The issue of drug prevention has taken center stage this Lent, with the Catholic Church using its Ash Wednesday service to promote stronger community awareness and action. Churches around the country were filled with worshippers, including at Sacred Heart Cathedral, where Archbishop Peter Loy Chong addressed the congregation about the season’s significance and the Church’s role in confronting social challenges.
Archbishop Loy Chong noted that Ash Wednesday is one of the most attended services in the Catholic calendar. The symbolic act of placing ashes holds deep meaning for worshippers, acting as a moment for personal reflection and an opportunity for change. He emphasized that this tradition encourages individuals to acknowledge their past actions and seek renewal in alignment with God’s plan.
In his message, the Archbishop outlined the three key practices of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and introduced this year’s Lenten collection, which will focus specifically on addressing Fiji’s growing drug problem. He informed the congregation that the donations collected during the Lenten season will be utilized to fund educational workshops aimed at enlightening young people about the dangers and harms of drug use.
This initiative seeks to foster awareness and prevent drug use through early intervention. Archbishop Loy Chong expressed the Church’s commitment to a preventive role, emphasizing collaboration with families, schools, and communities to steer youth away from substance abuse. He highlighted the importance of education in helping individuals find fulfillment and happiness through healthy relationships with God, family, and friends, rather than succumbing to drugs.
Worshippers, resonating with the theme of transformation, echoed the Archbishop’s message. Joasai McNamara from Naitasiri described Lent as a time for repentance and renewal, a period during which individuals and the broader church community reflect on their past choices and strive to distance themselves from harmful behaviors and worldly distractions.
The Catholic Church is dedicated to enhancing awareness and supporting prevention efforts against drug use, demonstrating a hopeful commitment to nurturing healthier communities.
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