Nigerians irrespective of their socio- cultural, ethno- religious and political party differences have been enjoined to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance and forgiveness in order to move the nation forward.
Rev Father Charles Ekeng, Parish Priest of St Peters Catholic Church, Mbiabong Ayayan, in Uyo stated this yesterday during a mass to mark this year Ash Wednesday.
Ekeng said ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent was the time for Nigerians to close ranks and shun strife and all forms of bickering and prejudice so as to move the country forward in fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for his people.
“Nigerians should emulate Jesus Christ who loved the world and gave himself as sacrifice for the salvation of all, Christ taught the world through his mission to love and forgive as well as living a holy life.” He said.
While admonishing Christians to always imbibe the virtues of love and forgiveness, the cleric particularly urged Nigerians to unite and love one another for the progress and development of Country.
He urged Christians to use the occasion to pray for peace for the nation stressing that “prayer remains the only solution to the nation’s security challenges and those other such problems including corruption.
According to him, “we are gathered here today to reflect on our individual spiritual life and with the ashes on our fore head we are again reminded that we are all sinners, imperfect and limited.
“The ashes indicate that we need help and not glorification, not hatred and for us to have a new Nigeria that is free of criminality and corruption, we need to come close to God, be our brothers’ keepers and love one another.
“The Bible teaches us that righteousness exalts a nation. So, we must also be ready to imbibe the spirit of love and forgive one another to heal the wounds of the nation.” The Cleric stated.
