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By Philip Nwosu and Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
As Catholics around the world embark on the solemn journey of Lent, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the faithful to embrace the sacred season as a time for deep spiritual reflection, repentance and renewal.
This is as First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urged Christians across the nation to dedicate the season to prayer, reflection, and acts of service, with particular focus on seeking peace and prosperity for Nigeria.
Delivering his Lenten message to mark the commencement of the 40-day period of fasting and prayer, Archbishop Martins emphasized the importance of the three traditional pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He reminded Catholics that these practices are not mere religious obligations but vital steps toward spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
At the heart of the Archbishop’s message was a call for Christians to model their lives after Jesus Christ, who exemplified purity, sacrifice, and selfless service to humanity. He stressed that Lent should not be seen as just a time of self-denial but as an opportunity for inner transformation.
“This season calls us to reflect on our lives, seek reconciliation with God and our fellow men, and commit to living more virtuously,” Archbishop Martins said. “Lent is not simply about giving up certain comforts – it is about drawing closer to God, forsaking sin, and embracing a life of holiness.”
He urged the faithful to engage more deeply in personal and communal prayer, emphasizing that regular communication with God strengthens faith and provides the spiritual fortitude needed to navigate life’s challenges. He also encouraged greater participation in church activities, including daily Masses, retreats, and the Stations of the Cross.
Archbishop Martins highlighted that Lent should not be treated as a mere annual ritual but as a time for genuine renewal. He challenged Catholics to ensure that the virtues they cultivate during this period extend beyond the Lenten season itself.
“The changes we make during Lent should not be temporary. They should lead us to a more permanent conversion of heart,” he said. “Our acts of charity, our commitment to justice, and our efforts at reconciliation should continue even after Easter.”
In her message she personally signed, Mrs Tinubu highlighted the significance of Lent as a period of spiritual renewal and emphasised the need for Christians to embody Christ’s teachings of love and compassion.
“The Lenten season is a time of repentance, supplication, prayers, and good deeds,” she stated. “As we begin the season of Lent, may this time strengthen our resolve to follow Christ’s example of love.”
She specifically called on believers to use this period to draw closer to Christ, demonstrate kindness to others, and deepen their commitment to serving those in need. “I urge us to use this period to draw closer to Christ, show kindness to others and deepen our commitment to serving others,” she said.
Furthermore, Mrs Tinubu underscored the importance of national unity and urged Christians to remember Nigeria in their prayers. “We should also remember our dear nation Nigeria in prayers for peace and prosperity, as we all build together a nation that will take her place among the comity of nations,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu concluded by wishing all a blessed and spiritually rewarding Lenten season, expressing hope for a brighter future for Nigeria through collective prayer and dedication.
On his part, Archbishop Martins urged Catholics to engage in personal acts of penance and charity, reminding them that fasting should not only be about abstaining from food but also about detaching from material excesses and embracing a spirit of generosity.
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To help the faithful navigate their Lenten journey effectively, the Archdiocese of Lagos has organized various programs and activities designed to foster spiritual growth.
Among these are: Daily reflections and meditations to help Catholics internalize the lessons of Lent.
Stations of the Cross every Friday, providing a moment for deep contemplation of Christ’s Passion and sacrifice.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering the faithful an opportunity to confess their sins and experience God’s mercy.
Lenten retreats and special Masses, aimed at deepening faith and promoting communal prayer.
Archbishop Martins expressed hope that these initiatives would not only strengthen the spiritual lives of individuals but also build a stronger Christian community grounded in faith and love.
Acknowledging the challenges facing Nigeria, including economic hardship and social unrest, the Archbishop called on Christians to use the Lenten season as a time to pray fervently for the nation.
He urged the faithful to be agents of peace and reconciliation, carrying the message of Christ’s love into their daily interactions.
“Our nation is at a crossroads, facing significant economic and social difficulties,” he noted. “This is a time for collective prayer, asking God for wisdom for our leaders and grace for our people. We must also take responsibility for being the change we seek, promoting unity, justice, and compassion in our communities.”
The Archbishop stressed that true transformation – whether personal or national—begins with the willingness to seek God’s guidance. He encouraged Christians to avoid despair, reminding them that faith, perseverance, and moral uprightness would ultimately lead to a better society.
As Lent unfolds, Archbishop Martins urged Catholics to approach the season with sincerity and commitment, seeing it as a journey toward Easter’s joy and renewal. He reminded them that while Lent is marked by sacrifice and penance, it ultimately leads to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection—a reminder of hope, redemption, and new beginnings.
He concluded his message with a prayer for all Nigerians, asking for God’s blessings on individuals, families, and the nation at large.
“May this Lenten season bring about a profound renewal in our hearts and in our land,” he prayed. “May it lead us to true reconciliation, deeper faith, and a renewed commitment to love and service.”
With the season now underway, the Archbishop’s message serves as a call to reflection, action, and a return to the fundamental values of faith and compassion. As Christians embark on this journey, they are reminded that Lent is not just about temporary sacrifice—it is about lifelong transformation.
