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Let’s Join “mission of peace, reconciliation, repentance”: Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria

Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and some Priests after his pastoral visit at St. Matthias Mulumba Azhata Catholic Parish of Abuja Archdiocese. Credit: Abuja Archdiocese

The Archbishop of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese has called upon the people of God in the West African country to become part of the mission that Jesus Christ entrusted to his 72 disciples in pairs as narrated in Luke’s Gospel.

In his Sunday, July 3 homily at St. Matthias Mulumba Azhata Catholic Parish of Abuja Archdiocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama encouraged Nigerians to join the “mission of peace, reconciliation and repentance”. 

“Nigerians are called to be missionaries of peace as the 72 disciples sent in pairs on mission of peace, reconciliation and repentance,” Archbishop Kaigama said, referencing the Gospel reading of the fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2022.

The Nigerian Archbishop challenged the political leadership of the West African nation to be decisive about peace efforts. He said, “Government must also do everything possible to ensure the return of permanent peace.”

He underscored the need for Nigerians at all levels to be preoccupied with “the message of peace” saying peace underpins every possible progress.

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“The message of peace must therefore remain our top priority,” Archbishop Kaigama said, and added, “Peace brings understanding, unity, togetherness, forgiveness, collaboration, development and growth.”

The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese recalled the instruction of Jesus Christ to the 72, highlighting the message of peace they were to bring to houses they visited.

“Today Jesus equips us with the message we must bring to our world: Peace be with this house [world],” Archbishop Kaigama said. 

He added in reference to the message of peace, “Jesus knows very well that this is what our world needs most; to transform it from a culture of war and hatred to a culture of peace. He invites us to be instruments of His peace; to heal the world of violence.”

Making reference to St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Archbishop Kaigama said, “St. Paul in the second reading, as if speaking to Nigerians, refers to our carrying the wounds of violence and conflict, but that God assures us of His peace.”

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Peace that St. Paul is praying for can only be absorbed in the hearts of the people, communities, societies and in the entire world when people live in accordance with God’s will, he further said, and added, “Preaching the gospel inevitably means preaching the gospel of peace, and a believer is to be most pitied who does not preach the good news of peace.”

The Archbishop who will turn 64 at the end of this month challenged those vying for various political seats ahead of the country’s 2023 general elections to “include in their political calculations” how they will handle insecurity.

He said, “Those aspiring to rule this country must keep in mind the enormous security situation at hand and include in their political calculations now the needed strategies and deliberate measures to bring the unfortunate security situation under control.”

“The kidnappers or terrorists are said to be so bold as to demand for money, foodstuff, motorcycles and even weapons to be delivered to them in person. Also, that the negotiations for these are done by telephone, and yet they remain undetected makes this the greatest Nigerian mystery today,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

He looked to the future with hope saying, “One day all our sufferings in Nigeria will be a thing of the past, that is, if we make good political choices, and the leaders create a level laying ground that permits transparent and just democratic practice.”

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“There will be healing of our land, an era of spiritual restoration, great consolation and material prosperity for Nigeria,” the Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese who was at St. Matthias Mulumba Azhata Catholic Parish to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation to 91 candidates and First Holy Communion to 46 candidates said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.