BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu said the Lenten period is an opportunity for Christians to rededicate themselves to God.
Dr. Odubu was speaking after an early morning mass to mark Ash Wednesday at Government House Chapel, Benin City.
It was gathered that prayers, fasting and alms giving constitute the cardinal principles of the Lenten period as celebrated by the Christians.
Dr. Odubu described the period as that of abstinence from worldly activities by Christians as they prepare for the Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, eventual resurrection and ascension into heaven.
He said it is instructive for Christians to re-examine and rededicate themselves to God during the season.
Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh as well as the Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah said the season of Lent offers opportunity for Christians to begin their lives anew and make themselves more acceptable to Almighty God.
The Chaplain, Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan exhorted the congregation that the period helps Christians to identify spiritual virtues that could enhance their Christian lives.
Rev. Fr. Obinyan noted that Ash Wednesday enables Christians to know what aspects of their lives need correction.
He emphasized that the true worth of any man is internal as man was made in the image of God, while urging Christians to love what God loves and hate what He hates.
The early morning mass at Government House Chapel came to its peak when the worshippers had their foreheads signed with the ash.