The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most (Rev) Ignatius Kaigama, has said that the nation faces uncertain times with the growing spate of insecurity, adding that the assurances of the federal government, as well as security agencies, leave much to be desired.
The Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Abuja, made the assertion on Sunday in his Homily delivered St. Andrew’s Parish, Orozo in Abuja.
TheFact Nigeria noted that the Archbishop said the country “need the wine of honesty enthusiasm, understanding, solidarity, mutual acceptance, self-giving, and forgiveness”, to wriggle out of the myriad of challenges besetting her.
This was as Archbishop Kaigama announced plans to begin the church’s week of prayer for christian unity.
According to him, the week-long prayer, which will hold from January 16th to 23rd, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will witness prayer sessions across other denominations, to underscore the binding nature of the Holy Spirit.
His Grace said: “As we prepare to embark on our Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Federal Capital Territory, 16th to 23rd January, visiting and praying in a different church denomination each day, we must allow the Holy Spirit to bind us together, and to teach us to respect the gifts and talents of other Christians, even if they seem insignificant in our eyes. Everyone has something to offer in the society and in the Church.
“We must accept each other as God’s special gifts to be loved, respected and appreciated. Together, with the help of God, we can record many more successes and ascend to greater heights”.
Specifically, he charged that, as the year 2022 is already speeding away, let us invite Mary our mother to intercede for us as she did for the couple of Cana, adding, however, that “we must be ready to take her advice: ‘Do whatever He tells you!” By so doing, our water will turn into wine; our sorrows will be transformed into joys, and our despair will be renewed in great hope’.
On the uncertainty pervading the environment, Kaigama noted: “In Nigeria, we seem to transit from one major national challenge to another. We witness the criminal activities and mindless killings such as the recent attacks in Zamfara State, and efforts by terrorists to establish themselves as a government within a government.
“Yet, the assurances of political leaders and security operatives always leave more to be desired. Only yesterday, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was well celebrated. We join millions of Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen and living heroes.
“We must continue to pray for the departed ones, expressing solidarity and showing kindness to the veterans and survivors, while urging Government to pay particular attention to the welfare of the men and women, who have made selfless contributions to the search for durable peace for all Nigerians.
“Unfortunately, we have become too uncertain about many things; unsure each day about what will become of our people, if they go to the farms or streams, what may befall villagers at night, or even in broad daylight in the cities, where people get abducted in exchange for raw cash.
“Many families too are quickly running out of the wine of gladness, as they are threatened by moral and social vices, economic hardship; arising from poor and corrupt governance.
“As Jesus filled the empty water jars with water turned into wine, we all have to beg God to fill our hearts and the hearts of others around us with genuine love.
“Through the powerful intercession of Mary our Mother, may we experience especially in 2022, an abundance of joy, love and peace in our families, parishes, our nation Nigeria and the world at large. To all of you in St. Andrew’s, Orozo, I urge you not to forget Mary’s punchline today: “Do whatever He tells you.”
