Cardinal urges spiritual conversion as Lent opens in Ethiopia’s dual ritesThe President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia issues a pastoral message urging Catholics and people of good will to embrace a profound interior conversion through prayer, fasting, and works of charity during the 2026 Lenten season. The Ethiopian Catholic Church, which follows the Ethiopian calendar, celebrates Lent according to both the Eastern (Ge‘ez) and Latin calendars. In 2026, the Eastern Church began the Lenten season on 16 February, while the Latin Church will start the season on 18 February. Fasting beyond foodAccording to Cardinal Berhaneyesus, fasting is not limited to abstaining from food. The Cardinal called Lent a time for interior transformation, a season to cultivate moral vigilance, reconcile with others, and engage in acts of mercy.

Source: Ethiopian News February 18, 2026 05:49 UTC