Awaka - Catholic bishops under Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province have declared 40 days of prayer and fasting amid rising levels of insecurity in the Southeast.
A statement signed by the Most Reverend Valerian OKK, Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province for and on behalf of the bishops, said there was a need to intervene in what is happening in the region.
The statement said: "For a long time, the south-eastern jurisdiction that God has entrusted to our pastoral care has become the theater of unrighteous and wanton destruction of life and property.
“It seems that the forces of darkness and death have cast their shadow on the south-eastern part of our country. It has not been a part of our history or who we are as individuals.
"Amidst these tragedies, many are tempted to lose faith in God and hope in man.
“It is against this prevailing despair, that we, the Archbishops and Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, send you this message of hope and pray for prayer, especially in this holy season. We are truly convinced that those who are the Lord But trust me, they can never be disappointed."
According to him, the prayer will start from today, which is the beginning of the Lenten period and will last for a full 40-day period which will mark the beginning of Easter celebrations.
He explained that prayers were made for safety and peace in the south-east of Nigeria and for God to change the heart of the killers and make them realize the sanctity of human life, and that justice and equality would reign in Nigeria.
The Archbishop continued: "We ask God to give the Federal Government of Nigeria and some of our own political leaders the courage and honesty to discuss the challenges facing the South-Eastern region, which is the uneasiness of the youth in our country." and are part of the causes of violence in the region.
"Prayers for peace and security are now announced in all dioceses of our province to begin on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Prayers will last 40 days (Ash Wednesday, March 2 to Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022) ) )
“There will be fasting for all on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in the season of the king. We suggest that people should not eat before noon on such days.
“We appeal to all individuals, families, associations, parishes to fast and earnestly during this period of fasting, so that this cloud of blood hanging over our territory collapses like the walls of Jericho.”