Lent 2025: Let Priests, Religious “return to their core mission” of seeking the Lord, leading faithful to repentance – Archbishop Kwofie

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, has called on Priests, Religious and Pastors to stick to their mission of seeking Christ and leading his people to true repentance this Lenten season.

In his Lenten message for 2025, the Archbishop highlights the significance of this year’s observance within the context of an Ordinary Jubilee Year, urging Christians to return to God with sincerity and hope.

Reflecting on the biblical figure of Jeremiah, often referred to as the “weeping prophet” or “prophet of doom,” Archbishop Kwofie draws inspiration from the prophet’s words of warning and hope. Quoting Jeremiah 31:16-17, he states, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So, there is hope for your descendants.”

Addressing the pressing concerns of the nation, he acknowledges the burdens of corruption, exploitation of natural resources, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. He laments the growing exodus of young people seeking a better life abroad, a reflection of widespread despair about the country’s future. However, he reminds the faithful that there is still hope:

“Yet, beloved, there is hope. This Lent, we must rediscover the anchor in this boat, which is being tossed about by the waves of injustice and corruption.”

Emphasising the need for spiritual and societal restoration, the Archbishop calls on every segment of society to embrace renewal through repentance.

“Let every family seek renewal through repentance. Let spouses reconcile, let workers commit themselves wholeheartedly to their duties for the good of the nation, and let priests, religious, and pastors return to their core mission of seeking the Lord and leading people to true repentance,” the Archbishop said.

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The Archbishop likens the Lenten journey to the parable of the prodigal son, encouraging the faithful to heed the sound of the yobel—the jubilee horn—which calls each person to true repentance.

“In doing so, hope will be restored, just as the prodigal son was welcomed back into his father’s embrace.”

In a special initiative for this year’s Lenten season, Archbishop Kwofie introduces the “Bonaventure Lent Challenge,” urging the faithful to journey with their priests in the footsteps of Jeremiah. This challenge invites individuals to deepen their commitment to prayer, fasting, and acts of sacrifice.

“I also encourage you to offer a small sacrifice as we fast and pray toward our Legacy of Hope Project. Beyond the physical aspects of this initiative, may we leave a spiritual legacy for the next generation by embracing daily repentance.”