Kenyans mark Ash Wednesday with calls for peaceful election
Kenyan Christians joined other believers across the world by attending church service for the Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lent season.
The Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, dedicated this year’s Lenten season to a peaceful and credible polls as Kenyans approach the General Elections in August.
Bishop David Kamau told thousands of worshipers to fast and show kindness to the needy during the Lent period.
Ash Wednesday is observed across the world by Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians to mark the beginning of the 40 days of Lent.
EASTER CELEBRATIONS
The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial. During this period, Christians worldwide also mark the Passion of Christ.
The Lent period culminates in Easter celebrations, which mark the end of fasting.
It marks the first of the 40 days of Lent, a six-week period (excluding Sundays) dedicated to reflection, prayer and fasting in preparation for Easter.
The ash, applied in the shape of a cross, is a symbol of penance, mourning and mortality.
