BY MIKE ODEH JAMES
Kaduna
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has called on Christians to embrace prayer, fasting and almsgiving as essential pillars of the 2026 Lenten season, describing the period as a sacred journey of renewal and reconciliation.
In his Lenten message, the Archbishop said the 40-day penitential season focuses on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he described as the heart of the Christian faith.
He recalled that Lent is a special time of grace during which believers are invited to return to God wholeheartedly and renew their relationship with Him and with one another.
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he noted that Lent represents a journey with Christ to Jerusalem, the place of the fulfilment of His passion, death and resurrection, and reminds Christians that their faith is a “way” centred on encountering and following Christ.
Archbishop Ndagoso stressed that the Church traditionally marks the Lenten journey with prayer, fasting and almsgiving, explaining that fasting is not limited to abstinence from food but extends to self-denial, modest living and abstaining from evil.
He said genuine fasting must be accompanied by nourishment from the Word of God and expressed in acts of charity.
According to him, the season provides an opportunity for sober reflection, self-examination and mending broken relationships with God and neighbour.
“The forty days and nights of Lent are meant to draw us closer to God, our neighbour and even ourselves. Christians are called to show care and concern for others through concrete acts of love”.
The Archbishop explained that fasting and almsgiving help bridge the gap between the privileged and the less privileged, reminding the faithful that blessings received from God come with responsibility.
Citing the Gospel of Luke, he said to whom much is given, much is expected, noting that Christians are stewards of God’s gifts and not absolute owners.
He further emphasised that acts of charity must be motivated by genuine love rather than the size of the gift, referencing the teaching of St. Paul that generosity without love profits nothing.
Archbishop Ndagoso encouraged the faithful not to slacken in doing good throughout the season, urging them to eliminate evil habits and grow in mercy and compassion.
Drawing from the words of the prophet Isaiah, he reminded Christians that true fasting includes sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the homeless and clothing the naked.
He expressed appreciation to the faithful for their continued support to the Church and prayed for a spiritually fruitful Lenten season for all.
The Archbishop wished Christians a grace-filled journey as they prepare for Easter, the celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
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