2024-03-25 16:33:27
Message of Pope Francis to the Nigerian Catholic Community in Rome.
C. Roubini Chinnapa9 CTC, Vatican News
On March 25, the Nigerian Catholic community in Rome met with the Pope. About 800 people came to the Vatican to visit the Pope. The Nigerian Catholic community came to see Pope Francis on the 25th anniversary of the founding of their community in Rome. The Pope began his message by recalling that the global Catholic Church celebrates Mangalavarta Thirunal on March 25, which has been postponed to another day this year as it is Holy Week.
By combining the Holy Week and the Mangalavarta festival, the Pope explained the truths inherent in these two realities. The Pope shared that the Annunciation commemorates the saving mysteries, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, and that Holy Week commemorates God who lived, died and rose for us to bring reconciliation and peace between God and mankind. The Pope emphasized in his message that indeed God has given his life for us. The Pope disclosed that on this occasion he would like to reflect briefly on three key elements that he believes are essential to Nigerian social life: gratitude, abundance in diversity and dialogue.
Gratitude
The Pope thanked them for everything they have done and continue to do in witnessing the joyful message of the Gospel. The Pope said that he thanks the Almighty God for the many young people from Nigeria who have listened to God’s call to the priesthood and consecrated life and responded with generosity, humility and perseverance. Indeed, each follower of Jesus is entrusted with the responsibility of serving God and neighbor in love according to his or her divine calling. Thus we make Christ present in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Papa explained. Calling them to be grateful that God has chosen them to follow him, to proclaim their faith fervently, and to contribute to building and contributing to a more just and humane world, the Pope wished them to continue to be missionary disciples.
Abundance in diversity
The Pope said that the diversity of ethnicity, cultural traditions and languages in his country is not a problem but a gift that enriches the fabric of the Church and wider society and allows them to promote the values of mutual understanding and coexistence. The Pope said that by accepting and accompanying the Nigerian faithful and others, he hopes that their community in Rome will always be a glorious and inclusive family. In it, the Pope wished that everyone could use their different gifts and talents, which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and support and strengthen each other in moments of joy, sadness, triumph and difficulty. By doing so, the Pope shared his hope that they would be able to sow the seeds of social friendship and unity for present and future generations.
The debate
The Pope said with regret that many regions of the world are experiencing conflict and suffering and Nigeria is also going through a period of suffering. Assuring them of his prayers for the security, unity and spiritual and economic progress of their country, the Pope informed them that he invites all to encourage dialogue and listen to each other with an open heart, leaving no one behind at the political, social and religious levels.
At the same time, the Pope encouraged them to be heralds of the Lord’s great mercy and directed them to work for reconciliation among all their brothers and sisters and to help lighten the burden of the poor and those most in need. In his message, the Pope said that all Nigerians can continue to walk together in fraternal solidarity and unity if they make God’s closeness, compassion and tender love their own.
Thanking them once again for their presence in this city, which is the heart of the Church, the Pope exhorted us to always live as faithful to the Lord and dedicate ourselves to serving God and His holy people through the works of charity that Jesus asks of us.
Entrusting them to the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Mediatrix of Nigeria, the Pope concluded his message by giving them his heartfelt blessing and asking them to pray for him.
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