Convergence of Lent, Ramadan “moment to exert religious, moral, and spiritual influence on our world”: Nigerian Bishop

“If my people who bear my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my presence and turn from their wicked ways, then I will listen from heaven and forgive their sins and restore their country”, he said in reference to the second book of Chronicles.

He further said, “The time is long overdue for pilgrims of hope to earn that divine promise and positively transform every nation and people of the world.”

Bishop Badejo urged Catholics to “make lent as practical as possible” to contribute towards making the world a better place.

He said, “Who but human beings can stop the ongoing wars, violence, killing, exploitation and suffering all around? If only all who claim to know God would heed the call to sincerity of heart.”

Bishop Badejo challenged leaders at every level to shun hypocrisy, truly work for peace, and cease auctioning the poor and the weak for influence and wealth. If the leaders heed the call to sincerity of heart, he said, “Lent would have greater meaning and impact.”

He emphasized that making Lent practical involves forgiving offenders, fasting and abstaining to support those in need, humbling oneself by setting aside pride and privileges to serve others, and sacrificing personal comfort to create space for the weak and vulnerable.

“Giving is an essential part of Lent, and observing Lent in this way enriches our witness and deepens our faith in one human brotherhood,” the Nigerian Bishop said in his Lenten message.

Practically, Bishop Badejo said that all the great religions in the world, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Traditional Religion “have injunctions on repentance, fasting, self-denial, and charity.”

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, who also serves as the President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), an entity of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), said that Lent is also a roadmap for pilgrims of hope.

He said that true pilgrims of hope must understand that observing Lent is a pathway to holiness and salvation.

In addition, Bishop Badejo said that fasting, repentance, prayer, and meditation on God’s word, giving support to the poor and needy, and striving for personal conversion lead to personal purification and peace.

 “Lent is a life-long invitation to repentance and friendship with God and fellow human beings. John the Baptist, the greatest man born of woman (Jn. 11:11), made the invitation to repentance his central message,” he said.