The Church in Senegal is trying to live faithfully the
season of Lent, with parish retreats, the “Way of the Cross” every Friday, and
more generous gifts from the faithful for those who are poor. Personally, I
began Lent with the Sereer Christians
of Lwanga, a village out in the country, almost “cut off from the rest of the
world.” From Ash Wednesday until the first Sunday of Lent, I was there, living
in my little room attached to the church and visiting families. I am grateful
to God, because the rather “Spartan” life in those days helped me in my prayer,
fasting and penance. I ate and drank what some families generously offered me;
for personal hygiene, I had a 15 liter container of water per day; in the
evening, I read, prayed and meditated by candlelight.
Since I love the countryside and simplicity, I adapted
rather well to the circumstances. So I took advantage of these days to live the
words of Luke’s Gospel: “Blessed are those who keep the Word of God in a good
and noble heart and who bear fruit by their perseverance.” I am not sure that
my heart is yet a “noble” one, but I hope at least it’s somewhat good. In any
case, I hope it’s not “of little good!” (P.
Pier Francesco PURPURA)
