Clergy and Catholic lay faithful in Nigeria have been urged to live Christlike lives by being exemplary and courageous, even in the face of violence, terrorism and insecurity bedeviling the country, as the Church is also called upon to continue to be the conscience of society and live up to its role of bringing about positive change in the larger society. The charge was given by the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) in a statement signed by Hon. Sir Henry Hunkwap KSJI, National President, during its 148th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Archbishop A. K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Awka Diocese, Anambra State from June 17 to 19, 2022. Decrying the spate of killings, banditry, among other vices ravaging the nation, the national executive council stated that the rate of insecurity in the country should be a major source of concern to all, as it urged the government to beef up security to protect the lives and properties of the people.

The council condemned the murder of worshippers at St. Francis, Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, as it sympathised with the families of the deceased and the Diocese, and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded. It urged the parishes and Dioceses to beef up security arrangements to protect the Church from further attack, as they prayed that the perpetrators be apprehended and brought to book. The council called for quick and permanent resolution of the closure of universities, as they added that this is a contributory factor to the rising wave of insecurity in the country. The CLCN enjoined Catholics to participate actively in politics, in line with the Catholic social teachings, as they urged parishes to conscientise the people via awareness programmes, adding that eligible voters should ensure they obtain their PVCs and exercise their franchise in the 2023 elections.

“The Catholic Social Forum should be up and doing in this direction”, the statement read. On the uneasiness and turbulence manifestly prevalent in the society today, the council admonished Catholic faithful to continue to uphold the scriptural injunction and instructions of the magisterium, as well as the sacred traditions, as handed on by the fathers of the Church. As the election year approaches, the council advised the Church to produce a template for good governance, which should serve as a roadmap for the people in government. “Furthermore, we must build robust coalition, synergy and establish formidable network with other relevant organisations”, the statement read. The council expressed its unalloyed and profound gratitude to God for his protection, guidance and sustenance in the face of very daunting challenges.

Archbishop Ndagoso, Sani react to killing of Fr. Borogo

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator has reacted to the killing Rev Fr. Vitus Borogo by bandits in Kaduna State. Condemning Fr. Borogo’s murder in a tweet, the former lawmaker described the incident as unfortunate. “The killing of Rev. Fr. Vitrus Bogoro of the Kaduna polytechnic Catholic Church by terrorists in his farm in Kaduna is sad, unfortunate, and condemnable. My condolences to the Catholic community in Kaduna and his relations”, he tweeted.

 Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna also condoled with the immediate family, the NFCS Family of Kaduna Polytechnic, and indeed the entire Kaduna Polytechnic Community; and assures them of his fraternal closeness and prayers. Rev. Fr. Vitus Borogo, Chaplain of the Catholic Church in Kaduna was killed in an attack by armed bandits. Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the murder of Fr. Borogo via a statement. The statement read in part: “We commit his soul to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and call on all men and women of goodwill to continue to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the consolation of his bereaved family, especially his mother.” Until his death, Fr. Borogo was the Chaplain of the Catholic Community of the Kaduna State Polytechnic, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA), Kaduna Chapter. He was aged 50.

Joy as Sacred Heart, Badagry clocks 120

June 26, 2022 will remain a memorable day in the lives of the clergy and parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Badagry, as the church celebrated its 120th anniversary with pomp and ceremony. The parishioners who defied the downpour and wet weather that greeted the historical and carnival-like affair, which began with Mass, trooped in their numbers to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Centre, venue of the epoch making event in their colourful parish regalia which added glam to the day. Delivering his homily on the occasion Rev. Fr. Matthew Julius Temuyi commended the people for coming out to worship and celebrate, despite the rain and weather, adding that they are God loving people, as God loves them and not even the rain can stop them from worshipping God. Recounting the history of the Church in Badagry and the evangelical drive of the SMA priests in the area, as they (SMA) moved around spreading the gospel, Fr. Temuyi urged the people to work with their hearts and might to proclaim the gospel of Jesus just like the pioneer priests.

He spoke on the missionary sojourn of Very Rev. Fr. Eddie Harnett (SMA), Episcopal Vicar; Apapa/Badagry Region whom he said left the comfort of his country, Ireland to go through uncomfortable situations because he had to proclaim the Word of God. He said: “Baba left the comfort of his country, Ireland many, many years ago till date, to face uncomfortable situations because he had to proclaim the Word of God. What about you? That is the gospel message of today. Here is Christ calling you to proclaim the gospel. “Today is a great day chosen by God; a day to be remembered by all as a community of believers, Christians, Catholics in Badagry. This Sunday, the Church calls on the people to be fully committed to Christ, without looking back. We must really slaughter all the vices, distractions and obstacles that will stop us from serving God”. In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Peter Awobolaji, Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Badagry, said the day represents a new beginning in the life of the parish, as the people gather to share in the joy of the celebration of 120th anniversary of the parish. He said the milestone celebration gives the people the chance to not only look back at how far they have come as a church community, but also to look forward to all the blessings the Lord still holds in store for them as they continue as his flock and children. Recounting the history of the church, established by SMA priests, he noted, “This body of Christ is still fresh and green through the outpouring and prompting of the Holy Spirit, and most importantly because the Lord God is still with her. We should never take days like this for granted, for they are gifts from God Himself.”

Thanking God for being part of the celebration, Fr. Awobolaji noted that celebrations and growth in the Church do not happen by chance, but by hard work, prayer, service, sacrifice, commitment and the grace of God, as he commended all who invested their time, energy and financial resources in the Church. He remembered in a special way the fore bearers, both clergy and lay faithful, and those who welcomed the missionary ministers on the historical land of Badagry. The parish has been gifted with 12 indigenous priests and religious, including Rev. Frs. Matthew Julius Temuyi; Anthony Godonu, Director, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Those present on the occasion include, Very Rev. Fr. Eddie Harnett (SMA), Episcopal Vicar; Apapa/Badagry Region, Rev. Fr. Innocent Opogah, Director, Immaculate Conception College, Benin City and former Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Badagry among others.