By PJ Usanga
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, urged Nigerian Papal Knights and Medalists to emulate Christ in every aspect of their lives. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a profound awareness of their identity and embracing a Christ-centered mindset.
In his homily at the Mass during the recently held 16th Annual National Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) at the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus (EHJ) Centre, Lagos, Archbishop Martins stressed that spiritual consciousness is essential for genuine discipleship and effective service to the Church and humanity.
“Brothers and sisters, I believe that the Lord is speaking to us, what the Lord is giving to us today as our mantra is to be aware of who you are every second of every minute, every minute of every hour, every hour of every day, every day of every week, every week of every month and every month of every year,” Archbishop Adewale said.
“But then, who are we? What are we to be aware of? First of all, that we are made in the image and likeness of God; that we are followers of Christ. We are a people striving to become more and more like Jesus, our master, Jesus, our Lord and savior,” he continued.
The Prelate further emphasized the need for the Knights and Medalists to think, talk, and act like Christ. “In all circumstances and in all areas of our lives, we deal with the challenges of living the reality of life. We must think like Christ. We must talk like Christ. We must act and behave as Christ would act and behave, so that anyone who sees us will see Christ, anyone who hears us will be satisfied that Christ is speaking to them.”
Reflecting on the theme of the conference: “Living an authentic Catholic life: Challenges and opportunities in Nigeria,” the Archbishop pointed out the imperative of living an authentic Catholic life, marked by deep commitment to a Christ-like life. He encouraged the Knights and Medalists to seek holiness, obedience, and union with Christ amidst Nigeria’s challenges.
“A truly authentic Catholic life is a life that is lived in union with Christ in obedience to the instruction which was first of all given to the Israelites by God in Leviticus 19:2, and repeated by the Lord Jesus himself in Matthew 5:48,” the Archbishop noted.
The homilist rounded off by imploring the Knights and Medalists to allow God’s word to transform them and strive to become the persons God is challenging them to be. “Our country is so blessed, but we are beset with all kinds of challenges, economic, political, and lots more. We are faced with the realities of the challenges of living authentic Catholic lives. With the encouragement of God’s word, we can face any challenge that comes our way.”