By CISA
ABUJA, OCTOBER 6, 2020 (CISA) – Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama has urged Nigerians to count their blessings despite the suffering that the country is facing 60 years after independence.
“Having celebrated Nigeria’s Diamond Jubilee of independence, we Nigerians must count our blessings and not only lament our woes. Among the countries of Africa, Nigeria has the biggest population; she has a rich ethnic diversity, fertile land, abundant human and natural resources and many brilliant minds. We have hard-working and resilient people, who, even when things appear so gloomy and life seems frustrating, still smile and say, “We are managing,” with incredible optimism,” he said in his homily during the Inauguration of Catholic Action and the installation of its executive in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja,.
Speaking at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja, October 3, he noted that,
“Even with poor social infrastructure and unavoidable poverty, Nigerians still queue for elections under the sun and rain to vote, sometimes not knowing if our votes count or if the promises made by politicians are really genuine. Through the prayers and concerted efforts of Catholic Action and similar movements, I believe that God will provide political leaders who will work sincerely for the good of the citizens.”
He lamented that despite the numerous places of worship and frantic religious activities, corruption is yet to significantly diminish.
“Rather, it has assumed a new level of digital proficiency and cuts across all levels, involving the poor and the rich, the young and the old, the villagers and urban dwellers, men and women and even those in primary schools. Our youths are still groaning under the yoke of unemployment thus taking refuge in cultism, drugs and violence. That we continue to see brothers killing brothers and celebrating it as an “achievement” makes my heart to bleed!” he said.
He expressed hope that there are citizens with a clear vision about what Nigeria should be.
“You are optimistic that someday the Lord will raise leaders to selflessly serve Nigerians irrespective of creed, tribe or political affiliation. God willing, we shall become a blessing to ourselves and to many nations and hopefully, be among politically powerful and economically viable nations of the world. This can happen only when we think more about others instead of our parochial interests,” he submitted.
Addressing members of the Catholic Action, he exalted them to be a strong voice and work with all groups in society.
You are men and women who are eager about sharing in the priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of Jesus… You wish to uphold and defend Christian values inspired by our Mother and Teacher, the Church. You are expected to be a strong voice and to work ardently with the youths, women, men, workers, politicians, professionals, etc. for social transformation,” he said.
He urged to translate the word of God into action by correct living.
“Your actions must result in personal spiritual transformation, social and political improvement, ethical revolution and the spreading of love…. I urge you therefore to live honestly, work selflessly and to pray fervently. Take seriously your private prayers, family prayers, praying the rosary and participation in Masses and Eucharistic adoration; to praise God and to beg God for your personal needs and for those of our Church and nation,” he said.
