Ayodele Popoola

|

Nigerians have been urged to keep hope alive despite the current economic challenges and general depression the nation is faced with.

The Catholic Archbishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Jude Arogundade made this known during a  homily to mark the 2024 Chrism Mass held yesterday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Akure.

This is coming on the heels of the period of Lent culminating into Holy Week, with activities leading to the Easter celebration also taking centre stage.

Arogundade said the Chrism Mass is a celebration of a Holy Mass where the Priests of the Catholic Church pledge their renewed commitment to Priesthood in the areas of the Gift and Ministry they hold.

The Bishop encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope as the nation would still overcome all its challenges.

He said through collective efforts and genuine commitment, the nation would surely be pulled out of present hardship

“ Today is the feast of Holy Thursday, a special day in the church. A day Jesus Christ suffered before he was crucified.

“The Lord Jesus Christ gave his disciple the authority to turn bread and wine into the body and blood, and so that reason we that have been called into the ministry celebrate the feast of the priests

“We encourage the people despite the present economic hardship, political instability, insecurity, and general depression that the country will overcome its challenges with collective efforts.

“We should not lose hope as this is a critical stage we will overcome if we work together as a nation, and the government is sincere with its policies and resolution to pull Nigeria out of this present situations”, he stressed.

The homilist admonished the wealthy people in the society to reach out to the poor as the economy of the country has brought hardship and crises to the poor masses

“I urged those who have in the society to share with those who did not have and those who are hoarding some of the food items to release it for people consumption.

“ We can jointly make the country the best God has created it. We need to be selfless, and compassionate, and reach out to one another in kindness and love.

“ I appeal to those people pulling down the nation, especially those engaging in kidnapping, killings, and corruption to desist from all the evil practices and embrace love and care for one another”

The clergy condemned the high rate of drug abuse among young people in the society, urging them to abstain from the menace, as it is a slow poison that kills silently.

Arogundade also advised Christians to possess the special principle of holiness and sincerity of faith, to shun the use of the name of Christ for personal gain, and to uphold the principle of sacrifice.

The clergy said without sacrifice there is no salvation and doing that is like working against Christ himself.