UK: Archbishop Wilson’s heartwarming Pastoral Message to Catholics of Nigerian heritage

Paul Samasumo – Vatican News.

In a Pastoral Message shared widely on social media, Archbishop Wilson reflects on the visit and gives some of his impressions.

A blessing to the Church in Southwark

“This was my first ever journey to the African continent and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, often called the ‘Giant of Africa.’ My trip included visits to the capital city of Abuja and the adjacent territory of Gwagwalada … There are many lay people, consecrated religious, and clergy living and working in our Archdiocese who either come from Nigeria or have Nigerian heritage. Some Nigerians have made a permanent home in the United Kingdom and our Archdiocese, while others are here temporarily. This includes priests from Nigerian religious congregations and dioceses, and Nigerian religious sisters, who all serve in our parishes, schools, and chaplaincies. To all Nigerian Catholics in our Archdiocese … I want to affirm what a blessing you are to the Catholic Church in Southwark,” writes Archbishop Wilson.

In Nigeria, the Archbishop ordained 10 new priests. He was invited to ordain the priests by the Missionary Society of St Paul of Nigeria (known as MSP). The ordination ceremony took place at the National Missionary Seminary in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The newly ordained priests will soon be sent out on mission across the world.

Archbishop John Wilson of the Archdiocese of Southwark visits Nigeria

Depth of faith and love for the Church

Speaking about his impressions, Archbishop Wilson said he was, first of all, overwhelmed by the sense of hospitality that he witnessed.

“I have never been to a place where so many people use the word ‘welcome’ so frequently. Whether at the airport, the MSP General House and Seminary, the pro-Cathedral, various churches and parishes, or around the city, the first word spoken was always ‘welcome’ – by ordinary people, and to me, a visitor, a stranger,” he said.

Nigerian Catholics he added demonstrate “a depth and power of faith in Christ, and from this a love for his Church, for the Mass and Eucharistic adoration, for the Holy Rosary, and for service to those in need.”

“Catholics from across Africa and the entire world enrich our Church, bringing to life in our communities a beautiful and richly diverse mosaic of God’s creation,” the Archbishop reflected.

To sum up his Pastoral Message on the visit, Bishop Wilson said, “The generosity of welcome, the depth of faith, and the endurance of trust; these remain with me as I recall the faces of so many wonderful people, none of whom I had met before, but with whom I am united in the richness of our Catholic faith.”