“Be strong pillars”: Archbishop to Husbands Ahead of Father’s Day at Nigerian Parish, Emphasizes “ingredient” of Love

In his homily at Christ the King Kubwa Parish that postponed the celebration by a week to May 12, Archbishop Kaigama called upon husbands to “ensure that love becomes a necessary ingredient” in their respective homes. Love, the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop emphasized, “must animate the family.”

“The family is the first school of love,” he insisted, and continued, “Parents must not fail to love their children equally and try as much as possible not to create some level of preference.”

The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019 called upon children to foster love towards their parents and siblings, cautioning them against discrimination.

In his May 5 homily, Archbishop Kaigama also reflected on the Sixth Sunday of Easter Readings, whose theme he said was love. 

He explained, “Today’s readings portray the love of God for us and the type of love that should exist among us. Love is not just an emotion, a sentimental feeling; love is an action that not only warms our hearts but it is also that powerful force that transcends boundaries, that shapes our actions and interactions with others.”

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The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese also underlined the need for “sacrificial love” on the part of leaders in Africa’s most populous nation. 

He said, “What is expected of our leaders, whether spiritual, traditional, or political is a sacrificial love that is sympathetic, considerate, gentle, and kind. This love works for the good of the other and is not self-aggrandizing.”

“This love is not arrogant, even when we think we are right, and others are wrong. Sacrificial love is not selfish. Rather, it is an act of the will which seeks to serve and not to be served,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

Referring to Mother Teresa’s call for love while responding to a question on how the world’s problems can be solved, Archbishop Kaigama said, “The one thing that is destroying our world today is hatred and intolerance.”

He explained, “If only we can learn to love, just a little more, the world would be a better place to live in. There will be less hunger because resources will be equitably shared; there will be fewer killings because people will respect the lives of others; crime will be greatly minimized because neighbours will not want to harm one another. As it is said: Love makes the world go round.”

“As human beings, we often fall short of the love that Jesus commands us to embrace. Despite our shortcomings, He extends His hand. God’s love defies human logic – it seeks out the lost, the broken, and the wayward,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop said in his May 5 homily.

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.