Chibok girls: Catholics to intensify prayers

Archdiocese will  the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress as part of efforts to rescue the about 219 girls who have been under Boko Haram captivity for over a month now.The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna dropped the hint yesterday in his office in Owerri at a news briefing marking the commencement […]

Archdiocese will  the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress as part of efforts to rescue the about 219 girls who have been under Boko Haram captivity for over a month now.
The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna dropped the hint yesterday in his office in Owerri at a news briefing marking the commencement of the 48th World Communication Day.
He said that the resumption of the prayers which hold in all Catholic churches both in Owerri Archdiocese and beyond follows a directive to all Catholic Bishops in the country.
The bishop, who recalled that the same prayer was offered after the June 12th 1992 post-election violence during the Gen.Ibrahim Babangeda’s military regime,  said the prayers will begin this week Saturday 31st May 2014, with a Rosary prayer devotion in which  the Chibok girls and the Nigerian nation will be prayerfully presented to God.
The Archbishop lamented that the current state of insecurity in the country should raise more questions about the nation than flags and caps in congratulation, adding that the Boko Haram menace and continued captivity of the young school girls directly holds Nigeria and its democracy day in captivity.
On the 48th World Communication day which holds on 1st June,2014, the Archbishop harped on the message of Pope Francis which focuses on the importance of good communication.
He said: “good communication helps one to grow closer, to know one another better and ultimately to grow in unity. The walls which divide one can be broken if only they are prepared to listen and learn from one another.’’
Obinna regretted that Nigerians have failed to see, recognize and treat one another as fellow children, fellow sons and daughters of God, pointing out that this is why even neighbours cannot trust one another.