TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:
THE MONTH OF MARCH: Welcome to the month of March, a month in which we are called by our Lenten observance to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This month presents us with these important feast days: St. Patrick (17th March), St. Joseph, the Husband of Blessed Virgin Mary (19th March), Annunciation of the Lord (25th March).
A Few Thoughts on Lenten Observances: As we continue the season of lent, we hereby remind everyone of the following regarding the season:
- Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age and above are required to abstain totally from meat or favorite dish or drink on Good Friday (April 10) and all the Fridays of Lent.
- Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 60 years are obliged to fast. In practice, fasting involves limiting oneself to a single full meal or two smaller meals a day. Those who are sick, pregnant or nursing or whose health would adversely be affected by fasting should not consider themselves bound by this norm.
- Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize the value of genuine acts of penance and self-denial.
We are also required to pray fervently for the catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during this period.
- Please find below some of the other ways we can observe this period of Lent in order to receive the graces of the season in full:
- Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. If you fall into sin, repent and return to God by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, doing appropriate penance and making a firm resolution not to fall into sin again.
- Practice Charity; be more generous especially in giving to the poor and needy and in contributing to the works of the church, remission of debts and payment of just wages.
- Pursue and achieve reconciliation with anyone with whom you are not at peace or with whom you have a quarrel of misunderstanding.
- Read the Scriptures in order to deepen your intimacy with God, spread the kingdom of Christ and help others to know and return to Christ.
- Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, go to Mass often, if possible, daily.
- Be regular at the Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it every day if you can.
- Take part in the Lenten Programmes and retreats that will be organized in your parish. Take full part in the Holy week ceremonies.
- Pray your Rosary daily.
Bear in mind that all other Fridays of the year remain Days of penance in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
40 DAYS OF LENT WITH THE ARCHBISHOP: Dear friends in Christ, we are all invited to join the Archbishop, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins for daily Lenten Reflections on; NTA 2, DSTV Channel 369 @ 6:55pm
Lumen Christi, DSTV Channel 350 @ 12:50pm
Radio: Metro 97.7FM @ 6am & 9:05pm
All our Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. God Bless you as we are all encouraged to tune in to this frequency and listen to the reflection. May the Word of God nourish our souls. Amen.
LAITY WEEK CELEBRATION– The annual Laity week celebration comes up from the 15th – 22nd March 2020 in all Parishes in the Archdiocese. We are all encouraged to participate actively.
ARCHDIOCESAN NOVENA FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION: This comes up between the 16th and the 25th of March 2020 at the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine, Maryland.
Theme: Mary, Ark of the New Covenant (Luke 1:35),
Time: 4:30 p.m. daily,
Solemnity of Annunciation: March 25th, 2019.
THE ANTIOCH PASTORAL INSTITUTE: The Antioch Pastoral Institute, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos begins its Catechetical training program for full-time and voluntary Catechists. The resumption dates are scheduled as follows:
1a. CENTRE ONE
Date: 3rd Saturday of every month beginning from May 16, 2020
Venue: Cardinal Okogie Hall, Holy Family Parish, 22 Road, Festac Town
Time 10:00am – 3:00pm.
ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH DAY (AYD) IKORODU 2020/35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: The Archdiocesan Youth Day 2020 marks the 35th Anniversary celebration of the CYON in Lagos. The event begins with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 10am by our Chief Shepherd, His Grace Alfred Adewale Martins DD, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, and followed by a Grand Reception.
Date: the 26th of April 2020.
Venue: Strong Tower Academy Ikorodu opposite Musical Village Ota Ona, Ikorodu.
Time: 10am – 4pm.
Registration closes on 30th March 2020.
Click https://bit.ly/AYD_2020 to register after delegate payment of ₦800.00
CORONA VIRUS
In the light of this present circumstance of the outbreak of the virus, let us kindly take note of the following directives from the Archbishop:
- The shaking of hands during the time for the Sign of Peace during Mass is suspended for the time being.
- During this season of Lent, in order to reduce the number of gatherings in Church to the barest necessary, we encourage people to do Stations of the Cross privately on Wednesdays while public celebrations will take place only Fridays especially as it is often followed by Mass.
- Communion, for the time being, shall be received on the palms
- People are encouraged to have Hand Sanitizers handy to be used as and when needed.
- The use of Holy Water fonts in churches and public places should be suspended till further notice.
May the Lord deliver us from this plague and all evils.
