Let’s “remain firmly rooted in God” amid Threats: Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria

“Jeremiah, therefore, teaches us that we are never alone in our sufferings, and we will always have God by our side, journeying with us and leading us to victory," the Local Ordinary of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019 said.

In reference to the Gospel reading from St. Matthew in which Jesus Christ urges his apostles not to be afraid, Archbishop Kaigama cautioned Nigerians against fear, and urges them to “uphold the truth”.

Nigerians, he said, "have become familiar in our country with people who alter the truth for selfish gains or for fear of opposition, to the extent that one rarely finds individuals who choose to uphold the truth and stand by it come what may.”

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop lamented that many people in Africa’s most populous nation have normalized bending the laws and sacrificing principles for selfish interests.

“It is very difficult to stand for the truth without receiving threats from opposition and hardly a day will pass without some news of terror,” the Catholic Archbishop said in his homily during the Eucharistic celebration that saw 177 Catholics confirmed.

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He urged the candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and all Nigerians to “desist from sin and every form of wrongdoing.”

“It is my prayer that those receiving these Sacraments today will receive the grace to be faithful witnesses of the message of Christ,” the Catholic Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese implored.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.