“Now we are the recipients of the mission,” he said, lauding the growth of vocations Priestly and Religious Life in Africa.
The Catholic Church leader described Nigeria as “the birthplace and inheritance” of many people in the Archdiocese of Southwark.
He said that there are many lay people, women and men Religious, and Clergy, living and working in the English Archdiocese, who either come from Nigeria or have Nigerian heritage.
In the letter that was shared with ACI Africa on July 14, Archbishop Wilson expressed gratitude to Nigerians in the Archdiocese of Southwark, saying, “I want to thank you for making your home here. I want to affirm what a blessing you are to the Catholic Church in Southwark.”
He said that the presence of Nigerian Priests and women and men Religious in his Metropolitan See is a blessing to the Archdiocese. “Catholics from across Africa and the entire world enrich our Church, bringing to life in our communities a beautiful and richly diverse mosaic of God’s creation,” he said.
Archbishop Wilson recalled having “witnessed first-hand the joy and fidelity of Nigerian Catholic faith and the liveliness of its worship.”
“I am grateful for the ways in which Nigerian Catholics make these gifts present in our Archdiocese,” the English Catholic Archbishop said.
He went on to reflect on the liturgy during the Priestly Ordination of MSP members, saying it was “resonant with profound faith.”
Reflecting on his experience during his maiden visit to Africa, Archbishop Wilson said, “I have never been to a place where so many people use the word ‘welcome’ so frequently.”
“Whether at the airport, the MSP General House and Seminary, the pro Cathedral, various churches and parishes, or around the city, the first word spoken was always ‘welcome’ – by ordinary people, and to me, a visitor, a stranger,” Archbishop Wilson said.
