The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has released its 2025 Lenten Pastoral Letter, urging Christians across the country to embrace Lent as a “grace-filled season” within the framework of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Lent challenges all of us to live as people of hope, trusting that God is at work even in the darkest moments,” the Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the GCBC said in a 2025 Lenten Pastoral Letter released on March 4
He said “This Jubilee Year of Hope also invites all of us to reflect on the hope of eternal life as Lent reminds us that our earthly struggles are temporary, and our ultimate hope lies in the promise of heaven.”
This perspective, Bishop Gyamfi, who is the Bishop of Sunyani said, encourages believers to live with purpose, courage, and joy, even in the face of adversity.
In this Jubilee Year with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope” (cf. Rom. 5:5), the Bishop said said, lent takes on an even deeper significance, as it becomes a grace-filled journey of renewal, repentance, and anticipation of the hope that Christ’s victory over death brings to our country, Ghana, and all men and women of goodwill.
Themed “Lent: A Grace-Filled Season in the Jubilee Year of Hope,” the Pastoral Letter also highlights the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as means to prepare for the celebration of Easter.
The season of Lent is a profound and transformative time in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is a period of grace anchored on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that prepares believers to celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The letter signed by, stated that “lent invites all to turn away from despair and to fix their eyes on the promise of redemption and new life”, urging that “hope sustains us even when the path is difficult”.
Also, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference highlighted the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, encouraging all Ghanaians to engage in true conversion of heart and mind.
“The Sacrament of Reconciliation, often emphasized during Lent, is a powerful encounter with God’s grace. It offers Christians the opportunity to repent, receive forgiveness, and renew their commitment to living in hope… We therefore call on all men and women of goodwill in our nation to seek true conversion of heart and mind, and to forgive one another for a peaceful co-existence of all manner of people.”
In light of the recent political, social, economic challenges faced by the average Ghanaian, the Bishops reminded that the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ remains an eternal hope that guides us through difficult times.
In addition, they called on all faithful to show kindness and support to the marginalized in society.
“As we journey through Lent in this Jubilee Year, we are called to embody hope in our daily lives. This means reaching out to the marginalized, comforting the sorrowful, and being witnesses of God’s love in a world often marked by division and despair.”
Their letter also challenged individuals to “turn away from sin, draw closer to God, and embrace the hope that Christ’s resurrection brings through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, we are renewed in our faith and inspired to share the light of hope with the “.
By Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
