Monsignor Martin Sirju has urged the faithful to remember that fasting and prayer lie at the very heart of the Lenten journey.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese stressed, however, that beyond personal sacrifice, charity is the greater call at this time
“Our country is going through what is commonly expressed as structural adjustment. Whenever countries go through structural adjustment, harsh measures are taken and the poor are always the ones to feel the burden the most,” he said.
Meanwhile, Father Peter Clinton St Hilaire has made a call for genuine reflection, repentance, and transformation during his Ash Wednesday message.
Speaking at the Scarborough Roman Catholic Church, Father St Hilaire reminded worshippers that the ashes were not a ritual display.
“The Ashes also is a sign of hope, marking the start of a journey back to God,” he said.
“Lent is not just about giving up things, abstaining from this—no meat, no ice-cream, no Netflix—it is about returning to the Lord with all your heart,” Father St Hilaire said.
Lent is a 40-day, solemn Christian season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Easter.
It acts as a period of repentance, self-reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, often involving giving up luxuries.
