• Calls for peaceful interfaith interaction, unity among the Muslim, Christian faithful
Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese has felicitated with Muslims in the Diocese and across Nigeria as they celebrated the Eid-ul-Fitri. The festival marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In his message shared with The Catholic Herald Weekly newspaper, Bishop Adesina extended his warmest greetings of peace, good wishes, and blessings as he also expressed his desire for peaceful interfaith interaction and unity among the Muslim and Christian faithful in Ijebu and Remo lands as well as Nigeria. He said, “Providentially, the Holy Season of Ramadan started during the Christian Holy Season of Lent this year. This presented us the opportunity to observe this Holy Seasons together with the same goal of praying for ourselves, our families and for our beloved country, Nigeria through the prescribed disciplines of fasting, praying and almsgiving. We thank Almighty Allah for a successful penitential period. The prelate commended the mutual relationship between the Christians and Muslims in Ijebu-Ode Diocese. He said, “I am happy with the mutual respect, friendship, understanding and peace we have continued to enjoy. Pope Francis referred to Muslims, who visited him on March 20, 2013, as “people who adore the one, living, and merciful God and who call upon Him in prayer.” “This understanding, is the basis for our fraternal communion and co-existence. Muslims and Christians are children of the one, true and living God, who created us with common humanity and dignity. The Catholic Church is aware of the importance of promoting friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions.
The bond of brotherhood and fraternity guides against all forms of misunderstanding, discrimination or division. This is the foundation for the mutual respect, peace and understanding that we enjoy.” The Local Ordinary of Ijebu-Ode Diocese went on to appreciate Allah for the successful 2023 general elections as he commiserated with bereaved families who fell victims to electoral violence “We thank Allah for all that we have been through as a Nation and for the success of the just concluded general elections. In spite of the violence and casualties recorded, through our collective prayers and sacrifices, He did not abandon Nigeria in the hands of evil people. Our prayers were not in vain. May our elected leaders be guided to serve the interest of the people. I pray for all those who lost their lives, as a result of election violence and insecurity. May their souls rest in peace. Amen. May Allah grant comfort and consolation to all bereaved families. Amen.” Continuing, the prelate urged Muslims to persistently pray for Nigeria. “I therefore, invite you to continue to offer prayers for our beloved nation Nigeria, especially for our brothers and sisters in those parts of the country, who are victims of religious fanaticism, bigotry and extremism. Those denied the gift of freedom and peace to express their humanity and to celebrate God’s gift of Religion. May Allah give them the reason to smile and be hopeful.” On a final note, Bishop Adesina prayed, “Let the fruits of these Holy Seasons of Ramadan and Lent manifest in fostering an inclusive community that has the capacity to grow, give hope and heal the broken hearted, where everybody has a sense of belonging without discrimination, hatred and strife. May your sincere fasting and sacrificial offerings be accepted by Allah. Amen.
