Ash Wednesday: Wetang’ula urges prayer, fasting and charity as Lent begins
By Valerian Khakayi, March 5, 2025Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has urged the Kenyan Catholic and Anglican communities to embrace the spirit of Lent through prayer, fasting, and charity as the sacred season begins.
In a statement on his official X account on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Wetang’ula, marking Ash Wednesday reflected on the solemn significance of the Lenten period, calling it a time for deep repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal.
He echoed the biblical reminder of human mortality ‘You are dust, and to dust you shall return‘ stressing the need for believers to seek God’s mercy and walk in faith.
“Today, Catholics and Anglicans worldwide mark the beginning of the Lenten season, a sacred time of repentance, deep reflection, and spiritual renewal, As an adherent Catholic, I joined other Catholics around the world in marking the start of the Lenten Season; a time of deep Prayer, Fasting and caring for our neighbours in need through almsgiving,” Wetang’ula said.
“This season serves as a solemn reminder of our mortality, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It calls us to a higher purpose as we seek God’s mercy, embracing humility, and walking in faith.”
The Speaker emphasized the relevance of Lenten’s sacrifice in the face of the many social, economic, and political challenges affecting Kenya and the world. He encouraged Christians to use this period to strengthen their resolve in overcoming adversity and fostering unity.
“I urge us all to renew our commitment to prayer, fasting, and charity, as we become beacons of hope, love, and compassion in our communities. As Kenya and the world navigate the many challenges before us, may our devotion and sacrifice strengthen us to endure and overcome,” he added.
Wetang’ula’s message resonates with many faithful who view Lent as an opportunity to grow spiritually and contribute to the well-being of society through acts of kindness and service.
Lenten season
Lent, observed by Catholics, and Anglicans, is 40 days period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It is a time for believers to reflect on Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection while striving for personal and communal transformation.
The key observation of the Holy season includes Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, where Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing mortality and repentance. Fasting and abstinence are key practices during this time, with many believers reducing their food intake and refraining from eating meat on specific days, particularly Fridays.
Prayer, reflection, reading scriptures and attending church services are also encouraged to foster spiritual growth. Acts of charity and helping those in need are central to the Lenten experience, reflecting Christ’s teachings on compassion and generosity
The end of the Lent season culminates in Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, ultimately leading to the grand celebration of Easter Sunday.