“I have never ordained so many priests”: Catholic Archbishop from England Marvels at Nigeria’s Vibrant Church

“Now we are the recipients of the mission,” he said, lauding the growth of vocations Priestly and Religious Life in Africa.

The Catholic Church leader described Nigeria as “the birthplace and inheritance” of many people in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

He said that there are many lay people, women and men Religious, and Clergy, living and working in the English Archdiocese, who either come from Nigeria or have Nigerian heritage.

In the letter that was shared with ACI Africa on July 14, Archbishop Wilson expressed gratitude to Nigerians in the Archdiocese of Southwark, saying, “I want to thank you for making your home here. I want to affirm what a blessing you are to the Catholic Church in Southwark.”

He said that the presence of Nigerian Priests and women and men Religious in his Metropolitan See is a blessing to the Archdiocese. “Catholics from across Africa and the entire world enrich our Church, bringing to life in our communities a beautiful and richly diverse mosaic of God’s creation,” he said.

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Archbishop Wilson recalled having “witnessed first-hand the joy and fidelity of Nigerian Catholic faith and the liveliness of its worship.”

“I am grateful for the ways in which Nigerian Catholics make these gifts present in our Archdiocese,” the English Catholic Archbishop said.

He went on to reflect on the liturgy during the Priestly Ordination of MSP members, saying it was “resonant with profound faith.” 

Reflecting on his experience during his maiden visit to Africa, Archbishop Wilson said, “I have never been to a place where so many people use the word ‘welcome’ so frequently.”

“Whether at the airport, the MSP General House and Seminary, the pro Cathedral, various churches and parishes, or around the city, the first word spoken was always ‘welcome’ - by ordinary people, and to me, a visitor, a stranger,” Archbishop Wilson said.

He continued, “There is a powerful lesson here in hospitality, from which we can all learn – in our homes, families, parishes, and schools. We are to be always, each of us, people of welcome. Our Church is to be a place of welcome.”

He also reflected on “the depth and power of faith in Christ” among Nigerian Catholics, saying that he witnessed a love for Christ’s Church, a love for the Mass and Eucharistic adoration, and for the Holy Rosary, and for service to those in need.

“Few can say ‘Amen’ with the conviction of a Nigerian disciple of the Lord Jesus,” the Catholic Church leader said, adding that celebrating Sunday Mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Gwagwalada, was, for him, “an experience of the Acts of the Apostles alive today.”

He also recalled witnessing deep resilience in the West African country that is experiencing persecution against Christians, amid economic hardships and other challenges. “I witnessed a paramount trust in God’s providence among the Catholics of Nigeria. Whether the sun is shining, or the rain is falling, faith endures,” Archbishop Wilson said.

“The generosity of welcome, the depth of faith, and the endurance of trust; these remain with me as I recall the faces of so many wonderful people, none of whom I had met before, but with whom I am united in the richness of our Catholic faith,” he said.

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Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.