Bolgatanga, Feb. 25. GNA - Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, Catholic Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, on Wednesday urged Catholics repent and renew their lives during the 40-day period of lent. This he said would properly prepare them for the celebration of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bishop Abadamloora made the call during Church services at Our Lady Queen of Africa (OLA) Church in Bolgatanga. It was to mark Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent, a period of spiritual renewal, repentance, acts of mercy and charity that all Catholics are obliged to observe.

Bishop Abadamloora urged all Catholics to fast, pray, refrain from luxuries and help the needy in the society.

He advised that " When you fast or give alms, do not attract the attention of people around you, for God who sees everything would know all your good deeds without being told. Let all your acts be pleasing to God and strive to live the word of Christ". Bishop Abadamloora asked all Catholics to read the scriptures thoroughly to enable them to know their religious obligations especially during lent.

As a sign of repentance, each member of the congregation was marked by the sign of the cross using blessed ash.