By Charles Igwe
Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama’s message during the Sunday homily at St. Peter’s Chukuku Catholic Parish delved into the challenges of authority misuse and the need for genuine servant leadership. He painted a stark picture of the prevalent trend where authority is wielded for personal gains, with leaders prioritizing their self-interests over the well-being of those they are called to serve.
Emphasizing the importance of looking up to Jesus Christ as the epitome of virtuous leadership, Archbishop Kaigama urged Christians to model their behavior after Christ’s authority, which uplifts, heals, and unites. He highlighted humility and servant leadership as key attributes that followers of Christ should embrace.
In the context of the Eucharistic celebration, where he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 108 candidates and commissioned 525 Lectors, the Archbishop stressed the significance of imitating Christ’s leadership style. This means treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion, irrespective of their social status or background. The call was to build bridges instead of erecting walls, fostering unity within the Christian community.
Addressing Church leaders specifically, Archbishop Kaigama cautioned against the pitfalls of competition for power or visibility within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. He emphasized the need for cultivating an inner life of faith and adopting a synodal approach in decision-making processes, be it in leading choirs, women’s organizations, or other roles within the Church. He encouraged Church members, especially the newly commissioned Lectors, to stay true to their faith and avoid being mere “cultural Catholics” driven by motives other than a genuine commitment to the teachings of Christ.
In conclusion, Archbishop Kaigama underscored the importance of regularly immersing oneself in the Word of God, describing it as “Vitamins for our souls.” He urged all Christians to seek spiritual nourishment from scripture to fortify their inner selves and maintain a steadfast commitment to their faith.
