By Maryann Uwandulu
ASABA/Nigeria: Catholic faithful across Delta State commenced the Lenten season with solemn reflection on Wednesday as clerics in both Asaba and Issele‑Uku delivered stirring homilies calling for repentance, discipline and genuine transformation of heart.
At St Patrick Catholic Church West End, Parish Priest Very Rev. Father Peter Mobuogwu challenged worshippers to examine their conscience beyond outward religious practice. He asked pointedly, “So far, we say we are doing well, but what is the state of our conscience? When we go back home, what do we tell society and what do we tell ourselves?” He warned that many influences compete for people’s attention daily, stressing that believers must intentionally choose what leads to righteousness and help one another grow spiritually.
The cleric observed that despite societal challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited access to basic support systems, individuals remain responsible for their moral decisions. He urged members to reflect deeply on their lives, noting that life’s fragility, visible in sickness and human suffering, should inspire sober reflection and repentance rather than indifference. According to him, faith must be practical and visible through action, charity and peace-building, not merely words. “We say we want peace; then we must follow the process that leads to peace,” he said, reminding congregants that each day is a gift that must not be wasted.
Meanwhile at St Paul Cathedral, where Fr. Stanislaus Odiegwu presided, large numbers of faithful gathered for the Ash Wednesday Mass marking the start of the 40-day Lenten observance. During the liturgy, ashes were placed on worshippers’ foreheads in the sign of the cross, symbolising human mortality and the call to turn away from sin.
In his sermon, the priest described Lent as a sacred period dedicated to prayer, fasting and acts of charity, urging Christians to draw closer to God, forgive one another and demonstrate love within their communities. He emphasised that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and should include rejecting harmful habits and attitudes that distance believers from God.
The cathedral atmosphere remained quiet and contemplative as worshippers prayed and reflected, while some non-Catholics also attended, observing the rites in a show of solidarity and shared reverence. Many participants said the service prompted deep personal reflection and renewed their resolve to prepare spiritually for Easter.
Both homilies echoed a unified message: that Lent is not a routine religious season but a decisive spiritual journey requiring sincerity, discipline and compassion. The priests urged the faithful to use the period to transform their lives, strengthen their relationship with God and contribute positively to humanity through acts of kindness, justice and peace.
