Hallelujah Challenge is a popular online worship movement led by Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey, overlaps with the Catholic Lenten season, which began on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. It is typically held on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
A Catholic priest, Father Joshua Mary Ugbedeojo Abuh, who runs the Facebook handle Magnificat Series, has urged Catholics to avoid participating in the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent. 
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What Is Lent in the Catholic Church?
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance observed by Catholics in preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Easter Sunday.
According to official Catholic teaching, Lent is a solemn and penitential season. Catholics are encouraged to:
- Fast and abstain from certain foods
- Pray more deeply
- Reflect on sin and repentance
- Prepare spiritually for the resurrection of Jesus Christ
One key liturgical practice during Lent is the omission of the word “Alleluia” (or Hallelujah) in Mass.
Why Catholics Do Not Say “Hallelujah” During Lent
The word “Hallelujah” comes from Hebrew and means “Praise the Lord.” In Catholic tradition, it is a joyful exclamation used especially during celebrations.
However, during Lent, the Catholic Church deliberately removes “Alleluia” from the liturgy to reflect the solemn and reflective nature of Lent.
It is restored during Easter, symbolizing the joy of Christ’s resurrection.
This tradition dates back centuries and is practiced worldwide in Catholic parishes.
What the Catholic Priest Said About the Hallelujah Challenge
In his Facebook message, the priest stated:
“As a Catholic, following the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent is a big caricature of your baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, Masses, and rosaries.”
He clarified that the Hallelujah Challenge itself is not bad. However, he argued that Catholics should remain faithful to their own liturgical practices.
He added:
“If you are Catholic, you shouldn’t be caught with ashes in the morning and at night, Halleluia is on your lips. Catholics fast from HALLELUIA during Lent.”
From his message, it seems the priest is encouraging Catholics to remain faithful to Catholic spiritual discipline rather than adopting practices that contradict it.
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