December 23, (THEWILL) – The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo has urged Nigerians to have reasons to be joyful despite the killings, kidnappings and other challenges bedevilling the nation
Odetoyinbo, made the call in his 2021 Christmas Message, titled “Christmas, a season of joy and assurance of divine presence: Rejoice! For nothing is impossible to God”.
The Bishop urged Nigerians to pray against the state of insecurity in the country which continued to rear its ugly head despite efforts put in place by the government to end the menace
He lamented the level of poverty and incessant kidnappings, killings, raping and maiming by terrorist Boko haram and bandits, noting that the situation is quite depressing and unfortunate.
Odetoyinbo called on the federal government to rise up to its primary duties of protecting the lives and properties of the citizens while enjoining all Nigerians to pray ‘Hail Mary’ daily for God to save Nigeria from her woes.
The Bishop said that the season of Christmas presents to the people God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, to humanity, saying it’s a gift higher than God’s grace, his presence with essence all-divine.
He said “no doubt, the present situation of our country calls for prayer and sober reflection. We see all around us the rising insecurity situation of our country, which despite concerted efforts seems to be getting worse with our fellow Nigerians being kidnapped, raped, maimed and killed on a daily basis by terrorists posing as bandits”.
“The violation of the dignity of women and young people who have become victims of the hopeless security crises are also quite depressing”.
“Though the government and the security agents seem to be doing their best, the situation unfortunately shows that more needs to be done”.
“While we continue to awaken the government of the day to its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians, we would like to call on everyone to continue to pray for Nigeria”.
“The prayer for Nigeria in distress as composed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria is definitely apt at this time. I also enjoin all to at least pray One Hail Mary, daily for God to save Nigeria from her present predicaments”.
“Nigeria needs redemption now more than ever. We see danger of poverty, hunger, famine and terror in the land; the sick go unattended, dreams of many are shattered, their cup of sorrow runs over as death hits us on daily basis in our fatherland”.
“Our nation needs the glorious light of Jesus Christ to dispel the darkness of our hearts and give us the sight for peace, justice and progress of our commonwealth”.
“We need the tender loving care of the heart of God exhibited in the coming of the Messiah to love one another as brothers and sisters for the prosperity and unity of our country”.
“However, as people of faith and hope, with assurance in God’s promises particularly as we commemorate the birth of our Messiah to undo the works of evil, we call on everyone to have a reason like Mary the Mother of God who in the midst of her confusion, found a reason to rejoice and praise God who alone can intervene when all seems to fall apart.” he added.
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