By PJ Usanga
The Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has called on its faithful to deepen their Catholic identity and spirituality amidst the challenges posed by secularism, individualism, and cultural imperialism. This call was made at the end of the 5th General Assembly of the Archdiocese, which took place from 28th to 30th November 2024 at the ongoing building of the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles, Karsana, Kubwa Expressway.
In a Pastoral Message issued at the end of the assembly and signed by the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama and the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Sam Tumba, the assembly noted that the Catholic identity and spirituality are being assaulted by the dictatorship of secularism, individualism, and cultural imperialism.” It emphasized that these ideologies “diminish the role of religion in public and private life, substitute sacrifice for selfishness, and communal life for individualistic lifestyle.”
The document further expressed that the Church is called to “go forth” and bring the joy of the Gospel to the peripheries of society. It quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324).
The assembly particularly emphasized the importance of living out Catholic spirituality in their daily living, “There is no dignity in denying our identity. We must not shy away from what distinguishes us as Catholics.” The assembly encouraged all Catholics to be proud of their identity and spirituality, and to express it through regular participation in the sacraments, spiritual direction, and corporal works of mercy.
The two-day gathering also addressed the challenges facing Nigeria, calling on the government to implement policies and programs that alleviate poverty, hunger, insecurity, and unemployment. The document pointed out that “the nation is in distress, in dire need of salvation,” and called on Catholics to pray for the country and to work towards its transformation.
The General Assembly which assembled delegates including, priests, religious and lay faithful across the Archdiocese, maintained that the Catholic identity and spirituality have survived for over 2000 years, and that the Archdiocese is committed to deepening and living out this identity in the face of modern challenges.
“We consecrate our Archdiocese to the Maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and pray through her intercession that our Archdiocese will continue to grow, deepen and live out our Catholic identity and Spirituality as Mater et Magister.”
The 5th General Assembly, concluded with the Ordination of 14 deacons as priests for the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
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