NAN-H-17
Lent
By Egbogota Clara
Lagos, March 8, 2018 (NAN) A cleric, Msgr. Bernard Okodua, has called on Christians to pray fervently for the economic and political progress of the country.
Okodua, who is the Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
Cue in audio (Okodua)
“During lent we are encouraged to pray because through prayer we come close to God.
“We encourage all citizens, all Christians all over the world to appreciate this season and make the best of it.
“In Nigeria, for example, is a time to pray more for our nation, for our leaders, for peace, for security, for progress in our economic and political lives and every other thing that human
beings would need.
“The period of Lent is a preparation for the glorious Easter celebration.
“In preparing for Easter, we are recalling the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made on our behalf by suffering and dying so that we may not perish in our sin and by rising again at Easter so that we may have hope of eternal life.
“During Lent we are encouraged to pray because through prayer we come close to God.
“We encourage all citizens, all Christians all over the world to appreciate this season and make the best of it.’’
Cue out audio
NAN reports that Lent is a period during which Christians observe 40 days’ fasting, prayer, and worship in reverence of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, excluding Sundays.
The season, which usually precedes Easter, began on “Ash Wednesday’’ – Feb.
14, and will end on March 31. (NAN)
ECO/AJA/YEE
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Emmanuel Yashim