UGANDA: Lenten Season is a Moment of Conversion, says Bishop Wanok of Lira Diocese
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira
Fr Isaac Ojok
The Bishop of Lira Diocese Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok has observed that Lenten season is a moment for Christians to embrace conversion from sins and other incorrect way of life.
While delivering his Lenten message during press briefing on Tuesday 21st February 2023 at his residence in Lira, Bishop Wanok noted that Lenten season is a period set a part for Christians to repent from their sins and ask for pardon from God.
Lenten period, according to Bishop of Lira Diocese, is meant to give Christians a suitable time to change their lives through prayers in the form of reading the Bible, praying the Rosary, meditating on the Way of the Cross, and embracing the Sacrament of Penance. He further revealed that all Christians are asked to enter in constant prayer for all those who may be in need of spiritual assistance.
Rt. Rev. Wanok gave an example that during the 40 days of Lent, for instance, believers can pray for people to refrain from acts of corruption, violence in families and homosexuality which has become a global concern.
On same sex marriage, Bishop Wanok noted that the agents of homosexuality are using money to entice poor people to join them and help to permeate their business saying it is the reason why Christians should pray during Lenten season for such people to repent and ask for pardon from God.
Apart from prayers, the Bishop of Lira Diocese further disclosed that during the Lenten season Christians are called to observe almsgiving, a way in which proper care is given to the needy especially the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable categories of people. In giving the basic items to the poor, the bishop said it helps to restore hope and confidence in the lives and it facilitates them to continue living uprightly.
Through the period of Lent, the bishop observed, it is obligation for all Christians to hold fasting as a mode of creating time to be with God and of giving material assistance to the poor people in the community.
According to Bishop Wanok, the Season of Lent is a special moment where those who are non-Christians are prepared to embrace Christianity and made to be closer to God.
He concluded his address by wishing all Christians to live meaningful life during the Lenten season in the love and peace that God has designed for all people to embrace.
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