“We must encourage people who are sick or dying to give hope” Nigerian Archbishop

Archbishop Kaigama who described sickness as “one undeniable aspect of human existence” encouraged the people of God to visit and comfort the sick saying, doing so “is an integral mission of the Christian given by Jesus.” 

He further noted that visiting the sick is a “fulfillment” of the Gospel according to St. Matthew and a heed to the call of St. Paul in his first Letter to the Corinthians.

The 62-year-old Nigerian Archbishop reminded members of the Clergy that they “have a duty, through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, to express God’s compassion for humanity.”

He went on to highlight the plight of the sick and of the health sector in his country, Nigeria, where “the situation seems to become worse with each passing day.”

He explained, “When you look at rural areas where health care is lacking or grossly inadequate, the shortage of personnel and lack of motivation for those who are responsible for the sick, doctors or nurses must go on several strikes before the Government does the needful.”

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Making reference to Israelites’ “impatience shortly after their departure from Egypt,” Archbishop Kaigama cautioned, “We too must be careful not to allow our sickness drive us into impatience, bitterness and hopelessness, because God knows and understands our situation even better than we do.”

“God rewards the heart that remains grateful in the midst of difficulties,” he said.

The Archbishop added in reference to the readings of the day, “Let us look up and fix our gaze continuously on Jesus on the cross and the Blessed Sacrament. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, Jesus is lifted up for us. Cast all your worries, anxieties and pains upon Him.”

He further encouraged participation and focus during Eucharistic celebration saying, “Each time at Holy Mass, look up to the consecrated host and say, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.’ Let us be confident and expectant that we can get healing for our body and soul.”

“Let us intensify efforts to show solidarity with the sick, the elderly and the lonely and those discriminated against in our country because of religious, ethnic or political prejudices,” Archbishop Kaigama appealed.

“Jesus the gynecologist, the ophthalmologist, the ear, nose and throat doctor (otolaryngologist), the pediatrician, the cancer Doctor (oncologist), etc., hear our prayer and restore to bodily, mental or spiritual health all of us who are sick. Amen,” he implored in his March 23 homily.