Cotonou, 11 February, 2024 / 9:01 pm (ACI Africa).
Catholic Bishops in Benin are inviting the people of God in the West African nation to engage in various forms of prayer and to fast during the Lenten season that begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14, for “true peace” in the country.
In their Lenten Message 2024 shared with ACI Africa Sunday, February 11, members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) highlight the various forms of prayer, and say, “Prayer is of the utmost importance in the life of the Church and of every Christian.”
“In this time of grace that prepares us for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, we encourage you to make your prayers a filial, trusting and persevering cry to the Father who loves us, while seeking abandonment to his will that leads to true peace,” CEB members say.
They exhort the people of God “to lift up to Him prayers of intercession, praise and thanksgiving, echoing Saint Paul's exhortation: ‘Beloved, I encourage you above all to make requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men, for heads of state and all those in authority, so that we may lead our lives in peace and quiet, in all piety and dignity.’”
CEB members also call upon the people of God under their pastoral care to “include moments of silent adoration or prayer”.