The Lenten season has officially commenced with the marking of Ash Wednesday by the entire Christendom.
Several Church denominations have peculiar ways of signaling the take off  of this forty day period of fasting and penance.
The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese Right Reverend Alexander Ibezim in a sermon to mark the holy Eucharistic service for 2016 Ash Wednesday at Saint Mark’s Chapel, Saint Paul’s University Secondary School, Nibo-Nise, said it calls for sober reflection.

The service which attracted priests and their wives within the Diocese, were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit as prayer were offered to usher in Lenten season.
He lamented that the church has left the yardstick winning soul and spreading gospel and entered into competition thereby lowering the standard of gospel saying that clergy’s should double their efforts to ensure that their flocks do to go astray.
At Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church Amawbia Catholic faithful were seen trooping into the church as early as five am in their numbers to partake in the Mass as well as receive directions on how to conduct themselves during this all important period in the Christian annual calendar.
In a homily during the Mass, the Parish Priest of the Church, Very Reverend Father Valentine Ofomata, said the day reminds Christians of their evolution from a valueless substance Dust, the Mortality and sinful nature to being humble in their daily relationships with God and man.
For the Parish priest of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Mgbakwu, reverend Father Romanus Ojemba, the Lenten period is a period to pray, fast and engage in arms giving just as Christ did while on earth.
Contributing, the Parish Vicar of Saint Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy Awka Reverend Father Charles Maduekwe enjoins all Christians to prepare themselves so as to participate fully within the forty days intense preparation for the suffering death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father Maduekwe emphasized on the essence of Lenten season, adding that Lenten season is a period to practice prayer, fasting and alms giving.

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