“Seedbeds of vocations”: Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria on Role of Families in Nurturing Vocations

He encouraged parents and guardians to “guide children in prayer, service, and devotion”, emphasizing that these virtues form the “roots of Consecrated Life.”

Archbishop Crotty linked the strength of Priestly and Religious vocations to reverence for the Eucharist and faithful celebration of the liturgy. 

“The Eucharist is the greatest privilege and the high point of our Priestly identity,” the Apostolic Nuncio said, and referring to the common admonition to Catholic Priests urged them to approach every Holy Mass as though it were their first, last, and only one.

He said such a disposition reminds Catholic Priests of the privilege they carry each time they enter the sanctuary to preside over the Eucharist.

Reflecting on the theme of the August 28-30 General Assembly, “Faithfulness to the Liturgy: A Liturgical Vision for a Hopeful Future in Abuja Archdiocese,” the Vatican diplomat said the gathering provided an opportunity for the Archbishop, the Clergy, women and men Religious, and Laity to share concerns and chart a way forward for the growth of the Church, especially the liturgy.

“The liturgy is the encounter between God and his people, and also the encounter of the Church with the world,” Archbishop Crotty said. 

He added, “Our liturgy must be something attractive, something holy, and something beautiful. Reverence must always be at the center of how we celebrate. For Priests, the Eucharist is the greatest privilege and the high point of our Priestly identity, and it must always be offered with great devotion.” 

The Apostolic Nuncio described went on to describe the liturgy as the “heart of Christian life and a glimpse of the joy awaiting believers in heaven” and called upon Catholics to not only participate actively in the liturgy but to also live its values daily. 

“Nourished by the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ, we are strengthened to be witnesses of Christ and His Gospel in every aspect of life,” he said.

The 54-year-old Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria following his appointment to the West African nation that is the continent’s most populous nation in July 2024 encouraged people of God in the country to rediscover the role of silence in worship, describing it as a moment of intimacy with the Lord in a noisy world.

Also speaking to ACI Africa, the Local Ordinary of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama cautioned Catholic Priests against misusing the pulpit for selfish purposes.

“The pulpit is the locus of preaching. It must never be used for personal gains or to settle scores with parishioners or any other person. The focus should always remain on Christ and the message of the Gospel,” Archbishop Kaigama said during the August 30 interview.

He lamented that some Priests have introduced distractions into the liturgy, drawing attention to themselves instead of to Christ. 

“The liturgy must not attract people to the Priest or even the Bishop; it should always direct them to Jesus Christ, who is the High Priest,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop emphasized.

He decried what he called the “commercialization of the liturgy”, noting that some Priests alter the Mass structure to insert excessive fundraising.

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“This is an aberration and should not be found in the Catholic Church. Our Priests should desist from such practices,” Archbishop Kaigama warned.

He also denounced the placement of children on the altar during dedication rites, calling it a violation of the sacredness of the Eucharistic space.

The Catholic Archbishop urged Priests to comply fully with prescribed vestments at Holy Mass, saying incomplete attire shows disregard for the sacred celebration. 

He also warned the Laity against turning worship into a fashion show. “Some come to Church to show off a new hairstyle or a new dress. The Church is not the place for such exhibition,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo further cautioned against the introduction of secular songs, inappropriate dance, and the increasing use of mobile phones during Holy Mass, describing them as distractions from true worship.

“In the Church, dance must be done with solemnity and dignity,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama encouraged seminars and workshops to deepen understanding of Catholic liturgy, insisting that the Holy Mass “must not be confused with other Christian services.”