The archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Gabriel Abegunrin, says underage and money-saving fasting is unacceptable.

Mr Abegunrin said this in a Lent message on Ash Wednesday in Ibadan.

He described fasting as training which should make an individual a better person and follower of Christ.

He noted that “the fasting that can be condemned is the one that seeks only the individual’s pride, pleasure or oppression of others.”

Mr Abegunrin urged Nigerians, especially those observing fasting during the lent, to desist from complaining to avoid losing all the graces attached to their fasting.

“It is to be noted that those who are above 60 years may not fast but we know that there are some who have grown so used to it, such that even at 80 they are still fasting. That’s a special grace,” said the Catholic cleric. “Also, those who are below 16 years may not fast, which is why parents should not force their children in the bid to save money or food; that will not be a good approach to fasting.”

Mr Abegunrin added, “Rather than force any child, make them understand the meaning of fasting in the church, that if you fast, it is because you want to give yourself to God totally.

“You do not fast to save money or resources. Whatever you have kept due to fasting should go to the poor.

“Prayer must go along with fasting because failure to do so is to fall into temptation and we need to overcome temptations at this time.”

According to him, those who fast are not to blow their trumpet when fasting.

He, however, urged those who could not fast to participate in the Lenten journey by making amendments where necessary, giving alms to the poor and praying.

(NAN)