Catholics Debate Skipping Hallelujah Challenge During Lent, Citing Liturgical Differences

A debate has erupted among Nigerian Christians over whether Catholics should participate in Pastor Nathaniel Bassey’s nightly Hallelujah Challenge during Lent. On February 18, Catholic social media user Uche Mary Okoli urged co-religionists to skip the event, noting that Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and penance where Catholic liturgy omits “Alleluia” to emphasise Jesus’ suffering.

Supporters shared a priest’s quote describing participation as a “big caricature” of Catholic faith. Critics argued that worship transcends seasons and accused Catholics of superiority, highlighting tensions between Pentecostal energy and Catholic traditions in Nigeria’s Christian community. The Hallelujah Challenge runs nightly during Lent, which began February 18 and ends April 5.

Key Points:

The debate highlights big liturgical differences between Catholic and Pentecostal traditions in Nigeria.
It raises questions about interdenominational participation in worship events during solemn seasons.
Catholics assert their right to observe Lent distinctly, while Pentecostals defend universal worship.
This signals ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s diverse Christian landscape.
The timing, at Lent’s start, sets the tone for the season’s observances.

The Hallelujah Challenge during Lent has sparked debate among Nigerian Christians, with Catholics urged to prioritise solemn observance over Pentecostal worship events.

Sources: Social Media/X, UcheMaryOkoli/Post

As a Catholic, this is not the right time to join HALLELUJAH CHALLENGE!!
There is a big contrast here.
This is Lenten season! Observe the lenten season.

— Uche is a girl (@UcheMaryOkoli) February 18, 2026