A new era for the African continent, tormented by evil and suffering, is the common hope of the Church of the Country for the time of Lent. In the various socio-political contexts of the vast African continent this “will be a time of grace in Africa in particular: a time in which the Bishops, in the various nations and Bishops’ Conferences, will urge the faithful to live a real renewal and a conversion of the heart, which can then be transformed into opportunities for renewal in social, economic and political action, generator of peace, security and stability,” said theologian and missionary Donad Zagore of the Society for African Missions, reported Fides News Agency.
Each national community will respond differently, according to the problems and issues that affect it most closely: in Kenya, the fight against corruption will be at the center of the main challenges to face during this period; in Nigeria, Christians will dress in black to show their solidarity with all Christians, victims of violence in the country. In the region of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, “hope for the Resurrection will uplift the population from the climate of tensions caused by the evil that prevails and that divides these countries”. “Ivory Coast, Togo, Guinea, on the other hand, will experience this period of conversion projected towards peace and hope for peaceful elections”, the missionary notes.
“Commitment and hope for a better future remain a fundamental imperative for the African continent. In Lent we will pray to the Prince of Peace for conversion, reconciliation, and justice, basic principles for all Christians in Africa”, he concludes.
