Priest Advises Catholics Against Participating in Hallelujah Challenge During Lent

A Catholic priest has cautioned church members to steer clear of participating in the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent.

The Lenten season commences today, February 18, marked by Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, this period is observed by Catholics as one of mourning, during which the expression "Hallelujah" is omitted, as it is associated with joy and celebration.

The priest reached out to Catholics through a Facebook post, noting the overlap of Nathaniel Bassey's Hallelujah Challenge and the Lent season.

He stated, "As a Catholic, engaging in the 'Hallelujah Challenge' during Lent undermines the significance of your baptism, Confirmation, the Holy Communion, masses, and Rosaries you have participated in."

He further declared, "It is an affront to your faith and reflects a lack of commitment to it.

"Is the 'Hallelujah Challenge' inherently negative? Certainly not! However, if you identify as a Catholic, you should not be seen with ashes in the morning while proclaiming 'Hallelujah' at night.

"Catholics abstain from uttering 'Hallelujah' during Lent.

"If you choose to be a Catholic, commit fully to it" – Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi.