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Catholic Archbishop Urges Faith, Perseverance amid Nigeria’s Crises During Marian Rosary Procession

Abah Anthony John

By Abah Anthony John

Abuja, 02 June, 2025 / 4:45 pm (ACI Africa).

Amid growing economic and social challenges in Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has urged the people of God in his Episcopal See not to give in to despair but to remain steadfast in faith, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a five-kilometer Rosary Procession that the Archdiocese of Abuja organized to mark the end of the May Devotion, a month traditionally dedicated to Marian prayer, Archbishop Kaigama underscored the importance of prayer, unity, and hope as essential tools for national healing.

“We organized this procession because we want to pray for our country, Nigeria. We know our mother Mary will always intercede for us and give us the solution to the many challenges and hardships that our country is presently going through,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the May 30 event.

According to the Catholic Archbishop, the act of walking and praying together demonstrated unity and a shared hope for divine intervention.

“All through the procession, you can see how people were praying fervently, asking God for blessings for themselves, blessings for Abuja City, and blessings for Nigeria as a whole,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

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He said, “Our Blessed Mother knows you are here. And definitely, this trek... will not be a wasted exercise. You have gathered grace. You have gained grace.”

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop encouraged continued devotion and resilience in prayer, saying, “Keep doing well. Keep praying. Keep coming to Jesus. Keep coming close to his mother, and keep asking her for intercession.”

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, acknowledged the frustration of many Nigerians who feel their patience has been stretched, but he insisted on the value of enduring faith and constructive action.

“We are a people of faith. So we believe that the Lord listens. Even with the difficult circumstances in our country, prayer can do miracles. So we ask people not to give up… Be patient, be hopeful. While we insist that our leaders must do something concrete and do it now to alleviate the suffering of our people,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama challenged both citizens and leaders to promote justice and equity, which he described as “essential to national peace and progress.”

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“Let there be equality. Let there be fairness. People come to us tired, fatigued, hungry, and very poor… It is just the mode of distribution that is lacking. That some few have plenty, and the millions have very little,” he said. 

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader warned that inequality in resource distribution can lead to conflict, saying, “If there is inequality and lack of distribution of resources in an appropriate manner, conflicts, crises, wars, and all this will happen. May God bring us leaders who really feel for the people and put the people as a priority.”

Thousands of Catholics joined the public procession, which began at the Police Chaplaincy and concluded at Holy Trinity Church in Abuja.

In another interview with ACI Africa during the Rosary procession, a former Minister for Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, underscored the importance of the Marian devotion and its spiritual significance.

“It's beautiful to be in the presence of Our Lady, Our Mother, and Our Great Intercessor. Where you find Mary, Jesus is always there. Nigeria needs prayers. Our families, all of us, we need prayers,” Dame Tallen said.

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The member of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great reflected on the virtues of Mary, describing her as a “model for Catholic women.”

“She’s gentle. She’s quiet. She’s peaceful. She loves. She’s caring. As Catholic mothers, we must learn patience, perseverance, caring, love, and purity. All these are virtues that if we learn and pray the rosary, she will always be there to wipe our tears,” Dame Tallen said.

Also speaking to ACI Africa, the Director of Radio Maria Nigeria and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Rosary Procession, Fr. Sylvanus Ameh, underscored the importance of the procession.

“Nigeria is in dire need of prayer right now. We can only do our best and hope for the best. Nonetheless, we need to commit everything to God in prayers,” Fr. Ameh said.

He emphasized the need for cooperation between citizens and the government.

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“If we leave it for the leaders, it won't work. If the leaders also don't do their part, the citizens can't do anything. Leaders and citizens must have the common good of the nation at heart. And the way to do this is that God will direct our hearts to do it right,” Fr. Ameh said.

Abah Anthony John

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Catholic journalist with passion for Church communication and media apostolate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Benue State University, Makurdi in Benue State Nigeria. He has a background in print, electronic and multi-media production.