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Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo
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A letter from Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, which was read out at all churches and parishes of the Roman Catholic Church in the state on Sunday, asked all faithful to abstain from pleasure during Lent and be concerned not just for their own physical wellbeing but for the spiritual wellbeing of others as well.
“Abstain from pleasurable things such as cinema, dancing etc. Stay away from meat on all Fridays during Lent. Take one meal only on Good Friday. Abstain from smoking, alcoholic drinks and eating sweets during the 40 day period of Lent till April 3,” the pastoral letter advised.
All those between 18 and 60 should fast at least once a week. Frequent practice of confession is encouraged. Participate in a retreat, recite the rosary, renew your faith for the Sunday mass every week and contribute more than usual to Church collections for various charitable purposes, the pastoral letter stressed.
Cardinal Toppo, in his message, wrote: “The period of Lent, 40 days beginning February 22 to April 3 is a virtual roadmap for all of us. Participate in the liturgy and community prayer. Move your hearts from living for ourselves to loving God and our neighbour in need. Allow yourselves in these 40 days to hear, contemplate and act on God’s words. Renew your faith in God, move closer to God through prayers and penance. Only in this way will we be able to participate fully in the joy of Easter.”
He went on to state that Jesus sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind. “The sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross tells us to look at others, first of all at Jesus, to be concerned for one another, and not to remain isolated and indifferent to the fate of our brothers and sisters. All too often, however, our attitude is just the opposite — an indifference and disinterest born of selfishness. Today too, the Lord’s voice summons all of us to be concerned for one another. The great commandment of love for one another demands that we acknowledge our responsibility towards those who, like ourselves, are creatures and children of God,” the Cardinal stressed.
The pastoral said Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated a year — from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013 — as the Year of Faith. This period coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.
The pastoral letter warned that fasting, confessions and prayers should not be limited to the 40 days leading to Easter.
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