Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Be inspired by the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Divine Word: this was the appeal launched at the close of the Plenary Assembly of the National Missionary Council of Nigeria, which took place in Abuja, June 10-13.
In the final statement, sent to Agenzia Fides, it says that: “Fired by St. Paul’s zeal for the proclamation of the Word of God, every baptized Christian is compelled to preach the Word of God in season and out of season. In truth, St. Paul presents the proclamation of the Word of God as a primary duty. He said 'Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel' (1 Cor. 9:16). The Bible has given the world the basic principles by which to live. The principles of Love, Peace, Justice, Forgiveness are elucidated in the Bible. The Bible is an inspired Word of God, the effect of the authority and power of scripture goes back to God. Drawing inspiration from the life and preaching of St. Paul, in the first instance one becomes conscious that the Word of God is a gift made manifest from the beginning of the creation of the world. All throughout history, the Creator places human beings at the center of this divine communication.”
Thus, the Church must communicate the Word of God, adapting to the times in the form in which she transmits the Word: “Today more than ever the need to make the word of God accessible is imperative; consequently, the printed word of God should be legible and free from doctrinal errors.”
In addition to printed press, “audio visual aids should be used in proclaiming the Word of God. Preachers should ensure adequate preparation of their homily as they seek to explain and expound on the Word of God.”
“In transmitting the Word of God, the Church should take into account the cultural linguistic and contextual diversity of the recipients. In effect, adaptation to the local situation and inculturation of the Word of God should be enhanced,” the statement says.
The National Missionary Council of Nigeria also affirms that there is a “need to encourage the dissemination of Catholic Bibles and ensure that Bibles are provided for Catholic Students taking public examinations in our institutions of learning. We appeal to religious instructors to intensify efforts to protect and promote the Catholic Bible.”
The knowledge and meditation of the Word of God also serves as a manner of reinforcing the testimony of the Nigerian Catholic community: “Given the fact that there is duplicity in the life style of some Christians, many today query the authenticity of our Christian witness. We should be conscious of the fact that we must allow the Word of God to define who we are and how we conduct ourselves in this world in order to be true to our God given identity. The Sacred Scripture is at our service, it reminds us of the constant need to be a living example.”
“In order to correct the many sinful tendencies in Nigerian society today, there is need to embark on the task of proclamation of the Word of God. There is also need to encourage people to witness to Christ by accepting suffering and living in conformity with the core values of the Word of God. There should be simplicity of life style and bold proclamation of the Word of God. As Christians, we need to ensure that we keep our lamp burning in the midst of darkness and not conform to the darkness around us.”
“As we inaugurate the Year of the Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI, and conclude the Year of St Paul, the great missionary, we accompany all our Missionaries, Priests and Religious on mission, with our prayers and support,” the message concludes. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 18/06/2009)
