Kaigama urges Christians to emulate Mandela

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Jos weekend, called on Christians to emulate people with exemplary lives like former South African President, Nelson Mandela.Kaigama made the call during his pastoral visit to the Church of Immaculate Conception, CIC, Parish, Zaramaganda, Jos.The Archbishop said that by emulating good people, their legacy would continue to impact on society. “The Catholic Church had long identified such and had been immortalising people that lived righteous and exemplary lives as saints. “We cannot all be saints but I assure that you will be rewarded by God for your ways.“Mandela died and the whole world is mourning him because of his good deeds for humanity. “He loved humanity; he cared for humanity and he served humanity honestly and he was a unique man that left the world better than he met it.“Back home, we had our Mandela. He is late Solomon Lar. He was a man that loved humanity and a man that stood for the unity and peace of Plateau and beyond”, he said.The cleric charged the congregation to imbibe righteousness as a way of life, adding that whatever they do would live after them.Kaigama also urged Christians to reflect on the period of advent, meant for spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.According to him, it is a period of sober reflection for Christians. “Reflect on your ways and let go things that are not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.“Instead of spiritual preparation, many people concern themselves only with physical preparation”, he said.He charged the parishioners to pray for the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and the fear of God.“These are gifts you should pray for during Christmas and not just the material gifts”, he added. Rev. Fr Dennis Kaye, Parish Priest of CIC commended the archbishop for the visit and urged the parishioners to use the opportunity to develop their spiritual lives.The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Kaigama inaugurated the parish hall and offices built by the Church. Kaigama is the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.