.Akinwale charts path to Nigeria’s transformation
Catholic Archbishop of the Lagos Metropolitan See, Dr Alfred Martins, has charged Dominicans in Nigeria to pay attention to the needs of the youths.
He stated this during the holy Mass to celebrate the 70th anniversary of St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, and opening of a hospital in the parish.
The chief celebrant of the Mass told the Dominicans that having hit the 70 years mark with all the achievements accompanying it, they should provide the youth with what will make their lives better, to dissuade them from taking to vices.
He said: “I thank God for all of you. God has given you the privilege to witness 70 years. It is now time to chart the course of greater fruitfulness in terms of structures and people. Let us commit to building better and greater things.
“Ensure you complete ongoing projects, such as the multi-purpose hall. Pay attention to the youths in their spiritual and material well-being. Those who have jobs should give them. Give people accommodation to make their lives better. May the word of God find expression in those practical ways.”
After the Mass, Martins was accompanied by other concelebrants to open the hospital situated in the church compound.
In his homily at the Mass concelebrated by over 30 priests, including three bishops, Deputy
Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe (AUI), Rev. (Prof.) Anthony Akinwale, charted a way to transform the country.
Akinwale said that to transform the country from corruption, immorality and poverty, Christians should be committed to the Sacraments from where they would draw healing and pass same to coming generations.
He said: “Let us remember why we are a Church; a community of believers, who always seek conversion and always following Jesus.”
Transformation, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Dominican University in Ibadan asserted, should start from home, saying: “Good homes make good cities and good cities make a good country.
“We should be known as a generation of values.”
He, therefore, tasked his fellow Catholic priests to redouble their efforts in the Lord’s vineyard to lead the congregation to their Creator.
