Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe Urges Christians to Pray and Work During Lent
Rukungiri: As Christians worldwide begin the 40-day Lenten season, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, has encouraged believers to pray while continuing their daily activities. He emphasized that fasting should not be an excuse to neglect work, as people can fast and still be productive.
Bishop Asiimwe made these remarks on March 5, during an Ash Wednesday service held at North Kigezi Diocese in Rukungiri Municipality. He explained that fasting involves abstaining from food and drink for a period, allowing hunger to serve as a reminder of God’s presence.
He also urged Christians to use this season for spiritual reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter, rather than as a reason to abandon work, which he said is essential for overcoming poverty.
CUE IN… Bishop Asiimwe… //RR
Meanwhile, the lecturer at Makerere University Jimrex Byamugisha in the same service encouraged Christians not to lose hope during the fasting season. He noted that with hope, everything is possible.
CUE IN… Jimrex on hope… //RR
At Nyakibale Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Conrad Atuhaire, the parish priest, urged Christians to embrace prayer and instill hope among those in despair during the 40-day Lenten season.
Delivering his message yesterday at Nyakibale Parish Catholic Church in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, Fr. Atuhaire emphasized the importance of deepening faith through prayer and acts of kindness.
During the mass, Christians received the sign of the cross on their foreheads with ash, symbolizing human mortality and the cycle of life from dust to dust.
Fr. Atuhaire encouraged believers to foster stronger relationships with their neighbors and pray for them, trusting that God will answer their prayers. He also highlighted the need to devote time to prayer and support the less fortunate, stating that such acts bring abundant blessings.
CUE IN… Fr. Conrad… RR
Relatedly, the parish priest of Christ the King Parish Rev. Fr. Dr. Julius Turyatoranwa, in Western Division, Rukungiri District, also emphasized that fasting is a powerful way to communicate with God and strengthen one’s faith.
Fr. Turyatoranwa urged families to pray together, especially for their children in schools. He stressed that fasting should go beyond food, encouraging Christians to also abstain from habits that draw them away from God, such as alcohol, drug abuse, and gossip.
He further explained that prayer deepens one’s relationship with God, while acts of charity bring blessings and answered prayers. He called on Christians to help one another during this Lenten season, reminding them that generosity is rewarded by God.
CUE IN… REV FR JULIUS… RR/ENG