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  • Kaigama urges Nigerians to reject divisive politics, embrace unity

    Kaigama urges Nigerians to reject divisive politics, embrace unity

    The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, on Sunday urged Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies rooted in religion, ethnicity, and politics, calling instead for unity and national renewal.

    Delivering a homily during the confirmation of 315 parishioners at St. Martin’s Parish, Lugbe, Archbishop Kaigama likened the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to the urgent need for transformation and healing in Nigeria. 

    He said; “Let us not allow our religion, tribes, or political party to divide us and hinder us from building and achieving progress in our country and Church”.

    Speaking on the theme, “The Holy Spirit Teaches Us Everything” (John 14:26), the Archbishop said Pentecost should not be seen merely as a historical event, but as a continuing call to active discipleship, unity, and communal responsibility.

    He reminded the congregation of the transformation experienced by the disciples following the descent of the Holy Spirit. 

    “Before Pentecost, they were a collection of confused disciples. After Pentecost, they were totally changed. Those for confirmation today will be sealed with the same Holy Spirit poured out upon the Apostles. You are required to do the same,” he said.

    Kaigama emphasised the relevance of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of life, including politics, education, the economy, and family affairs. 

    He warned that like the dry bones in Prophet Ezekiel’s vision, Nigeria risks spiritual decay without divine intervention and renewal.

    Read Also: Palm Sunday: Archbishop Kaigama calls for intentional leadership

     “We may be tempted to give up hope that we are alive, but when we allow ourselves to become the temples of the Holy Spirit, we become invigorated,” he noted.

    The Archbishop decried a growing lack of spiritual fervour among Christians, citing Bishop Fulton Sheen’s metaphor of believers as “God’s frozen people.” 

    He said; “We are frozen in our prayer life, frozen in how we relate with one another, and frozen in the way we celebrate our faith,” he lamented, urging the faithful to reignite “the fire of God’s love.”

    He also praised the diversity within both the Church and the nation, stressing that the Holy Spirit unites people without erasing their cultural and individual distinctions.

    “The Spirit unites us as one body, despite our differences. Different gifts, different vocations, and different cultures all come together in harmony, not competition,” Kaigama stated.

    He called on all Nigerians especially the newly confirmed—to embrace their faith boldly and contribute actively to building a just and united country.

  • Palm Sunday: Archbishop Kaigama calls for intentional leadership

    Palm Sunday: Archbishop Kaigama calls for intentional leadership

    As Christians in Nigeria joined others around the world to celebrate Palm Sunday, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, called on leaders at all levels to embrace intentional and purposeful leadership.

    Archbishop Kaigama made the call during a sermon at the Pro Cathedral in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    Reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday, he emphasised that the occasion serves as a reminder for leaders to remain focused on their responsibilities and to ensure the provision of basic amenities for the people they serve.

    In his words: “We call on leaders, not to be carried away by people’s hailing and calling titles such as “Your Excellency,” “Distinguished,” “Honorable,” “Your Majesty,” “Your Eminence,” “Your Grace,” etc., but to be determined to achieve the purpose of their being leaders. Political leaders should be aware that in our country today, after election victory, people shout “hosanna” to their leaders, but with hunger and insecurity ravaging our dear country, and when people are at breaking point, they shout in desperation “crucify them, crucify them.”

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    “The same happens to religious leaders, especially when we promise wealth, healing, miracles, and people don’t see these, because these promises are not rooted in the Lord. They will shout “crucify them,” in our case too, because some of us are deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, and self-centered, and even recklessly use the funds the congregations make great sacrifices to collect.

     “Leaders should learn that only once did Jesus allow people to sing His praises. Always, He would shun anyone who tried to praise Him publicly. But today, when He was marked for death, He entered Jerusalem publicly and allowed the multitudes to sing His praises. This was because His hour had come. If you are not ready as a leader to sacrifice your time and life for your people, then don’t allow them to elect you, let alone sing your praises”, he noted.

    While dwelling on the theme for the celebration: “The King who chooses the Cross as His throne”, the cleric explained that Passion Sunday exemplifies the role Jesus played in the salvation of mankind. The day’s readings reveal the true nature of divine love, where Christ lowers himself, serves, and gives without counting the cost.

    “His humility becomes His glory. And in that, He sets the pattern for all of us. If we want to rise with Him, we must first learn to bend low in service and love”.

    Citing the Gospel reading taken from St. Luke which pictures Jesus riding into Jerusalem humble, and mounted on a donkey which Archbishop Kaigama likened to (Zachariah 9:9, Archbishop Kaigama said

     “The crowd was ecstatic, shouting and rejoicing, throwing their cloaks on the ground saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Passion Sunday draws our attention to the burden Jesus had to bear for our sins and the evils we have committed. He did this out of a most generous and selfless love. He deliberately entered Jerusalem not for a social celebration, but for some painful encounters which included accusations, betrayal, condemnation, insults, beatings, crucifixion, and death”, he explained.

    He also encouraged Christians to spiritually renew themselves during this period and experience the joy of the risen Lord.

    Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during which palms were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday.

    The celebration thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday.