Nigerian Archbishop Proposes Improved Catechesis, Adequate Preparation for Sacraments to Preserve Catholic Identity

The Nigerian Archbishop expressed concern that the developments threaten to dilute the essence of Catholic worship and weaken community life, which he said is central to the transmission of faith to future generations.

Archbishop Kaigama outlined several resolutions aimed at preserving the Catholic identity in the Archdiocese of Abuja and in the entire nation, saying, “We encourage parishes, pastoral areas, and chaplaincies to improve catechesis.”

Proper catechesis, he said, “should be complemented at the home front by parents and guardians.”

“Adequate time should be dedicated to preparing candidates for the reception of the sacraments,” he said following the three-day event that was held at the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles in Karsana.

The Local Ordinary of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese encouraged catechetical formation for all Catholic faithful, and condemned practices which he said are “alien to our catholic identity and spirituality, especially during our catholic liturgy.”

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Nigerian Archbishop Proposes Improved Catechesis, Adequate Preparation for Sacraments to Preserve Catholic Identity

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For catechism instruction, the Archbishop recommended using Catholic documents, including the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, and magisterial teachings.

While acknowledging the diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Kaigama stressed that their expression must align with Catholic guidelines.

In the statement following the three-day event, Archbishop Kaigama urged Catholics in positions of authority and influence to promote Catholic values and to attend Church programs to encourage others.

He further discouraged practices promoting paganism under the guise of enculturation and called for greater inclusion of persons with special abilities in the activities of the church.

The Nigerian Archbishop encouraged Catholics to express their faith openly by making the sign of the cross, praying the Angelus and Divine Mercy, participating in devotions, and inviting others, including family and friends, to join them at Mass and other programs. 

Archbishop Kaigama urged Catholics in the entertainment industry to create value-based content to foster moral development, while the faithful were encouraged to defend their faith against attacks on Catholic identity and spirituality.

In the three-page statement that he cosigned, with the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Fr. Sam Tumba, Archbishop Kaigama appealed to the Nigerian government to prioritize policies that address the country’s worsening living conditions that have plunged many Nigerians into poverty thereby widening the gap between the rich and the poor. 

He described the widening gap between the rich and the poor in the West African nation as a significant concern, noting that “people are starving in the midst of abundance.”

“The essence of any government in power is a commitment to improving gradually and steadily the standard of living,” he said, adding, “We call on government at all levels to implement policies and programs that alleviate scourging poverty, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and the like.”

He urged the government to address critical issues, including hunger, insecurity, terrorism, economic instability, poor infrastructure, healthcare deficiencies, and unemployment, noting, “These must be attended to at a reasonable level to prove accountability and responsibility.”

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Archbishop Kaigama acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle national challenges but observed that many of these measures have resulted in severe hardship for citizens. “Our grief is great,” he said, adding that the current situation raises fears for the safety of the faithful and all Nigerians.

Describing the nation as “in distress” and in “dire need of salvation,” the Nigerian Archbishop called on authorities to fulfill their promises and implement sustainable solutions.

He emphasized the Church’s prophetic mission to denounce societal ills while urging the government to act decisively to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the marginalized. 

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.