encouraged believers to conduct themselves with dignity and sincerity during the Lenten period.
The Diocesan Secretary of North Kigezi Diocese, Eric Bingana, highlighted that Lent should be a transformative period for Christians. He stated that those who go through Lent should emerge as renewed individuals with a strengthened relationship with God.
He reiterated that acts of charity and fasting should be done in humility, without seeking public recognition. He discouraged believers from displaying sadness or seeking sympathy while observing their Lenten commitments.
Meanwhile, Fr. Barithzar Ndyomugabe, the chaplain at Kalori Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale in Rukungiri, reminded Christians that despite their sins, God always offers them an opportunity for repentance. He urged believers to make use of this season for genuine spiritual renewal.
He emphasized that when giving alms, Christians should do so discreetly, trusting that God, who sees their good deeds in secret, will reward them openly. He also discouraged the practice of appearing gloomy while fasting, noting that Lent should be a time of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love, rather than one of sadness.
