Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Rev. Fr. Christian Oji, Parish Priest of the Holy Family Parish, Ologo, Enugu, Enugu State, has urged Christians in Nigeria to use the 2023 Ash Wednesday to pray for peaceful elections in the country.
Oji gave the advice on Wednesday in Enugu on the commemoration of the Ash Wednesday by Christians around the world.
He urged Nigerians to use the period of Lent which began with Ash Wednesday, to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria and for God to have a place in their hearts.
He said it was the period Nigerians should be concerned about the happening in the nation, reconcile with one another, seek for peace, honesty and help the less privileged among them.
“This is a period that Nigerians should help the nation to achieve its greatness and purposes,” Oji said.
The cleric described Ash Wednesday as a time that Christians all over the world identify themselves with the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
He said the period was solemn whereby all Christians fast and do other things that elevate their faith in Christ by abstinence and almsgiving.
“It is a period of reconciliation with one another and God as well as engage in fast.
“Ash defines that we are nothing but came from dust and dust we shall return, it makes us to understand the nothingness of man and that he cannot exist without the presence of Christ in him,” he said.
He explained that it was a time for Christians to reflect on their lives, what Christ did for mankind which helped them in their spiritual journey.
“It is a period we seek for peace and identify with the cross and a special season for Christians,” he said.
