By Roseline Idoko
At the opening of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 2026, Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of Abuja Archdiocese called on Christians and national leaders to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and embrace integrity, service, and spiritual renewal. The Archbishop delivered this message during the Opening Mass held on the First Sunday of Lent at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja.
The Eucharistic celebration, which began at exactly 9:00 a.m., marked the formal commencement of the plenary assembly and gathered the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops from dioceses across the country, priests, consecrated men and women, government representatives, diplomats, and lay faithful.
Reflecting on the theme, “Resist the Allurement of Worldly Pleasures,” Archbishop Kaigama described Lent as a sacred journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — pillars that foster repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. Quoting St. Augustine, he noted that prayer rises to God when accompanied by fasting and charity, stressing that fasting must extend beyond food to include abstinence from corruption, greed, bitterness, and harmful speech.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of Christ’s temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11), the Archbishop explained that the desert represents a place of spiritual formation rather than defeat. He warned against modern temptations that reduce faith to material prosperity, encourage irresponsible reliance on miracles, or promote the pursuit of power without accountability.
Addressing socio-economic realities in Nigeria, Archbishop Kaigama cautioned against compromising moral values for material comfort amid economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption. He criticised distorted teachings that present faith as a pathway to wealth, reminding the faithful that Christian discipleship is rooted in obedience to God rather than the pursuit of riches.
He further warned against the temptation of power devoid of service, noting that leadership — whether political, religious, or familial — must be grounded in responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Expressing hope for credible future elections, he urged Nigerians to uphold justice, respect the will of the people, and use their civic responsibilities wisely.
Referencing the convergence of Lent and the Muslim Ramadan fast, the Archbishop highlighted the opportunity for deeper interreligious understanding and unity, calling for mutual respect and collaboration in promoting peace and the common good. He encouraged Christians and Muslims alike to embrace self-discipline, compassion for the poor, and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Linking his message to Nigeria’s current challenges, Archbishop Kaigama called on the faithful to defend human dignity, support the unemployed and displaced, and replace self-interest with values that promote the common good. He urged continued prayer for the nation, particularly through the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress,” trusting in God’s grace to guide the country through economic and social difficulties.
In conclusion, the Archbishop prayed for a fruitful plenary assembly and encouraged the Bishops and faithful to choose service over power, integrity over wealth, and Christ above all things, entrusting the Church and the nation to God’s guidance during the Lenten journey.