'Share, sacrifice, pray and show love during this Lent'
Believers across the country kicked off the annual fasting period with prayers at different places of worship, during which prelates marked worshippers’ foreheads with ashes, as a symbol of mortality and penitence.
Christians have been encouraged to pray and show love to one another in this Lenten season. (Photo by Miriam Najjingo)
Emmanuel Tumusiime
Journalist @New Vision
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Christians have been urged to use this Lenten season to embrace the values of sharing, sacrificing, praying and loving one another.
Traditionally a time for spiritual self-examination and personal growth, the 40 days of Lent started on Ash Wednesday (on March 5) in Uganda and around the world.
Believers across the country kicked off the annual fasting period with prayers at different places of worship, during which prelates marked worshippers’ foreheads with ashes, as a symbol of mortality and penitence.
Lent will culminate with the Holy Week leading up to Easter, which falls on April 20 this year.
In Uganda's western city of Hoima, Rev. Father Davis Musiime, the Hoima Catholic diocesan health coordinator, led Ash Wednesday prayers at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral.
Christians around Uganda attended Ash Wednesday prayers.(Photo by Miriam Najjingo)
He encouraged Christians to do reasonable and meaningful deeds during this period in which they are expected to engage in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
During Lent, believers are urged to renounce sinful behaviours and to seek forgiveness in their lives — a process of renewal meant to prepare the faithful for the celebration of Easter.
Also in Hoima, Rev. Joshua Muhanuzi, the Vicar of St Peter's Cathedral in Duhaga, cautioned Christians against extreme physical fasting, instead encouraging them to focus on spiritual renewal.
While leading Ash Wednesday prayers, Muhanuzi also urged Christians to use this Lenten season to learn how to ask for forgiveness from their subordinates.
Fasting during Lent is not just about abstaining from food but also about self-discipline and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Jesus and encourages believers to practice self-restraint in various aspects of life.
Additionally, almsgiving and acts of kindness are emphasized during Lent.
Christians are encouraged to help those in need, reinforcing the values of compassion and community service.