Advertisement

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

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama administers the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Spirit Pastoral Area, Byazhin of Abuja Archdiocese. Credit: Abuja Archdiocese
Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Abuja, 27 June, 2023 / 8:50 pm (ACI Africa).

The Archbishop of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese has encouraged the people of God in the West African nation to remain faithful to God amid threats made against the innocent who try to do the right thing.

In his Sunday, June 25 homily at Holy Spirit Pastoral Area, Byazhin, in his Metropolitan See, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama cautioned against people used to twisting the truth.

“In our society full of threats against the righteous and innocent we are called to remain firmly rooted in God and we will surely overcome our trials,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

Making reference to the First Reading, the Catholic Archbishop said that like Prophet Jeremiah who was subjected to much suffering even to the point of losing his life, Nigerians need not despair in the face of hardships.

He said in reference to Jeremiah, “The prophet knew that no matter what hardships he would have to endure and even in his darkest moments, the Lord would always support him and be with him.” 

Advertisement

“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.

More in Africa

Kenya

Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year: Four Ways to Be a “Pilgrim of Hope” from Anywhere in Africa

Read the article

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 Isenjia

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.

Trending

You may also like

The Vatican and Microsoft have created a 3D digital model of St. Peter’s Basilica using the latest in artificial intelligence to offer a new way to experience the nearly 2,000-year history of the tomb of St. Peter. / Credit: Microsoft La Basilica Di San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience

Discover the History of St. Peter’s Basilica in New Microsoft Oline AI-enhanced 3D Model

Accessible worldwide at virtual.basilicasanpietro.va, the free interactive platform allows anyone in the world to “visit” the virtual 3D model of...

An external view of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem during the procession of the Franciscan friars after the first vespers of the Ascension solemnity on May 8, 2024. The procession circled the chapel three times. / Credit: Marinella Bandini

Catholics Ascend to Mount Olives, Site of Jesus’ Ascension, Only Day They Can Use Chapel Currently Under Muslim Control

“I’m excited to have come to pray in the actual place of the Ascension... I want to be closer to...

Pope Francis arriving at the meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Sept. 10, 2024. / Vatican Media

Catholics in East Timor Welcome Pope Francis to their Island "oasis" of Religious Vocations

Speaking in Dili's cathedral, Pope Francis challenged East Timor's Catholic leaders to renew evangelization efforts, declaring that the nation's position...