Ahead of World Mission Sunday to be marked this year on October 20, Bishop John Akinkunmi Oyejola of Nigeria’s Osogbo Diocese has called on Catholics and Christians across Nigeria to reflect on their faith and deepen their spiritual commitment.
In an interview with ACI Africa on Monday, October 14 on the sidelines of a three-day general reunion of the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) for Priests and Women and Men Religious, which the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Nigeria organized, Bishop Akinkunmi underscored the need for the people of God to live out their faith in words and actions.
“Faith should define who we are, our attitudes, the way we dress, the way we eat. It should shape everything we do as people of God living in a World full of evil,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa.
He added, “People claim to be Christians, but can they defend their faith? Many don’t know what it truly means to receive Communion or live a life in accordance with the Eucharist.”
“Nigerians are religious people, but many lack spirituality. Spirituality is what makes you say, ‘As a Christian, I cannot lie, cheat, or defraud.’ Unfortunately, this is not the case for many Nigerians,” Bishop Akinkunmi said.
Reflecting on the need for self-examination, he called on Nigerians to reconsider their values and actions.
“What are we doing wrong? Are we sincere? We may be religious, but we lack spirituality. We need to be disciplined, sincere, and willing to change,” he said.
The Catholic Church leader continued, “If Christians in Nigeria truly practiced their faith, we would see a major difference in society.”
Bishop Akinkunmi however acknowledged the presence of those he described as “good, hardworking Nigerians both Christian and Muslim”, those he said are dedicated to the unity and progress of the country.
“There is hope for Nigeria because there are still many sincere people out there, working hard and witnessing their faith through their actions,” he said.
The Local Ordinary of Osogbo urged Nigerians to pray to God believing that He will answer their prayers.
“God listens to prayers. He did it for the Jewish people, and He will do it for us. We must be sincere, committed, and avoid evil, especially the pursuit of quick wealth, which is causing so much harm in our society,” he said.
Bishop Akinkunmi called on Catholics to participate in the global celebration of the Church’s missionary activities.
“Mission Sunday is a day set apart by the universal Church to celebrate its missionary work. I urge everyone to get involved, give generously, and support the mission,” he said.
The Nigerian Catholic Bishop further encouraged families to embrace their role in spreading the faith.
