VATICAN - Pope tells Nigerian Bishops: “Expansion in the Church calls for special care in diocesan planning and the training of personnel through ongoing activities of formation in order to facilitate the necessary deepening of the faith of your people.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The extensive spread of the Church in Nigeria in recent years, the many new baptized Christians, the abundance of priestly and religious vocations are all reasons to give thanks to God and express appreciation to the Bishops, priests, religious, and catechists that have been working in the Lord's vineyard. At the same time, the expansion of the Church calls for specific care in planning formative activities for a necessary deepening in the faith. This was what the Holy Father Benedict XVI pointed out in his address to the Bishops of Nigeria, whom he received in audience on February 14, on the occasion of their Ad Limina apostolorum visit.
“From your reports,” the Holy Father said, “I see that you are well aware of the basic steps involved: teaching the art of prayer, encouraging participation in the liturgy and the sacraments, wise and relevant preaching, catechetical instruction, and spiritual and moral guidance. From this foundation faith flourishes in Christian virtue, and gives rise to vibrant parishes and generous service to the wider community. You yourselves, together with your priests must lead by humility, detachment from worldly ambitions, prayer, obedience to the will of God and transparency in governance. In this way you become a sign of Christ the Good Shepherd.” Reflecting on the theme of the liturgical celebration, the Pope praised their efforts “ to maintain the proper balance between moments of contemplation and external gestures of participation and joy in the Lord. To this end attention must be given to the liturgical formation of priests and the avoidance of extraneous excesses.”
Among the topics of discussion for the Synod of Bishops for Africa is the that of ethnic unrest. Thus, the Holy Father encouraged the Nigerian Bishops to “to confront the challenge of ethnic conflict wherever present, even within the Church” and expressed his appreciation for “those of you who have accepted a pastoral mission outside the limits of your own regional or linguistic group.” “Your readiness to adapt to others is an eloquent sign that...there is no place in the Church for any kind of division. Catechumens and neophytes must be taught to accept this truth as they make their commitment to Christ and to a life of Christian love. All believers, especially seminarians and priests, will grow in maturity and generosity by allowing the Gospel message to purify and overcome any possible narrowness of local perspectives.” Thus, Benedict XVI recommended a “wise and discerning selection of seminarians” and to assure their personal formation “through regular spiritual direction, sacramental reconciliation, prayer and meditation on Sacred Scripture.”
Another pastoral priority that the Pope mentioned in his address was “the Bishop’s task of sustaining the important social and ecclesial reality of marriage and family life.” With the cooperation of well prepared priests and lay people, experts and married couples, the Pope encouraged the Bishops to promote Courses for engaged couples and general catechetical teaching on the value of human life, marriage, and the family, which help the faithful to face “the challenges presented to them by changes in society.” They should also encourage “associations or movements that validly assist married couples in living their faith and marriage commitments.”
In the concluding part of his address, the Holy Father mentioned the Bishops' commitment in interreligious dialogue, especially with Islam, which has led to “strong relations of respect, friendship and practical cooperation are being forged with other religious people .” He also expressed his appreciation for their “dedication to derive from Catholic principles enlightened comments on current national problems.”
“With confidence in the Lord, continue to exercise your Episcopal authority in the struggle against unjust practices and corruption and against all causes and forms of discrimination and criminality, especially the degrading treatment of women and the deplorable practice of kidnapping. By promoting Catholic Social Doctrine you offer your loyal contribution to your country and assist in the consolidation of a national order based on solidarity and a culture of human rights,” the Pope said.
Benedict XVI concluded his address by exhorting the Nigerian Bishops with the words of Saint Paul: “be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong; let all that you do be done in love" (1 Cor 16:13-14) and encouraged them to communicate his greetings to the many faithful “bear witness to Christ in hope through prayer and suffering” and to all those who “serve in the family, in parishes and mission stations, in education, health care and other spheres of Christian charity.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2009)