•Visiting Catholic priests task leaders on security, good governance
By Christopher Oji
Two visiting Catholic priests from Rome, Italy, have described Nigerians as loving and affectionate people with passion for the work of God.
The priests from the Society of Saint Paul were in Nigeria to carry out investigations on who would take over from their representative in Nigeria, the Superior of the region, Reverend Father Joseph Missouri, who has completed his tenure and would be sent off for a higher assignment soon.
The leader of the team, Vicar-General, Society of St. Paul, Rev. Fr. Bogaslaw was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Allen Gamutam to the Society of St. Paul Catholic Church, Obawole, Iju, Lagos. They said they used to hear of kidnapping, terror attacks, bandits and other negative stories about Nigeria, but they were encouraged by the service and love of Christ and humanity to visit the country.
The priest said they were surprised that all the stories about Nigeria seemed like fiction because, contrary to postulations, they were enjoying the hospitality of the people of Nigeria and the good weather:
“Really, as human beings, we had mixed feelings visiting Nigeria because of the negative stories we heard and read in the news. But because of our calling as priests of the Most High God, we are not trained to be scared and we can’t reject any assignment given to us by our superiors. So, we decided to come.
“Second, we have some members in Nigeria. When we called, they gave us the assurance that Nigeria was not all that volatile as reported. We have come to celebrate with the people of Nigeria.
“We are here for two reasons: to visit our brothers who are serving in Nigeria and get first-hand information on how they are doing, and we have seen how they are performing wonderfully well. Again, our Superior in Nigeria, Father Joseph, is winding up his tenure.
“So, we have come for investigation to know whom we will choose to take over from him. We have done our best, spoken to people. When we go back to Rome, we shall do our recommendation.
“We are also here to celebrate Christ the King and to commemorate the death of our founder, James Alberione.”
The priest spoke through an interpreter. He admonished government to do something drastic about the economic hardship in the country and infrastructure, especially roads: “Really, Nigeria is a good country, blessed with natural and human resources, but the government should utilise God’s gifts bestowed on them to make everything work. Leadership is about the people. Show them love and use the resources and talent given to you by God to help the people.
“The government should try and make things easy for the people. Our leaders should emulate the leadership of Jesus, who went about doing good and showing compassion to the people. Don’t short change the people, give them what belongs to them.
“As a people, we should do good politics, play it according to the rules and ethics because politics is for the good of the people. Anyone who is playing politics that is not for the good of the people is selfish and God does not like selfish people.
“We should please God in everything we do because He is the owner of our lives. He can decide to do whatever he likes with it. That is why we have to be very careful with what we do so as not to offend God. If God denies you any request, He does it for your own good, but you may not know.
“Nigerians so much believe in God and miracles, to the extent that they worship God with great enthusiasm, passion and emotion. You notice all these during praise and worship. I love the way Nigerians sing and dance during worship.
“I love the way they give testimonies, which makes other people to know that God really exists. God really exists. There is no definite way to prove that God exists but when we compare testimonies, we are convinced that He exists and is still working miracles in our lives.
“With all good things around us, we should know that they came to be because of a Superior Being, God. Besides, St. Paul said God opens the hearts of men.
“The two powerful testimonies we heard in this church are enough. Mr. and Mrs. Enyama stayed for 20 years before they gave birth in this community. How about Mr. and Mrs. Chibundo, who gave birth to triplets? In fact, the two testimonies point to the fact that God exists and that He is still performing miracles.
“God is present everywhere. He is ubiquitous. He is in India, America, Nigeria, just everywhere. Everyone, both the righteous and sinners, are his children. When you are facing challenges, don’t think that He has abandoned you.
“He is all-knowing and all-seeing. Pray and pray till you get results. As long as you are still breathing, continue to pray, don’t give up. You have many people who faced challenges in the Bible, yet they conquered.
“You are seeing miracles in this worship community. You have seen the woman who waited for 20 years before God answered her. Sometimes, God says yes; sometimes, He says no. Whatever He says is still part of His love. Accept His will and leave Him to do His will.
“Really, we are enjoying Nigeria. I love the way you serve God with thanksgiving, praise and worship. You are serving God in spirit. Let it be that your hearts are as beautiful as the praise and worship you do, then leave the rest to Him. One thing is sure God exists.
“When you look up and down and see His mighty creations, you have no choice than to bow down and worship Him. The only problem that I see in Nigeria is political problem. Your political leaders should sit down and think of what to do to help the people. The youths have no jobs. Let them know what to do to assist them. Let them use this period to look into the challenges that the masses are facing and address them squarely.
“As for Christians, especially Catholics, this is a period of advent when we are expecting the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We should use the period to serve humanity. Reach out to the poor, orphans, the needy, widows and widowers.
“Show love to the people. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Love does not mean only giving gifts, you can visit your neighbour, the sick and the bereaved, stay with them and console them because they need people beside them.
“Again, as our founder, James Alberione, whose death we commemorate today, told us, we should disseminate the message of love and hope through any available means of communication, especially the social media.
“We should send messages of love to the world. Someone may be in need of your messages and will gain from the messages of hope.
“If I had my way to come back to Nigeria, I would do so, but we can’t determine or take decisions on our own. If our superiors send us back to Nigeria, I won’t hesitate to grab the chance. Nigeria is a lovely country with good people. I love Nigeria.”
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Joseph, called on parishioners to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, who went about doing good: “Do good and use this period of advent to show love to your neighbours, including your enemies. You can do the preaching without even talking to anyone, but your character can affect lives and they will like to be like you.”