Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, Wednesday, called on Christians, political leaders and public servants to embrace prayer, fasting , almsgiving, abstinence and repentance as ways to spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God and humanity during this Lenten period..
He made the call in his homily at the Ash Wednesday Mass held to mark the commencement of the 2026 Lenten season at the Catholic Chaplaincy, Government House, Enugu, describing Ash Wednesday as a solemn day of grace,.
Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese,, His LorMost Rev Callistus Onaga
The Bishop said in the past, pouring of ashes on the body and wearing of sack clothes were seen as signs of remorse and repentance. He added the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful symbolises human frailty and repentance.
“Ash Wednesday is a day of grace . It is the beginning of Lent as a sign of our mortality and preparation for the great feast of the resurrection of Christ. Jesus went apart for 40 days and fasted in the wilderness. Ashes are a physical sign of deep repentance and a plea for forgiveness before God,” he said.
Quoting the biblical words, “Dust you are and to dust you shall return,” Bishop Onaga reminded the congregation that no amount of wealth, power or popularity can override the reality of human weakness.
“No matter how much money you have or how powerful you are, ashes remind us of our frailty. We must continually seek Christ and seek help from God through prayer and fasting,” he said.
Bishop Onaga ( L) Gov Mbah ( R)
He stressed that the 40-day Lenten period calls for discipline, sacrifice and a sincere return to God, urging leaders to align their public conduct with moral values, justice and truth.
“Gov Mbah ( m) Bishop Onaga (2 nd R) with some clergymen
“Repentance is an act of sorrow for our sins and a resolve to turn back to God. The blessing and imposition of ashes remind us that we are nothing without God,” the Bishop said .
He expressed gratitude to the priests who concelebrated the Mass and to the state government for supporting the spiritual commencement of the Lenten year.
In an interview with Newsmen after the mass , Enugu state Governor , Dr. Peter Mbah described the Bishop Onaga ’s message as timely and instructive.
“Beyond the inspiring message we received from his Lordship, pointing us to the three cardinal principles of Lent , prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is also a reminder that we are from dust and to dust we shall return,” the Governor said.
He noted that the Lenten season offers leaders and workers an opportunity for introspection and improved service delivery.
“It is a time for reflection for leaders, workers, team players and support staff. We must examine ourselves and cut down on our excesses
