Hundreds of catholic faithful thronged the Nairobi’s Holy Family Minor Basilica to celebrate Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lent season.
Christians began streaming into the church as early as 6.00am to attend the first mass, with at least eight other services lined up for the day.
Addressing the congregation, Rev. Fr. Michael Ndichu called for commitment among Christians by observing the three pillars of the Lenten period which include prayer, fasting and alms giving.
“Lent season is a time of prayers and seeking God’s mercy. It is a time for self-reflection and honesty with ourselves as we stand before the lord. Let us cease this moment to do an introspection on our relationship with God. Let us be accountable Christians,” he urged.
During Ash Wednesday the faithful’s foreheads are marked with ash symbolizing the origin of man from dust, which precedes a 40-day Lenten period culminating in Easter celebrations.
This year’s Lenten period is themed ‘Integrity for a just nation’ inviting Catholics in to reflect on their practice of integrity and its contribution to the realisation of a culture of justice.
