(ZENIT News / Nigeria, 11.21.2024).- In a compelling address marking the centenary of Nigeria’s Bigard Memorial Seminary, Cardinal Francis Arinze delivered a clear message on the transformative power of concise preaching, the urgent need for robust seminary education, and the delicate balance of cultural integration within the Church. His remarks, reflecting decades of experience, charted a path forward for priests and seminarians in a rapidly changing world.
Homilies: A Call for Depth and Simplicity
Cardinal Arinze took aim at overly lengthy and convoluted homilies, urging priests to focus on clarity, brevity, and spiritual depth. A homily, he argued, should reflect the priest’s prayerful connection with Christ and the Scriptures, avoiding distractions such as political commentary or social critiques.
“Homilies are not theological gymnastics or lectures for the university classroom,” Arinze quipped. He proposed a standard duration of ten minutes, emphasizing that the pulpit should be a place for the Gospel’s proclamation, not personal agendas or public rants.
Arinze also stressed that clear language is essential, warning against mixing dialects or showcasing linguistic prowess at the expense of the congregation’s understanding. “A poorly crafted homily does a disservice to both God and the faithful,” he declared.
Seminary Training: Preparing Pastors, Not Performers
Reflecting on the formation of future priests, Arinze highlighted the crucial role of seminaries in shaping leaders who walk with their communities. Drawing on Pope Francis’s imagery, he noted that a good pastor “smells of the sheep,” serving not as a distant figure but as an integral part of the flock.
Yet, challenges loom large. Many young Nigerians, he observed, are turning away from Catholicism, lured by traditional African religions and superstitions. “Some resort to idol worship, seek guidance from fortune-tellers, or engage in harmful practices, including violence for financial gain,” Arinze lamented.
He proposed innovative solutions, such as assigning priests to teach religious education in schools, ensuring a solid foundation in faith for young people. “This task is not beneath the dignity of the priesthood,” he affirmed, emphasizing that priests must provide answers to life’s spiritual and moral challenges.
Cultural Integration: Balancing Tradition and Doctrine
Arinze also addressed the ongoing efforts to harmonize local cultures with Catholic traditions. He celebrated strides in incorporating indigenous languages and customs into the Church but warned against hasty or unvetted practices.
“Inculturation demands a rigorous, collaborative process involving bishops, theologians, and cultural experts,” Arinze explained. He dismissed the idea of arbitrary innovations, cautioning that cultural adaptation must be rooted in deep theological reflection.
A Century of Formation: Bigard Seminary’s Legacy
As Bigard Memorial Seminary marked 100 years of priestly formation, Arinze praised its enduring contributions to the Nigerian Church. Founded in 1924 and relocated to Enugu in 1951, the seminary has been a cornerstone of clerical education in West Africa.
Reflecting on its history, Arinze expressed gratitude for the visionaries who established Bigard, particularly Stephanie and Jeanne Bigard, whose generosity made its construction possible. He also recalled the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the seminary in 1982, a milestone that underscored its significance.
“The seminary has done remarkable work in preparing priests for evangelization,” Arinze said. “May it continue to thrive in its mission, guided by the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mary, Queen of Apostles.”
Looking Ahead: A Challenge to the Church
Cardinal Arinze’s address was more than a reflection on the past—it was a rallying cry for renewal in the Church. By emphasizing concise, meaningful preaching, robust priestly formation, and thoughtful cultural integration, he offered a vision that resonates far beyond Nigeria.
In an era of shifting spiritual landscapes, his words serve as a reminder of the Church’s mission: to lead with wisdom, serve with humility, and proclaim the Gospel with unwavering clarity.
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