Catholics, Anglicans in Uganda flock churches to mark Ash Wednesday

By Peter Ssebulime

14^th Feb 2024

Christians especially Catholics, Anglicans and the Orthodox in Uganda joined the others in the world to begin a special period of lent with the commemoration of Ash Wednesday.

In this 40 days period, Christians remember the events leading up to the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

The 40 days period of lent will be driven under three virtues which include; prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Most churches in Uganda have been filled to capacity as Christians were smeared with ash on their forehead, a symbol that represents mortality and penance for their sins.

At Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka diocese, Bishop Serverus Jjumba, the Ordinary of the diocese has implored the congregation to give true meaning of the lent season by taking personal mortification and self examination and denying some goodies out of free will in the interest of serving God.

At Kasana-Luweero diocese, the Ordinary Bishop Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa has lashed out at the people who extend aid to the poor and needy after staging cameras to capture their action.

According to Bishop Mukasa, such donations are not coming from the bottom of the giver’s heart.

Delivering his Homily at Kasana Cathedral during Mass to mark Ash Wednesday, Bishop Mukasa said that a genuine giver doesn’t need to show the public that they have done so.

He says God rewards those who give wholeheartedly without expecting public praises about their deed.

The Bishop says he’s concerned about the people who first prepare cameras to deliver aid to the needy.

Bishop Mukasa has asked the faithful to pray more during this Lenten season, engage in self-sacrifice in addition to almsgiving but they should avoid showing off as they help the needy and the poor.

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