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“Be trustworthy administrators, generous stewards”: Nuncio in Nigeria at Abuja Assembly

Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, the representative of the Holy Father in Nigeria during the maiden General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Abuja Friday, September 4.

The representative of the Holy Father in Nigeria has, at the maiden General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Abuja, urged members of the Clergy, the Religious and Lay faithful to foster the values of trustworthiness, generosity, and selflessness in their ministry, following “the way of the Master,” Jesus Christ.

In a report shared with ACI Africa Saturday, September 5, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi also underscored the need for pastoral agents to live by the principle of unity in diversity.

The Nuncio urged pastoral agents in Nigeria’s Archdiocese of Abuja “to do their best to follow the way of the Master by being trustworthy, transparent, selfless and generous in the discharge of their duty in the Church,” the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Fr. Mike Umoh says in the September 5 report.

Archbishop Filipazzi encouraged the people of God in Abuja Archdiocese to be "true administrators of divine mystery" entrusted to them by Christ according to their different roles in the Church.

"An administrator is neither a master nor a slave who cannot decide anything, but one who is given responsibility by the Master," Archbishop Filipazzi said during the opening ceremony of the General Assembly held at the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Garki, Abuja.

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In the September 4 address, the Italian-born diplomat emphasized the need for Catholics to foster unity with the Holy Father and with the Church leadership.

“The Nuncio strongly exhorted the Assembly to ensure that though they are different, ‘difference must not lead to division’; thus, all must sincerely strive and work for unity as there should be no room for division in the body of Christ,” Fr. Mike says in the report sent to ACI Africa.

Highlighting the significance of the Archdiocese in the West African nation, the Apostolic Nuncio said, “Abuja has a great responsibility to be the diocese of the capital of Nigeria by showing a good example and portraying a good image of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.”

“I pray this assembly will foster this goal, as I wish you all success in all your deliberations,” the 57-year-old Vatican diplomat is quoted as saying in Fr. Mike’s report to ACI Africa September 5.

Organized under the theme, “Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja: Together in Evangelization,” the September 4-5 maiden General Assembly brings together Bishops, Priests, Religious men and women, and a good representation of the Laity according to their sodality groups.

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Participants in the Assembly are expected to discuss how to strengthen the faith of the people of God and how they can remain committed to God amid COVID-19 challenges.

Addressing participants at the opening Mass of the General assembly Friday, September 4, the Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama said the event is expected to “explore” ways to contribute to the progress of the local Church in the West African nation.

Archbishop Kaigama expressed the hope that the gathering “would help the Church to take a look at the humble beginnings of what had metamorphosed into an outstanding Archdiocese.”

“Hopefully, we can explore during the assembly proceedings how to continue to contribute to the overall development, welfare and progress of our Church, and the nation,” the Nigerian Prelate said during the Eucharistic celebration September 4.

He added, “We hope that the pastoral areas with the cooperation of all will grow to quasi parishes and then to full parishes.”

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.