Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
The annual Lenten season observed by Christians worldwide begins today, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
During the period, which lasts for 40 days, Christians are expected to pray and fast in reflection on Jesus Christ’s suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.
They are also expected to abstain from meat or anything with blood, especially on Good Friday and give alms to the poor.
The season begins with an Ash Wednesday (today) and ends with a great celebration of Easter, which holds on April 17 this year.
In Catholic churches across the world, ashes will be placed on the forehead of every member to remind them that man was made by God from dust and shall also return to dust, according to the Bible.
Nowadays, the season is majorly observed by Catholics with other denominations snubbing it.
About a week ago, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) concluded their annual fast, which lasted for 40 days.
Earlier, members of Living Faith Church otherwise known as Winners Chapel, completed a 21-day fast.
