By Olivia Obijiaku
Christians have been asked to embrace persecution as part of the requirements for authentic witnessing to Christ and His Gospel. The Chaplain of St Luke Catholic Chaplaincy, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State, Rev. Fr. Nehemiah Nkom gave this charge at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Memorial of St Agatha, Virgin and Martyr.
The clergyman detailed how the saint was mutilated for refusing to compromise her faith, calling on the faithful to stick to God, despite the consequence.
“How many of us are ready to give our lives for the sake of the Kingdom of God?” The priest queried. “Saint Agatha died defending her faith. She gave everything to God. She chose to live a life of chastity and lived a life of remarkable faith. Jesus went through severe persecution, spreading the Gospel and evangelizing the world. Likewise, it will never be easy for us, as we go about the work of evangelization. As soldiers of Christ, we need to live the faith no matter the persecution.”
Fr. Nkom prayed for Christians who are finding it difficult to practice their faith due to persecution. He prayed that God may strengthen their faith in Him, so that they may do what He has called them to do.
