By Njoki Githinji
ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020(CISA) – At the maiden General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama has called for a renewed missionary impulse and continuation of volunteer culture for the sake of growth and development of the Church.
“With the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic and our experience of its devastating socio-economic implications especially across third world countries, together with other peculiar burning national issues such as insecurity, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping etc there is need for a renewed missionary impulse and sensitivity,” he said September 4 in Abuja.
Appreciating professionals who serve at the archdiocese under different capacities, he called for a continued volunteer culture.
“We appreciate all those who through the years have carried out archdiocesan assignments with great passion and diligence using their professional skills. Today, more than before, we need many more of such services from our doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, teachers, electricians, mechanics, traders, security experts etc. The volunteer culture must continue to grow,” he said.
He called for unity, inclusion and diversity.
“We must shun the mentality where everyone is for himself or herself and cares only for those who are friends, family or from the same tribe, region, religion or political party, to the extent that we subordinate the common good to selfish interests, and even consider others as “outsiders”, thus triggering the feelings in certain quarters of being neglected, abandoned or marginalized,” he noted.
He further urged the government to deal with the increasing poverty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With the current economic crisis occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a huge increase in poverty levels. We call on the government to give priority to alleviating poverty and improving life situations among Nigerians,” he said.
According to Archbishop Kaigama, the assembly was an opportunity for the Archdiocese to examine how it has metamorphosed into its current state from its humble beginnings and how it can continue to contribute to the overall development, welfare and progress of the Church and the nation.
The assembly ran September 4-5 under the theme, “Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja: Together in Evangelization.”
