Archbishop Tambala Calls for Spiritual Retreat as Lenten Season Begins

The Catholic lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe have been urged to reflect deeply on their spiritual journey as the global Catholic Church enters the Lenten season.

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala, OCD, made the call today during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Maula Cathedral. He reminded the congregants that this 40-day period, which mirrors Jesus’ time in the desert, is a unique opportunity for personal growth and holiness.

The Archbishop emphasized that the Lenten season should serve as a period of "interior" reflection, helping the faithful to evaluate their relationship with God before the arrival of Holy Week and Easter.

Speaking on the significance of the season, His Grace said:

"This is a time of blessings. It's a special time. And I would like to appeal to all the Christians to really look at themselves. Because Lent is a time of retreat. It's a time to look at our interior life, you know. Where are we coming from? Where are we? There are issues that maybe the Lord would like the Lord to help us with. And that's a message to them. And we join for 40 days like Jesus in the desert until we reach the Holy Week, Easter. But this is our special time, yeah. So, at least during Lent? I would like to appeal to all the Christians to really look at themselves. Because Lent is a time of retreat. It's a time to look at our interior life, you know."

The Archbishop further reminded the lay faithful to observe the three traditional pillars of the Lenten season: deepening their faith through prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.

Photos by Mathews Jerry Banda