BY REV. FR. LEO OLUWASEYI AWOJINRIN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF IJEBU-ODE

In a Live broadcast on Ash Wednesday, 26th February, 2020, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina has insisted that no partner who is married should deprive a spouse of the obligation of sexual intercourse. The Shepherd maintained this stand when he was teaching on the Network of NTA, Ijebu-Ode about the obligations of the Lenten season.

A man who called in from Ilese in Ijebu-Ode Diocese simply asked: ‘As a married man, can I fast from sex during lent?’. Bishop Adesina was clear on the fact that it was honourable to fast from anything one loved doing including sex during the season of lent. However, he also taught that given the nature of marriage, which is about companionship, in which case, two persons become one, the decision to fast from sex must be mutually agreed upon by both parties in a marriage. In short, you cannot fast from sex in marriage unless your spouse is willing to do the same after discussing about it.

He further stressed the importance of dialogue between couples involved in a marriage. He said that if the decision is taken unilaterally, it may cause some breakdown in any marriage. ‘So, fast from sex sir, but let your wife agree to it.’ And together both of them will enjoy a grace-filled lent.

There were so many other questions that callers asked during the live interview. Other details can be found on the diocesan website: www.ijebuodecatholicdiocese.org OR on YouTube: Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode OR Facebook: The Partner Newspaper. Follow any of these links and get more on the live broadcast of Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese.