The Secretary to the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede has admonished Catholic faithful to allow the ongoing season of Lent to go through them for their Lenten observances to be meaningful.

The priest made this admonition while directing a Lenten retreat for the parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Saturday 29th March, 2025.

Fr. Olojede focused his talk on fasting, one of the essential elements of Lenten season (Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving). Quoting from the Gospel of Matthew 6:5-6; 16, the cleric said fasting is an instruction of Christ to the faithful as it enables them to humble themselves, to remember their sins, to seek forgiveness and to help their prayer. He added that a proud Christian will not be able to pray very well like it was revealed in the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 18:9-14.

The retreat Director noted further that it is not compulsory for everyone to fast, hence, the Church puts conditions to exempt some but those from age of 14 to 60, except on health ground. He added that fasting could be done in different ways though it is good to fast from food, since it is very natural for someone to eat food.

Other reasons why Christians should fast, according to Fr. Olojede are: It humbles our souls, deals directly with the soul, enables Christians to ask for direction and protection from God and that fasting changes the mind of God when it comes to judgement like in the case of King Ahab (Ezra 8:21) and also in the case of people of Nineveh who repented and God relented of His words to destroy the city.

The retreat Director also made reference to Christ’s apostles, who often fast whenever they wanted to embark on any activity and asked the parishioners if they are ready to make use of this ongoing Lenten season to embrace fasting since it is that powerful. He quoted further Second Chronicle 7:14 that enjoins Christians to humble, pray, seek the face of God and turn from their wicked ways through fasting.

The retreat facilitator also advised that drinking of water is allowed during fasting for the body system.

The priest also entertained some questions from the parishioners and further enlightened them the more. He however, added that Christians are not doing God any favour by fasting.

Other activities of the retreat included: exposition and benediction, rosary prayer and confession. The retreat was concluded with Holy Mass concelebrated with the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun. In a short reflection during the Mass, the retreat Master cautioned Catholic faithful against self-righteousness like it was read in the day’s Gospel as he said there is no good work we do that is outside the grace of God.

A member of the Parish Laity Council, Mrs Alice Babalola gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the parishioners. This was also corroborated by the parish priest, who reminded all that Fr. Edward Olojede is the first Seminarian to serve in the Church after it became a parish.