Happy and joyful greetings to you all! Following the liturgical calendar of the Catholic church, this time we reach “Ash Wednesday” It falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the starting of the Lenten season.

Here in my Parish, I have the opportunity to travel to Busu island in the Langalanga lagoon to celebrate the Mass of Ash Wednesday with them. In the Mass celebration, I bless the Ashes and I annoint the forehead of the people with it. Receiving Holy ashes is of high importance in this time in life as it reminds the people that they must repent, turn way from their sinful ways of life. 2 Corinthians 5:20 “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God appealing through us, we implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconcile to God”.

Busu is a central church for all lagoon villages and so many people come to attend the Mass. They come in dug out canoes and outboard motor engines. After the Mass ended, they return to their respective homes again.

With wishes and regards to you all!

Yours sincerely in Christ!

Fr. Albert Kalu