Kohima, February 10 (MExN): Catholic churches in Nagaland began the observance of season of Lent, the most important season in the Catholic liturgical calendar, with Ash Wednesday on February 10. At Catholic Cathedral Church, Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, was the main celebrant for the morning service along with other priests. A press release from Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Thomas Toretkiu informed that Bishop in his introduction said Lent is a time when Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline for forty days. The smearing of ashes on the forehead is a sign of conversion, penance, fasting and human mortality. The day receives its special name from the blessing and imposition of ashes in the form of a cross on the foreheads with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel." The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God, he added. The Bishop further said that Lent also recalls the forty days of Lord’s fasting in the desert, which he undertook before entering into his public ministry. Bishop exhorted the community that while fasting from certain things; they must feast on other things: “Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in others. Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. Fast from idle gossip; feast on the purposeful silence. Fast from personal anxiety; feast on unceasing prayer.” The traditional practice of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, he said, are ways to discipline oneself and to give priority to building intimate spiritual relationship with God, the source and end of everything. St Francis Xavier Church Kidima also observed Ash Wednesday with Reverend Father Thomas Muttathil, Parish Priest, who explained that Lenten is to reflect whether one is growing towards God or not through mercy and forgiveness. During the holy hour, he informed that prayer is a conversation with God other than to receive praise and appreciation from other people. The parish priest also called upon the large gathering of faithful people to extend more love and care to others. The most important days in the season of Lent apart from Ash Wednesday, are Palm Sunday, Maundy or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading to Easter.
