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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to bury vengeance, embrace forgiveness and pursue reconciliation for the peace and development of the country.
Kaigama made the call through the National Chaplain of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor, who represented him at the 2026 National Feast Celebration of the Union in Abuja.
The event, attended by more than 1,000 devotees from across the country, was held under the theme: “Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues.”
He said the virtues of Saint Rita, particularly forgiveness, perseverance, faith and commitment to peace, were urgently needed in Nigeria amid insecurity, political tension and growing social divisions.
He challenged Nigerians to stop viewing religion merely as a means of seeking miracles and instead build a relationship with God that would transform their behaviour towards others.
According to him, genuine devotion to the saints goes beyond asking for favours, stressing that devotees must also emulate the virtues of those they honour.
He said peace, love and reconciliation must begin in homes and extend to workplaces, communities and the corridors of power if Nigeria must make meaningful progress.
The Prior General of the Pious Union, Nigeria, Mrs. Cecilia Oyakhire, described women as key agents of nation-building, urging them to promote peace, love and care in their families.
“Women are nation builders. Women are supposed to have a soft heart, to always make peace, show love and care,” she said.
Oyakhire urged women to emulate Saint Rita by raising children with strong moral values and respect for peaceful coexistence.
She added that the Union had continued to put the saint’s charitable spirit into practice through hospital visits and support for vulnerable people unable to afford medical treatment.
Also speaking, the Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the Union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr. Ukura Samuel, called on political leaders to embrace forgiveness and fairness.
He warned that leaders who refused to forgive could resort to victimising political opponents, subordinates and other perceived enemies.
Samuel said the virtues of Saint Rita could help reduce hatred and political hostility as the country moves towards another election cycle.
“If the politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, you will see Nigeria will be a better place to live,” he said.
The Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, also warned Nigerians against allowing vengeance, enmity and animosity to take root in society.
“We must strive to build a nation where peaceful coexistence and forgiveness thrive,” he said.
Makwe urged Nigerians to settle disagreements through dialogue, tolerance and reconciliation rather than hatred and violence.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lady Idowu Jokpeyibo, said over 1,000 devotees attended the celebration from different parts of Nigeria.
“The feast featured prayers, reflections and charitable activities aimed at deepening the faith of devotees and encouraging them to live out the virtues of Saint Rita.
The organisers stressed that peace, forgiveness, faith and hope were not only religious virtues but essential ingredients for national unity, social stability and development.
