Mzuzu diocese Malawi -Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 Day’s journey of Lent of fasting, praying, repenting and arm giving in the Catholic church.
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026 different parishes and outstations across Mzuzu diocese and beyond observed this day in their large numbers, a symbol of the spiritual growth and the surrendering spirit of people to God, asking for God’s mercy and compassion.
The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, prayed at St Nicholas outstation Chikangawa under St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba.
Speaking in an interview Bishop Nyirenda said during this period Christians are encouraged to pray frequently and also to help those in need.
“We are encouraged to pray, a prayer that is accompanied with fasting and also to open our hearts and hands to help the needy by doing works of charity,” said bishop Nyirenda.
Bishop Nyirenda also called on the Christians to reflect on their lives, avoid sins and pray more because through prayers everything is possible.
On this same day the Vicar General of Mzuzu Diocese father Isaac John Katumbi led the Ash Wednesday mass at Peters Jenda Outstation under St Theresa Parish.
In his homily Father also emphasized self-discipline from the earthly desires and pleasures like drinking alcohol and smoking. The Vicar further encouraged the practicing of genuine prayer life and fasting of not showing off to others saying people cannot be called a true Christians if they don’t pray and control their bodies desires that lead to sins.
“Prayer is very important to the Christians, you cannot call yourself a Christian if you do not pray and it’s the prayers that can help to control our lives.” Said Father Isaac John Katumbi.
St Theresa Parish Priest Father Sam Ng’oma said he will encourage the Christians to observe the Lenten season with dedication.
During the Lenten season, Christians are encouraged to do charity work, self-reflection, fasting as they remembering the sufferings of Jesus Christ.