TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:
1. POPE’S INTENTION FOR MARCH 2026:
For Disarmament and Peace: Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR MARCH 2026:
For Families: We pray that families will discover the grace of Christian marriage as a path to holiness and evangelisation thereby opening the doors for love and peace to dwell in our families.
3. A FEW THOUGHTS ON LENT:
As we begin the season of Lent, may I remind all of the following regarding the season:
a. Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age and above are required to abstain totally from meat or favorite dish or drink on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3) and all the Fridays of Lent.
b. Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 60 years are obliged to fast. In practice, fasting involves limiting oneself to a single full meal or two smaller meals a day. Those who are sick, pregnant or nursing or whose health would adversely be affected by fasting should not consider themselves bound by this norm.
c. Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize the genuine sense in penance and self-denial. We are required to also to pray fervently for the catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during this period. Please find below some of the other ways we can observe this period of Lent so as to benefit from the graces of the season:
i. Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. Repent and return to God by a good sacramental confession and do appropriate penance if you fall into sin.
ii. Practice self-control; be more generous especially in giving to the poor and needy and in contributing to the works of the church, remission of debts and payment of just wages.
iii. Pursue and achieve reconciliation with anyone with whom you are not at peace.
iv. Read the Scriptures in order to deepen your intimacy with God, spread the kingdom of Christ and help others to know and return to Christ.
v. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, go to Mass often, if possible, daily.
vi. Be regular at the stations of the cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it every day if you can.
vii. Take part in the Lenten programmes and retreats that will be organised in your parish. Take full part in the Holy week ceremonies.
viii. Pray your Rosary daily. Bear in mind that all other Fridays of the year remain Days of penance in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
4. LENTEN REFLECTIONS BY THE ARCHBISHOP:
As has been the case in the last few years, the Archbishop, Alfred Adewale Martins will be offering Lenten reflections every day during the whole season.
The reflections will be transmitted as follows:
NTA CHANNEL 10: DSTV Channel 369 @ 6:55pm
LUMEN CHRISTI: DSTV Channel 350 @ 1:00pm & 9:15pm
RADIO: Metro 97.7FM @ 5:55am & 7:55pm
All our Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Everyone is encouraged to tune in and listen to the reflections as we pray that the Word of God will nourish our souls. Amen.
5. ARCHDIOCESAN ELECTION GUIDELINES: Everyone knows by now that the Archdiocesan Election Guidelines for Lay associations and organizations in the Archdiocese was 5 promulgated since last year. The guidelines are still available using the following to access it https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-rj1Ah177F-n4BRn2N5jcX2XnEgpu5I/view?usp=sharing
6. ARCHDIOCESAN NOVENA FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION: The above-mentioned Novena comes up from the 16th of March to 25th of March 2026 at the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine, Maryland. In order to increase awareness, we solicit the cooperation of all Priests in the Archdiocese to bring the novena to the notice of their parishioners especially through the various electronic means available: Bulk SMS, Facebook and e-mail. Please note the details as follows;
Novena: Monday, March 16th – Tuesday, March 24th 2026 Solemnity: Wednesday, March 25th 2026.
Theme: Mary, Model of Trust and Obedience to the Divine Will of God (Luke 1:38)
Venue: Archdiocesan Marian Shrine, Maryland.
Time: 4:30 P.M daily.