Special mass and services were held yesterday in many churches in Awka to mark Ash Wednesday.
At the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, explained that Lent is a season of penitence and a time for Christians to build a deeper personal relationship with Christ through fasting, prayer, and sober reflection.
On his part, the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Onyekachi Nwakanma, stated that prayers offered during this season are powerful and effective because it is a period of fervent supplication. He described prayer as a spiritual weapon given to believers to overcome sin and life’s challenges.
Bishop Nwakanma therefore urged Christians to take advantage of the season to renew their relationship with Christ and strengthen their spiritual life to overcome life’s challenges.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, in a homily at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, said the Lenten season is a sacred period when Christians begin a spiritual journey in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who is the foundation of their faith.
