By Emma Eko, CSN Media
The Bishop of Katsina Diocese, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, has urged Christians never to lose courage in the face of criticism and accusations.
Delivering the homily on Day-7 of the ongoing 2nd 2025 Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the prelate noted that Christ was called names such as “glutton,” “drunkard,” and “friend of tax collectors,” “friend of prostitutes”, yet he never wavered in his mission of calling the people to repentance and reconciliation.
Referencing the day’s readings, the First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy and the Gospel of Luke, Bishop Musa reminded the faithful that even Jesus was misunderstood and maligned for reaching out to sinners. “We cannot please everyone at the same time. Jesus challenges us to reflect on how we respond to criticism and accusations,” he said.
“All the saints we venerate today were the most criticised in their own time. A wise man once said: if you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader, go and sell ice cream. In leadership and in faith, criticisms can be destructive, but they should never discourage us.”
The Chief Celebrant at the Mass, was the Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Most Rev. Adewale Alfred Martins, concelebrated by the Bishop of Katsina, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, and the Bishop of Ahiara diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of Most Rev. Francis Okobo, Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka diocese. The celebration also coincided with the birthday of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, Director of Mission and Dialogue at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, who was warmly remembered by the faithful.
The 2025 2nd CBCN Plenary continues with meaningful deliberations on the church’s role in promoting unity, dialogue, and pastoral care in Nigeria.