The catholic faithful countrywide flocked various churches to mark Ash Wednesday.
In Mombasa County, Mombasa Archdiocese Archbishop Martin Kivuva admitted that the Catholic faith is marking the lent period faced with myriad challenges.
The Bishop said the country is currently facing many challenges including economic hardships, political divisions, and Covid-19 pandemic urging Christians to remain prayerful.
Kivuva said Ash Wednesday is meant to strengthen the faith of the followers throughout the 40 day fasting period and thereafter.
“We need to pray, ask God for forgiveness and always help the needy in the society,” said Archbishop Kivuva.
He said Christians should be at the forefront in uniting the community through prayers and good deeds and not be part of those diving Kenyans.
“As catholic church faithful, we all understand what Lent means to us. We should observe all the teachings, repent and unite with the less fortunate in the society,” added Bishop Kivuva.
Apart from fasting and praying, Bishop Kivuva appealed to the followers to contribute basic needs to the church so that the church can also disburse humanitarian aid to those in need.
[Father John Korea (left) with Mombasa Archdiocese Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde. Photo/Fadhili Mwambingu].
Ash Wednesday is marked annually in the Catholic calendar.
Holy ashes are applied at the forehead part of the faithful reminding him of repenting, doing good deeds to other people, and always be ready to meet his creator.
The lent period culminates in the Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Catholic faithful.
Throughout the Lent period, the Catholic faithful will be observing the way of the cross every Friday throughout the five-week Lent period.
