The Nigerian diocesan apostolate joined Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio in prayer May 27 asking for peace in Nigeria and deliverance for the kidnapped girls who have gained international attention.
“The peace in Nigeria does not depend on the situation there but on God’s will,” Bishop DiMarzio said during the specially scheduled Mass at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Prospect Heights.
“It is not revenge that we seek but peace,” he said. “We are here to recognize that all peace that is worth its name comes from God. … We need to trust in God’s infinite goodness and providence in us.”
Father Cosmas Nzeabalu, the coordinator of the Nigerian apostolate, echoed the bishop’s conviction.
“This Mass is going to help the situation because we are talking to Almighty God,” he said, adding that the Mass had the benefit of the congregation’s sacrifice of making their way to the cathedral after a long day’s work.
“What makes this [Mass] unique is heart,” he said.
“God loves every one of us,” said Chief Imeh Umoh, who came to the Mass with his wife, Philome Umoh. “He takes care of every one of us.”
Confidence in God
Chief Umoh said he has every confidence that God will make it possible for the kidnapped teenagers to return to their parents.
Sister Beatrice Chukwumezie, D.M.M.M., said she came to pray that her worst fear for the girls does not come true: that they will be raped and killed if negotiations are not successful. She said she cried when she saw the video of the kidnapped girls’ alleged conversion.
“Religion is not forced on anybody,” said Sister Beatrice. “God gave us all freedom of choice of religion.”
She said she is also concerned for the Islam extremists who have lost God’s way.
“I am praying for the conversion of these people,” she said.
During his homily, Bishop DiMarzio reminded the congregation that the word Islam means peace. As such, he said, he prays for them to return to their roots.
“We pray that the radicals convert their souls,” he said.
However, the bishop said, that for there to be true peace all people must look at their own conscience. He asked the congregation to reflect upon whether they pray for their enemies or wish them ill, not necessarily the enemies far away but those who make everyday life just a little bit more difficult.
Despite the somber occasion, there was still a celebratory undertone in the congregation. Though composed of many tribes, the people of the Nigerian apostolate have a deep reverence for their native country. A sure sign of their common heritage was the choir that sang praise to God in languages native to Nigeria while donning native garb as a drummer kept tempo.
Chief Umoh said the violence and turmoil caused by Islamic extremists in the north of Nigeria hurts the entire country.
“It does not give us the freedom to travel and do business in the north,” he said.
“Socially we are cut off from our brothers and sisters.”
Ngozi Igwilo, from the All African Community of St. Fortunata, East New York, said the violence caused by the extremists is hurting the image of the entire country. Foreigners no longer feel safe traveling to the country on vacation or business, she said.
“We need love, peace and unity,” she added.
