Bishop Denis Wiehe talks about the Lenten season 2014 |17 April 2014

‘Lent is a wonderful occasion to be more generous and less self-centered’

In the following interview Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe gives his impression about this year’s Lenten season.

Seychelles Nation: How did the Fast go?
Bishop Denis Wiehe: Lent is much broader than fasting; it includes prayer and bible reading and study (that is, our relationship to God) and alms giving (that is, our love of neighbour). Fasting concerns more the way we look at ourselves and the desire we have to live a disciplined and responsible life and thus to better our relationships to God and neighbour.

For me, Lent is a wonderful occasion to be more generous and less egoistical and self-centered. Furthermore the Bible readings offered by the Church during Lent are a wonderful preparation for Holy Week which is the summit or high point of our efforts during these forty days. These readings help us to focus on the person of Jesus, our Saviour. During Lent we also have easier access to the Sacrament of penance which opens us to God's infinite mercy.
 
Seychelles Nation: How was the participation in Church ceremonies during this time?
Bishop Denis Wiehe: There seems to have been greater participation in Church ceremonies, in Sunday mass and the Stations of the Cross and also a readiness to take part in spiritual retreats and pilgrimages, etc. I hope the people will continue to live their lives according to the progress made during Lent and I suggest that as many as possible join the many and varied groups and associations active in the Church and in our society.
 
Seychelles Nation: What about the participation of the youths?
Bishop Denis Wiehe: Youth especially have a great contribution to make. Parents, teachers, leaders have to be more attentive to their culture and more attentive to their needs. Many children and youth suffer from broken families and therefore parents and everybody in society must work towards strengthening family life and bonding to give a healthier moral and spiritual atmosphere to our children and youth as they are growing up.

Seychelles Nation: Wish for the year
Bishop Denis Wiehe: That all persons of good will and especially all who believe in God, be more open to others especially those who do not share the same Church or belief; that all of us be more respectful of others and see the goodness in the other person rather than their failings; that we refrain from speaking badly or falsely of others especially in their absence. That we be more generous and outgoing in our family, workplace and our community.  It is in giving of ourselves to others that we receive our own life.
 
Seychelles Nation wishes all our readers a pious Good Friday and a Happy Easter.