Archbishop Ssemogerere Calls for Genuine Conversion as Lent Begins

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has called on Christians to embrace genuine repentance, prayer, fasting, and charity as the Lenten season begins.

Preaching during Ash Wednesday Mass at Lubaga Cathedral this afternoon, Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded thousands of faithful who showed up for Mass, that Lent is not merely about external observances, but about a true change of heart.

“This season, you can decide to change,” he said, urging Christians to make meaningful sacrifices that draw them closer to God and to one another.

The Archbishop explained that the Church requires Catholics to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. He clarified that fasting applies to those between the ages of 18 and 60, while abstinence from meat on Fridays is obligatory for all Catholics aged 14 and above.

However, he cautioned the faithful to fast responsibly, noting that health must be considered.

“If you have a health condition, please go and eat and find something else to fast from,” he advised, recalling an incident where a Catholic fainted on Good Friday due to hunger.

He encouraged believers to avoid excuses and instead embrace the spirit of sacrifice with sincerity and prudence.

Archbishop Ssemogerere emphasised that Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, urging Christians to help the needy quietly without seeking recognition.

Quoting the Gospel, he reminded the congregation that acts of charity should not be done for public praise.

“Go to your room and pray to your Father in secret,” he said. “When you give, do it quietly. Do it for God, not for others.”

He praised Christians who contribute generously to Church causes without demanding acknowledgment, describing such hidden generosity as a sign of holiness.

Reflecting on the day’s Scripture, the Archbishop called for interior conversion, urging the faithful to “rend your hearts and not your garments.”

He expressed concern over increasing violence in society, citing recent incidents of killings and unrest. He lamented what he described as hardened hearts and called on Ugandans to reflect deeply during Lent.

“This is the time to soften our hearts,” he said. “It is a time to sit down, reflect, and ask God for pardon for the wrongs committed against our brothers and sisters.”

He urged Christians to seek reconciliation with God and with one another, reminding them that before offering gifts at the altar, they must first be reconciled with their neighbour.

Archbishop Ssemogerere described Lent as a time of consolation, renewal, and returning to God. He encouraged the faithful to use the 40-day journey to deepen their faith and allow God to transform their hearts.

“Let us pray that this moment becomes a true moment of renewal,” he said, asking God to touch the hearts of His people.

The Ash Wednesday celebration marked the beginning of the Church’s 40-day spiritual journey toward Easter, inviting Christians to conversion, sacrifice, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Munyonyo Minor Basilica

At Munyonyo Minor Basilica, the faithful have been called upon to change their lives and turn back to God by embracing what Mother Church requires during this Lenten season.

Lent is a sacred time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The tradition of Ash Wednesday dates back centuries in the Catholic Church, when Bishops would receive catechumens for instruction, beginning with public penance for all faithful. These catechumens would later be baptised at the Easter Vigil.

During the Ash Wednesday Mass at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Fr. Ronnie Kibagajjo reminded the faithful that Lent is a renewed opportunity to draw closer to God.

“Today, Mother Church gives us another chance in this Lenten season to move closer to God. As we begin our penance, we are given 40 days of fasting. What we are going to do is not something new. We are not the first, and we shall not be the last. Even Christ fasted. Who are we not to fast?” he said.

In his homily, Fr. Kibagajjo explained that while Christians already pray, fast, and give alms, Lent calls them to practise these pillars in a more intentional and spiritual way.

“As we receive the ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded to ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel.’ Everything we do is rooted in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to turn back and live a life grounded in Christ,” he explained.

He noted that the ashes also remind believers that they are dust and to dust they shall return, a reflection on human humility and God’s creation.

Fr. Kibagajjo stressed that repentance must bear fruit. “Our repentance is not for show. It must produce fruits,” he said, referring to the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

He urged Christians to practise charity sincerely, not for recognition. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he reminded the faithful that when the right hand gives, the left should not know.

“The essence is love. We help others not so that we may be seen as great Christians, but because we see Christ in them,” he said, recalling the Scripture: ‘When I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink.’

He also noted that coming for Mass, despite the rain, was itself an act of sacrifice, a visible sign of commitment at the beginning of this holy season.

“This period is a time of sacrifice. Everything we do is for the sake of the Kingdom of God,” he said.