ABUJA, Nigeria, FEB. 23, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja is underlining the power of prayer, affirming that his country would not have survived without God.
The prelate stated this at the opening Mass for a recent national prayer rally for Nigeria organized in Abuja by the National Council of Catholic Women Organization (NCCWO), reports the Catholic News Service of Nigeria.
«See how the almighty hand of God is holding this nation in a very precarious equilibrium despite all our people are doing to destroy this nation,» the archbishop said in his homily.
He noted «all the tricks to subvert the common good, to disrupt the political development of our country, massive corruption and stealing,» and «all the anger that has been generated in all our young people who are out there very frustrated and unemployed.»
«There is a limit to how much disorder the human community can sustain and we have to do all we can, so that we don’t reach that limit,» Archbishop Onaiyekan said.
He added, «That is the duty of everyone and this is the greatest reason why we must pray, pray to God to sustain our land and empower us to do the right thing.»
«Those who have power in their hands can do wonderful things and put themselves in the hands of God to do good to humanity,» the prelate affirmed, «and when they reach the gate of heaven, they will be welcomed.»
He added, «Where power is used for the benefit of the people, the people are happy while where power is badly used, there is misery.»
The archbishop made a special appeal for prayer faced to the country’s upcoming political elections.
He affirmed, «As Christians, God listens to us and has time for each one of us.»
Coming events
The Catholic News Service of Nigeria also noted that the Church in the country is preparing to celebrate two congresses next year, one Eucharistic and the other pastoral.
Bishop of Hilary Okeke Nnewi, who inaugurated the planning committee for these congresses, underlined the importance of these congresses for the Church in that country.
