Christian community in Nagpur marks beginning of lent on Ash Wednesday

Nagpur: The Christian community marked the beginning of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday with special prayer services held across churches in the city. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten period, observed by Christians worldwide as a time of prayer and fasting.Archbishop Elias Gonsalves (Archdiocese of Nagpur) called upon the faithful to enter a solemn season of reflection and inner renewal. In his Lenten Message 2026, Archbishop Gonsalves urged believers to return to God "with sincere hearts."Archbishop Gonsalves said Lent "is not merely about external practices but about an inner transformation that leads us closer to Christ." He emphasised that the season invites Christians to examine their weaknesses and rediscover God's mercy, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation."This season is not merely about external practices but about an inner transformation that leads us closer to Christ. Lent invites us to examine our lives, recognise our weaknesses, and rediscover God's infinite mercy, allowing Him to renew our dignity and strengthen our relationship with Him," he said.