ZAMBIA: Catholics in Zambia Mark Ash Wednesday with a Call to Prayer, Fasting and Charity
Rt. Rev Bishop Charles Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese
Sandra Kunda
Catholics across Zambia joined millions of believers worldwide in observing Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
In the masses held in various dioceses, Bishops urged the faithful to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a path to spiritual renewal and deeper faith.
In Mansa Diocese, Bishop Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv. led the Ash Wednesday Mass, encouraging Christians to take the season of Lent as a time for discipline and trust in God’s mercy.
“People should regard prayer as a way to stay disciplined in the constant pursuit of holiness through fasting,” he said.
He acknowledged that life’s distractions can weaken faith but urged believers to persevere in prayer, knowing that God is always listening.
At the Cathedral of Christ the King in Ndola Archdiocese, Archbishop Benjamin Phiri presided over the Ash Wednesday Mass, reminding the congregation that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about giving up what they love for the sake of others.
Archbishop Phiri urged the faithful to see Lent as an opportunity to serve those in need, whether by feeding the hungry or assisting struggling families.
And Archbishop Alick Banda echoed this message, reminding believers that Lent is a time of conversion and renewal. “As ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are reminded of our mortality and called to repentance. This sacred season invites us to break free from sin, confront our spiritual stagnation, and embrace God’s mercy,” he said.
He encouraged Catholics to use Lent as an opportunity for reconciliation through the Eucharist and Penance.
Meanwhile, in his Lenten message, Bishop of Solwezi Diocese Rt. Rev Charles J.S. Kasonde said, Christians are called to walk at the side of others and never as lone travellers therefore, to walk the Moto: pilgrims of hope, there is need to cultivate the spirit of synodality and journey together in hope.
“This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs,” he told Christians.
The Ash Wednesday observances across Zambia reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to guiding the faithful on their Lenten journey.
