Abuja:The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has cautioned public leaders against indulging in excessive luxury while citizens face challenges in accessing basic necessities such as infrastructure, healthcare, and security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kaigama delivered this message during his homily at St. Matthew’s Parish in Karmo, Abuja, where he was on a pastoral visit to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. He emphasized that leadership demands humility, selflessness, and accountability, referencing the theme, ‘Those who stray can return to righteousness.’
Kaigama invoked Prophet Ezekiel€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¾¢s message as an urgent call for justice, stating that it is not optional for those in authority. He criticized leaders who hide behind political titles while overseeing systems that complicate life for the common person.
He also discussed the Gospel parable of the two sons sent into the vineyard, highlighting the discrepancy between verbal expressions of faith and actual practice. He explained that genuine transformation requires dissatisfaction with an inadequate lifestyle and taking concrete steps toward change.
The Archbishop further noted that Christianity is about allowing God’s grace to transform individuals continuously, rather than never making mistakes. He praised the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Boniface Ngene, his associate, Fr. Joshua Aese, and the parish community for their vibrant faith and joy despite economic hardships.
Kaigama encouraged the newly confirmed candidates and parishioners to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, avoid pride and selfishness, and always seek the common good. He concluded with a prayer for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Matthew, seeking divine guidance for humility and the courage to return when astray.