From TCNEWS
The Vicar of Bende Parish and Administrator of Bende Archdeaconry, Anglican communion, Umuahia diocese, Abia State, Rev’d. Canon Nelson Kelechukwu Amaihe, has passionately prayed to God to mercifully heal Nigeria of corrupt politicians and evil vices.
Delivering a homily in the Ash Wednesday service at Christ Church, Bende, Amaihe, described Nigeria as a country that knows her numerous troubles but “will freely give way for tribe and religion than electing the right leaders among us. Not until after election, we come back to face the troubles of electing corrupt politicians”.
Amaihe queried, “Have we realized our mistakes so soon or we are yet to? Every corner is complaining as if we have forgotten the fact that we value tribe and religion more than solution to our Troubles.
“Why must we continue to repeat the same mistakes since the inception of democracy. Politicians vying to lead us are not ghosts, they are part of us, they are from us, we know them yet we allow tribe and religion to divide us and to weaken our political structures.
Here we are in ABSOLUTE JEOPARDY”!
Canon Nelson called on the congregants to stop complaining but to use the period of lent to Repent, Pray and Fast and to desist from the mistakes and choices made which have resuscitated to wrong governmental policies plunging Nigerians into current untold hardship.
Rev’d. Canon Amaihe.
On the significance of Ash Wednesday and Lenten Period, Rev’d. Canon Amaihe, who is also an Engineer by profession, said Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting and the practice include the wearing of ashes on the head.
“Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in church liturgical calendar as it begins the period of Lent, the church’s season of fasting and prayer.
“The Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.
“The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, Repent and believe in the Gospel.
“Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.
“Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance.
“Priests administer ashes during Service and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance”, the Vicar buttressed further.