Pres. Ali calls for reflection, humility, kindness as Lent begins

President Dr Irfaan Ali extended greetings to all Christians observing Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season.

In a statement on Wednesday, the president highlighted the significance of the occasion as a period of humility, repentance, and spiritual renewal. “Ash Wednesday reminds us of humility, repentance, and renewal. The ashes placed upon the forehead symbolise mortality and our shared responsibility to live with purpose, faith, and compassion,” he said.

The Head of State emphasised that Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and self-reflection, encouraging citizens to pause from the demands of daily life to examine their actions and responsibilities to others. He noted that the season calls for virtues such as humility, sacrifice, and compassion, which can strengthen both faith and the nation as a whole.

“May this season inspire deeper reflection and a renewed spirit of strength. Let us use these forty days to build bridges of understanding and extend kindness to those in need,” the president added.

Lent is a 40-day period in the Christian calendar that commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. It begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. In 2026, Lent began on Wednesday (February 18) and will end on April 4. During this season, Christians are called to prayer, reflection, and acts of penance in preparation for Easter.