He refered to “Europe and the Middle East with problems of flooding and wars,” as well as “America mired by fires and hurricanes,” and encouraged Nigerians to take solace in the fact that they are not the only ones facing challenges.
The member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication since his appointment in December 2021 said that Nigerians are faced with dual responsibilities both as citizens of the country and as members of a spiritual community.
He urged Nigerians to maintain a positive attitude and trust in God's promise, despite the hardships experienced in the country.
The Nigerian Bishop called of the people of God in the country to shun evil amid hardships saying that “repentance and change is for both the rich and the poor.” He reminded them that in the face of challenges, faith must remain central to navigating Nigeria’s future.
Bishop Badejo highlighted the importance of unity, expressing gratitude that “we are still one country” and reminding Nigerians of the significance of remaining together as they celebrate 64 years since independence.
The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, who doubles as the President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), an entity of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) also called for prayers in support of Pope Francis’ October intention on synodality.
“May God grant that the Church in mission exhibit the characteristics of the synodality process namely communion, and participation in mission,” he said in reference to the Synod on Synodality which is scheduled to run from October 2 to 27, in Rome.
The Bishop encouraged the faithful in the country to embrace a spirit of missionary zeal, drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially in October, the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
He emphasized that Mary “fulfilled the greatest mission ever entrusted to humanity: bringing the Son of God into the world.”
“That mission was Jesus Christ who gave to us his disciples, the mission of going into the whole world to make disciples of all nations. Let us pray that we may be enabled by the Holy Spirit to play our parts as Christians in both missions,” he said.
