“We recognize that trust in the Church has been shaken. Many who once found strength in the Sacraments now look elsewhere for guidance and consolation. This challenges us to renew our presence among our people, to listen, to serve, and to walk with them in their struggles,” NCDPA members said at the closure of their AGM, which was realized under the theme “Ecclesia Spes Nostra: The Church as a Sacrament of Hope in a Wounded World.”
“We must celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with mercy, speak the truth with love, and live with simplicity and integrity. In this way, our people will see in us the face of a caring Church that understands their pain and offers real hope,” they added.
In their communiqué, the Diocesan Priests in Nigeria outlined a series of resolutions and commitments aimed at renewing the Priestly ministry and restoring the credibility of the Church as a beacon of hope in a wounded society.
Among their resolutions, NCDPA members vowed to recommit themselves to the ministry of God’s mercy and love, and alluding to the late Pope Francis’ October 2013 reflection, described the Church as a “field hospital after battle where the wounded find healing, comfort, and renewed hope in Christ.”
They resolved to renew the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with compassion and pastoral sensitivity, ensuring that it remains an encounter with God’s healing grace rather than “an occasion of fear or shame.”
Citing St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians on selflessness, humility, and unity, the Catholic Priests pledged to embrace simplicity and live close to the poor, rejecting Clerical excesses and modelling their lives on Christ, “who made Himself nothing.”
They further committed themselves to denouncing every form of exploitation, including financial, emotional, or spiritual, and in line with Matthew 10:8, emphasized that freely, they have received and freely they must give.
NCDPA members also underscored their prophetic responsibility in society, vowing to uphold justice and speak truth to power. They commended the Nigerian government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the “constructive dialogue that led to the suspension of the prolonged strike, thereby reopening the path of learning and hope for our students.”
“We urge both parties to remain committed to genuine dialogue and to the long-term stability and integrity of the nation’s educational system,” they appealed.
They expressed deep concern over the challenges Nigerians are face, such as kidnappings and terrorism, which they said had led to increased fear, and loss of family members.
