ASH WEDNESDAY @ St. Martins De Porres Catholic Cathedral KATSINA STATE.
The faithful of St. Martins De Porres Catholic Cathedral gathered at 6:15 a.m. for the solemn celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
The Holy Mass commenced with a reverent procession led by the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Musa accompanied by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Luka Magaji, catechists, lay readers, and altar knights. The choir set a reflective tone for the season with the hymn “God of Mercy and Compassion.”
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The First Reading was proclaimed from Joel 2:12–18, calling the faithful to return to the Lord with sincere hearts. The Responsorial Psalm was Psalm 51, a heartfelt plea for mercy.
The Second Reading was taken from 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2, while the Gospel reading was proclaimed from Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18.
HOMILY
A Call to Genuine Repentance
In his homily, the Bishop warmly welcomed the congregation despite the change in weather and prayed that their Lenten sacrifices would be acceptable to God.
He reminded the faithful that ashes are not decorative symbols. “Nobody admires the ash on our heads,” he noted, emphasizing that the external sign must reflect inner conversion.
Referencing the prophet Joel, he stressed: “Rend your hearts, not your garments.” True repentance, he explained, must come from the heart and not be reduced to mere outward display. He cautioned against what he described as “cosmetic spirituality” performing religious acts for public recognition rather than sincere transformation.
The Bishop highlighted that fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink. While physical fasting disciplines the body, the faithful are also called to fast from sinful habits and unhealthy patterns that have gradually become normalized.
He assured the congregation that Lent is a season of grace and mercy, a time of second chances. No matter how far one has strayed, God is always ready to cleanse and reconcile His children. He referenced the parable of the Prodigal Son as a powerful example of the Father’s unfailing love and readiness to welcome His children home.
The Bishop further encouraged the faithful to express charity through the corporal works of mercy, choosing blessings over curses in their speech. He cautioned that fasting should not lead to irritability or anger, advising that self-control must extend to the eyes, thoughts, and tongue. He also urged moderation in social media use, encouraging greater focus on spiritual growth during the season.
Importantly, he reminded the faithful that fasting should not hinder them from fulfilling their daily responsibilities.
DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
Following the homily, the Bishop blessed the ashes and, together with the Diocesan Chancellor, imposed them on the foreheads of the faithful with the words
“Repent and believe in the Good News.”
The sacred rite served as a reminder of human mortality: “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” The choir rendered the reflective hymn “Ashes on My Head” during the distribution.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST AND FINAL BLESSING
The Prayers of the Faithful followed, leading into the Offertory and the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, with active participation from the congregation.
In his final remarks, the Bishop wished everyone a Spirit-filled Lent and urged the faithful to pray for the bishops as they commence their preliminary assembly this week. He then imparted his blessing, and the congregation departed in peace at 7:35am as the choir sang the hymn “Draw Me Nearer.”
May this Lenten season be one of sincere repentance, renewal, and abundant grace for all.
