“You, members of the pastoral area of St. Kevin, gathered here with the IDPs in the camp, are a testimony to the reality of life's challenges and the resilience of faith,” he said.
The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop recalled the 21 December 2024 food distribution tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left several others injured at the Holy Trinity Maitama Catholic Parish of Abuja Archdiocese saying that the incident also serves as a testament to the “harsh economic situation” in Nigeria.
“I had to go and commiserate with the families of the deceased and the parishioners of Holy Trinity Maitama, who under the umbrella of Saint Vincent de Paul, desired to put smiles on the faces of the hungry during the Christmas celebrations but ended in such unfortunate tragedy because of the harsh economic situation in our country that has left many people impoverished,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
Addressing the IDPs, he said, “It is for the same reason that some of you are here, displaced from your homes and families… Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, you find hope in Christ, who enters into your lives with his comforting presence.”
In his homily, the Catholic Archbishop commended the faithful at the IDP camp for their courage and faith, saying, “Your courage and faith inspire us all.”
He called on the people of God to depend on and present themselves to the Lord just like Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus Christ did.
“Just as Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, presenting Him to God's people, so too are we called to present ourselves and our struggles to the Lord. He embraces us in our vulnerability and walks with us through every trial,” the Catholic Church leader said.
He encouraged Nigerians to pray for strength during challenging times on the occasion of the World Day for Consecrated Life, also called Candlemas, marked 40 days after Christmas, with Holy Mass beginning with blessing of candles and a procession.
“As we reflect on this Feast Day, let us pray for each other. Let us pray for the strength to continue our journey with faith, hope, and love. May the light of Christ, whom we celebrate today, guide us through the sorrows and darkness of these times, to the joy of His eternal presence,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
He emphasized the need to practice the virtues of love and hope, saying, “Let us embrace our call to be agents of His love and purification in our families, societies, in the country, and indeed, in the world, bringing hope and light to all we encounter.”
