Hallelujah Challenge During Lent: Catholic Priest Issues Warning

Catholic Priest Speaks Against Hallelujah Challenge During Lent

A Catholic priest, Father Joshua Mary Ugbedeojo Abuh, has warned Catholics against participating in the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent, stressing that the practice conflicts with Catholic liturgical discipline.

Father Abuh, who runs the Facebook page Magnificat Series, made his position known in a strongly worded post that has since generated intense debate among Christians online.

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Why the Priest Opposes Hallelujah Challenge During Lent

According to the priest, joining the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent undermines the penitential nature of the season. He explained that Lent calls Catholics to solemn reflection, fasting, prayer, and restraint—not celebratory expressions associated with “Hallelujah.”

Father Abuh noted that the Catholic Church traditionally omits the word Hallelujah throughout Lent as a sign of spiritual discipline and anticipation of Easter joy.

‘An Insult to the Faith,’ Priest Says

In his message, the priest described Catholic participation in the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent as “an insult to your faith and a testament of faithlessness.”

He argued that taking part while still observing Catholic sacraments such as Mass, Holy Communion, and the Rosary amounts to spiritual inconsistency and double standards.

However, he clarified that he was not condemning the Hallelujah Challenge itself.

Priest Clarifies His Position on the Hallelujah Challenge

Father Abuh emphasized that the Hallelujah Challenge—popularly led by Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey—is not inherently wrong.

Instead, he urged Catholics to respect the unique spiritual demands of Lent and remain faithful to established Catholic practices during the season.

Understanding Lent in the Catholic Faith

Lent is a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. During this time, Catholics worldwide focus on fasting, prayer, repentance, and almsgiving in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

Church traditions intentionally reduce celebratory worship during Lent to encourage reflection and spiritual renewal.

Mixed Reactions Trail the Priest’s Warning

The priest’s comments have sparked mixed reactions online. While some Catholics praised his stance on preserving liturgical discipline, others argued that worship should remain a personal expression of faith, regardless of season.

Despite the differing views, the discussion has renewed attention on the boundaries between denominational doctrine and contemporary worship movements.