The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. John Onaiyekan, has called on Christians in the country to pray for the nation’s leaders in the task to transform the economy.
Onaiyekan made the call on Wednesday in his message at the Archdiocese’s 2012 Chrism Mass held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja.
Chrism Mass is an annual special service for the blessings of the holy oils used by the clergy for anointing and other purposes in the course of the year.
Chrism Mass is also a celebration of priesthood during which all the priests and the bishop of the diocese renew their episcopal vows.
Onaiyekan said the country’s leaders, especially President Goodluck Jonathan, needed the prayers of every Nigerian to succeed in their task of nation-building and transformation.
He said it was the collective responsibility of leaders and the led to help build the nation.
“At times like this, it is the duty of all of us to pray for our leaders and for ourselves, so that together we may succeed in solving the numerous problems confronting us.
“We must all come together and pray for our leaders, especially the President.”
The Catholic Archbishop said Nigeria would be better if the led imbibed the habit of constantly praying for their leaders to succeed in whatever programmes they had for the nation.
He urged the priests to remain focused on the difficult but divine task of guiding the Church to the path of righteousness.
Onaiyekan said the Church would only remain united if both the religious and the clergy complemented each other through prayers.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Anslem Umoren, assisted Onaiyekan in officiating at the mass, which was attended by priests and worshippers from the various parishes in the archdiocese.
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