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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to intensify prayers for peace and progress in the country, and for the peaceful conduct of election in Imo State on November 11.
He also urged them not to relent in chastising politicians when they err and commend them when they do the right thing.
He made the call at the 5th National Mission Congress of Nigeria (NAMICON) taking place at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri.
He said: “With the development around the globe, all eyes are on Nigeria as the spiritual light of the world.”
The four-day event running from October 24 to 27, has the theme: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
The governor, who said he was glad the congress was coming on the heels of the governorship election in Imo State urged the priests to use their spiritual positions to pray for the will of God to prevail in the election.
In a welcome address the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, regretted that Nigerian christians were living in fear and worry as a result of insecurity, gradual wiping out and or sacking of Christians from their homes, fear about the economy, bad governance, injustice, corruption and political agony.
Represented by the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, the Archbishop called on Christians to assume the position of missionaries in the country, working with that mindset based on the diverse evils they experience on a daily basis.
In a keynote address, the Episcopal Chairman, Mission and Dialogue, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, noted that the National Mission Congress of Nigeria is held every four years to remind the Catholic faithful of their role in praying for the society.
He said that the theme, “Fear not for I am with you,” was apt and coming at a time when people are facing a lot of threats to lives, unfavorable political decisions and are even afraid of the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man.
Regardless of all the ills, the Chairman reiterated: “God is saying Fear Not, For I am With You.”
Bishop Mamza emphasised that, “human beings are already living with fear as an integral part of human existence,” and that the “time we are into demands that we be more united, integrated and strengthened to fight against the orchestrated fears.”
He pointed out that the Church is encouraged to be courageous, have trust and faith and be resilient to overcome all fears.
He, therefore, enjoined the clergy, the laity and delegates to the Congress to work towards ending the conference with the mindset of overcoming their fear and journeying forward in a stronger faith.
Earlier, an Episcopal High Mass was conducted by the Owerri Catholic Archbishop emeritus, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. AJV Obinna, who he reminded the faithful of what their faith entails during challenging times.
