Anthonia Duru
Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr) Alfred Adewale Martins has called of Catholics in Lagos and Christians across the nation not to relent in praying for an end of insecurity in Nigeria.
According to the clergyman who was speaking on Thursday at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Ajao Estate during the priestly ordination of six deacons noted with dismay that insecurity is the greatest challenge in Nigeria.
“Let us constantly as Christians share a thought with Nigerians in different parts of the country who are facing insecurity. Let us also not forget to pray for those in charge of security in our country.
” Nigerians are not appreciating what our leaders are doing because the much they are doing is not enough. Nigerians provide water, electricity and other basic ammenties for themselves and now they want us to provide security for ourselves. Things have gone worse under this present administration. This moment they tell us to protect ourselves and the next moment they go after people who try to protect themselves. It is obvious the government don’t know what to do. Beyond calling on government to tackle insecurity, we have the responsibility to pray for security in our nation. Let us as a people pray that the Lord who watches over the city will watch over Nigeria,” Martins said while adding that the Lagos Archdiocese has directed that all parishes should offer special prayers to God on Sunday evenings.
Advising the newly ordained Priests, The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic faithfuls in Lagos Martins said, they should understand and recognise that they have been given a special grace which many people didn’t have therefore he charged the newly ordained to guide and guard the dignity of the priesthood with everything they have. He further charged them to be faithful to the work committed to them. “They should be available to the people all the time and also they should take time to prepare to minister to the people.
Earlier in his Homily at the ceremony Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Visitation Rev. Fr. Panachy Ogbede charged the newly ordained to stay focus and committed to their vocation as priests of the Catholic Church.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Frs; Joseph Odozi, Micheal Ekoja, Stephen Izebuno, John Mmadu, Theopilus Inegbeneboh and Boniface Aniebue.