Theme: The Cross-Symbol of Victory Over Death held at Saint Martin's De Porres Catholic Cathedral, Katsina Diocese
The Lenten Carol of Hymns is a yearly musical event that ushers the faithful into the Holy Week. It showcases beautiful Lenten hymns sung in both English and native languages. For the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, this is the first of its kind, aimed at spiritually preparing the faithful for the Holy Week.
Just as the theme implies, we are called to reflect on the Cross, as Saint Paul said, “Let us glory in the Cross through which the world has been crucified to us, and we to the world.” Parishioners and visitors came in large numbers to witness what would be a spiritually uplifting event in their lives.
The Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, graced the occasion with his presence, together with the Cathedral Administrator Rev. Fr. Mathias Abbas Bakoshi, the Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Luka Magaji, Rev. Fr. Damian Zomahaon, the Director of Communications Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor, Very Rev. Fr. Iliya Tsiga, and Catechist Joshua Samaila.
The event started at exactly 5:41 pm with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Luka Magaji.
The Welcome Address was delivered by the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Mathias Abbas Bakoshi. In his speech, he thanked the Bishop for the beautiful initiative of introducing the Lenten Service of Hymns to the Cathedral. He also appreciated the choir for their preparations and congratulated Zumunta Mata for coming first in the just concluded Convention. He then warmly welcomed everyone present.
Order of Hymns and Stations
1st Congregational Hymn: O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile – Rendered by St. Cecilia Choir.
1st Station – The Creation and the Fall (Genesis 3:1–14)
Read by Mr. Gerald Aniako. It reflected on the first fall of man through the sin of disobedience.
Hymn: Just As I Am – St. Cecilia Choir.
2nd Station – The Cry for Mercy (Psalm 51:1–12)
Read by Miss Hannatu Habila. It reflected on God’s mercy when we sin against Him.
Hymn: God of Mercy and Compassion – St. Cecilia Choir.
3rd Station – The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:1–6)
Read by Mr. Yahaya Lawal. It reflected on the prophecy of Isaiah about the Passion and suffering of Christ.
Hymn: Blessed Lamb – St. Cecilia Choir.
Zumunta Mata Ministration
4th Station – Into the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)
Read by Lady Agnes Aluko. It reflected on the temptation of Christ and how He overcame it.
Hymn: Madogarata – St. Cecilia Choir.
5th Station – The Cost of Discipleship (Mark 8:34–38)
Read by Miss Agatha Iorbume. It reflected on taking up our cross to follow Jesus as we enter Holy Week.
Hymn: Man of Calvary – St. Cecilia Choir.
2nd Congregational Hymn: All You Who Seek a Comfort Sure – Sung by the congregation.
Sabon Rai Ministration
Bishop’s Message
The Bishop began his message with an invocation prayer to the Holy Spirit. He expressed confidence that the Service of Hymns would be a success.
He explained that Holy Week is the celebration of the Paschal Mystery — the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. He noted that the spirit of Lenten Carols is different from Christmas Carols; it is not a season of jingle bells, but a season of God’s mercy and conversion of hearts.
He reminded the faithful that from Ash Wednesday, we were reminded of the three pillars of Lent:
Prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving
He also explained that there are many ways of fasting:
Fasting from food
Fasting from bad habits
He then asked a reflective question: Christ is aware of our falls, but are we ready to rise again?
Reflecting on Psalm 51, a prayer for mercy, he spoke about the humility, sincerity, and honesty of King David in seeking God’s mercy.
He concluded his message with a passage from Joel 2:12–13, encouraging the faithful to return to God through the sacrament of confession.
Offertory: With a beautiful ministration by Zumunta Mata.
6th Station – Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46)
Read by Pharmacist Patrick Paul Pama. It reflected on the agony of Christ in Gethsemane.
Hymn: Remember Me – St. Cecilia Choir.
Solo Hymn: Pie Jesu – Miss Agatha Iorbume.
Hymn: As I Look Up to the Cross – St. Cecilia Choir.
Hymn: Crucified Jesus Dies for You and Me – St. Cecilia Choir.
Closing Remarks and Final Blessing
The Cathedral Administrator gave the vote of thanks, appreciating His Lordship, the priests in residence, and everyone who attended the first-ever Lenten Service of Hymns.
His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, then gave the closing prayer and final blessing.
The program came to an end at 8:10 pm.
