STELLA T
The Dean of Nyakibale Deanery, who doubles as the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Rev. Fr. Vianney Byaruhanga, has admonished Christians to cultivate the virtues of humility, forgiveness, and respect for others during this year’s Lenten season, which starts on Wednesday this week.
He called upon Christians to begin the Lent season on Ash Wednesday, explaining that human beings are God’s creatures and, therefore, the virtues of integrity, honesty, and concern for the welfare of others should tower higher. He noted that this is why Christians worldwide mark Ash Wednesday as the beginning of the Lenten season.
Fr. Vianney challenged Christians not to announce to the world when they are praying, fasting, or giving alms, and said there is no need to shout or disturb the neighbourhood while praying.
The Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano, North Kigezi Diocese, Rev. Dickens Baguma, said that when a Christian passes through the period of Lent, his or her lifestyle should change for the better. He added that after Lent, a Christian should not remain the same but should become a new person, because Lent is a period during which believers are renewed, recreated, and transformed. As new people, their relationship with God certainly improves.
He maintained that the faithful are not supposed to publicize when offering alms or fasting, nor should they betray their emotions by looking gloomy or downcast to attract attention. He called on adherents to always examine themselves, adding that they should not go about with a countenance that makes people pity them.
Speaking to our reporter, Father Barithzar Ndyomugabe, the chaplain of Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences, Nyakibale, Rukungiri, reminded Christians that, in spite of their sins, God always gives man the privilege and chance to seek repentance, adding that such an opportunity should not be abused.
Fr. Ndyomugabe admonished Christians that when giving alms to the needy as part of their duty in this season, they should not announce what they have done, because the Heavenly Father, who sees in secret, will reward them openly.
He said many people usually look very sad and dull when fasting, and that is not good at all. They do not have to let the whole world know that they are fasting. Lent is a season for repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love.
