The season of Lent is always a very special season for Christians and especially for the Catholic kindergarten and primary school in Maryland, Ogbomoso – NIGERIA, where children are always filled with the strong desire to receive ashes on their forehead with the joy of small gifts received from their parents, to share with less privileged children!
This celebration of Ash Wednesday on, February 18, 2026 included a good number of faithful: Daughters of the Holy Spirit working at the school, students, staff members, Catholic parents, Christians of other confessions as well as Muslims.
The animation was actively provided by the school: 3 students solemnly took into account the two readings and the psalm by promoting a climate of prayer and adoration.
The school chaplain explained what the season of Lent involves in receiving ashes on the forehead, a sign of remorse for our sins and deep humility.. He also recalled the four great spiritual observances of the Church: reconciliation with God and our loved ones through the sacrament of confession, intense prayer life, the practice of almsgiving and fasting for a sharing to the most needy. Then he also mentioned practices and habits that deprive us of time with God: gossip, quarrels, deceit… and also to let oneself be absorbed by social media while spending long moments with mobile phones…
Lent calls for a sincere effort, as the Prophet Joel recalls -1: 13-, in order to embrace the grace and mercy of God: “Rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn to the LORD your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy…”
After the homily, students, teachers, staff members, parents, and FSE sisters received ashes on their foreheads to mark the beginning of this sacred journey of Lent.
It was a remarkable celebration that touched the minds of all those who participated and expressed their conviction about the importance of this sacred way of Lent.
Sister Patience Effiong, DHS. Published on February 22, 2026
