By Charles Igwe
In a compelling homily delivered during the morning Mass on the sixth day of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) plenary, Bishop Oliver Doeme of Maiduguri Diocese addressed a pressing concern within the Catholic community: the proliferation of unhealthy liturgical practices and the pursuit of miracles over genuine faith.
Centering his homily on the theme of ‘Sincere Repentance’, Bishop Doeme drew parallels between contemporary Christian practices and the demands for signs from Jesus during biblical times. He lamented the prevalent focus on miracles, signs, and wonders, which often overshadow the core message of repentance and conversion.
Bishop Doeme expressed deep concern over the rise of charlatans in the religious sphere, including some Catholic priests, who succumb to the pressure to perform miracles to appease their followers. He emphasized the need for priests to remain steadfast in their commitment to preaching repentance and conversion, rather than catering solely to the demand for miracles.
To address this issue, Bishop Doeme called upon Catholic bishops to take a decisive step: abolishing all forms of collection and donation at ‘private’ adoration centers and prayer ministries. He argued that by removing financial incentives, priests would be encouraged to focus on spiritual growth rather than exploiting the faith of their congregations for personal gain.
Furthermore, Bishop Doeme denounced the widespread corruption plaguing Nigerian society, citing its detrimental effects on religious tolerance, security, political integrity, and social justice. He urged all Christians to remain vigilant against the temptations posed by the devil, the flesh, and the world, emphasizing the importance of seeking intercession and guidance from Mary, Help of Christians, especially during the Lenten season.
