In his 2023 Lenten Message on Ash Wednesday, which heralds the beginning of Lent, Archbishop Abegunrin cautioned that talking anyhow and using abusive words should be shunned, saying such attitude nullifies fasting and prayers.
He reiterated that Lent is a time of sober reflection, adding that the Lenten observances carried out by Christians are important and these include fasting, praying and alms giving to the poor.
The archbishop maintained that it was a season of renewal and to renew ourselves, we must go closer to God and to one another.
“Our unity should be strengthened, our love should be strengthened, our willingness to do work thoroughly should also be strengthened. The idea of not working and collecting money is sinful, let us do away with it.
“During this time, let us put aside all such acts and ask God to assist us in leaving those things behind so that we can celebrate Easter in holiness of life,” the archbishop said.
Giving the rules on fasting in the Catholic Church as regards the season, Abegunrin espoused that faithful’s between the ages of 16 and 60 can fast, those above 60 years, may or may not fast, while those who are sick, nursing babies, pregnant or doing some difficult work may not undergo the exercise.
“It is important to know that this season is a very important one, therefore, we must be calm and calculated. If we cannot leave our old harmful and sinful ways, it means nothing. And while we fast, don’t let us be stingy. Don’t cut down the meal of your children at home because you want them to fast. Don’t punish them, for fasting should be voluntary. At best, parents should take time to explain what fasting means to their children and allow them to decide whether to fast or not”, Abegunrin stated.
He underscored the importance of prayers, fasting and alms giving and having a good heart during the Lenten period.
Archbishop Abegunrin charged Christians to vote in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, saying that to achieve good governance in Nigeria, citizens’ participation in politics was necessary.
He opined that achieving peaceful, free, and fair elections in Nigeria needed to be done in accordance with the laws, noting that Nigerians yearn for leaders who can transcend the narrow religious and ethnic boundaries, work selflessly for the common good of all Nigerians and leaders who will lift them from the condition of strangulating poverty and frustration to better levels.
While admonishing politicians to shun thuggery, he challenged all to contribute towards ensuring a better future for Nigerian children.
