2023 Lenten Campaign in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio (CDTY)
The Lenten season for 2023 is to kick off on Ash Wednesday, 22nd, February. The bishop of CDTY invites Christians to the launch of the Lenten period for 2023 at St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Yambio on Tuesday, 21st February 2023 from 4.00 pm.
2023 Lenten Campaign in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio (CDTY)
By Henriette Anne FSSA
The Lenten season for 2023 is to kick off on Ash Wednesday, 22nd, February. The bishop of CDTY invites Christians to the launch of the Lenten period for 2023 at St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Yambio on Tuesday, 21st February 2023 from 4.00 pm.
“I would like to invite you all to the launch of this Lenten Period of February 2023, this Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 at Mother of God Parish Yambio at 4:00 PM”.
On the same 21st, the Diocese will keep the tradition of the coffee hours with a reflection from Fr. Stefaan, and Rev. Fr. Stephen Lecleir will animate the vigil mass for Ash Wednesday. He encouraged the outside
In his circular letter entitled “Invitation to reflect, pray and walk together this Lenten Grace Period”, bishop Eduardo encouraged all the Christians to plan on how to get the best out of the Lenten season.
“I am writing to encourage you to plan how you might get the most out of this wonderful season that is a profound gift from God to God's church”.
He added “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make the right beginning of repentance”.
The prelate called upon everyone to build a relationship with the planet since this year’s Lenten campaign is caring for our common home.
“This year’s Lenten Campaign is for our Common Home, the Mother Earth – Environment! We urgently need to rebuild our relationship with our planet. To do this, we need to change our habits – in how we pray and how we act”, he explained.
The Catholic bishop also advised that lent is not just about discipline but it’s about allowing Christ to show as the way.
“Lent is not just about discipline. It’s about allowing Christ to show us what’s keeping us from loving and serving Him – and joyfully letting it go. Whatever age you are, this Lent I hope you’ll engage with God’s plea for us to care for His creation, and that these campaign resources will help you on that journey”.
Reflecting on the words of Pope Francis, “Let us leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption, and turn to Jesus’ Passover. Let us stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them. In this way, by concretely welcoming Christ’s victory over sin and death into our lives, we will also radiate its transforming power to all of creation,” he called upon Christians to meditate on how to move closer to God.
He invited all people of goodwill to donate to CODEP and other charities in various parishes.
Bishop Eduardo reminded Catholics to renew the practices of Friday penance during lent by;
- abstaining from meat or some other food
- participating in Mass on Fridays (in addition to Sundays)
- visiting the Blessed Sacrament
- abstaining from alcohol or tobacco
- Make a special effort to spend time together in family prayer
- doing the Stations of the Cross
- fasting from all food for a longer period than usual and giving the money saved to the poor
helping the sick, old, or lonely.
