In his homily at the Opening Mass for the 2025 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, called on all Nigerian Muslims and Christians to move beyond external religiosity and live out their faith with integrity.
Acknowledging the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, which coincides with the Christian Lenten season of fasting, Archbishop Kaigama called for mutual respect and understanding between the two faith communities. “May all Nigerian Muslims and Christians live out their penitential seasons with the right spiritual and social attitudes, resulting in a happier country, free from hunger, poverty, kidnapping, and corrupt dealings,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
The Archbishop also challenged all Christians at all levels of authority to embrace the Lenten season with the right spiritual and social attitudes, citing the example of Zacchaeus, who repented and made amends for his past wrongdoings. “We invite our political, military, traditional, judicial, and religious leaders, past and present, to take responsibility by denying themselves ill-gotten wealth,” Archbishop Kaigama said. “If we pray and fast but continue to hurt others who are vulnerable, our fasting and prayers are meaningless.”
Speaking on the theme “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” the homilist emphasized the need for Nigerians to recommit themselves to being the light that dispels darkness, particularly in the face of economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and social division. “We must lead by example in honesty, service, and love,” Archbishop Kaigama said. “We must call for justice, advocate for the poor, and reject all forms of oppression. A new Nigeria is possible if we, as God’s people, take responsibility for building it with integrity and faith.”
At the Mass, which had in attendance Catholic bishops in Nigeria, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty, and the laity, the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, in his opening remarks, invited all to pray for the Conference, the country Nigeria, and the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
