Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, has commended the country for its significant contributions to the Catholic Church, particularly its remarkable abundance of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. During his visit to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos as part of his familiarization tour across Nigerian dioceses, Archbishop Crotty celebrated Nigeria’s vibrant faith and its impact on the global Church.
A Vibrant Faith Community
Speaking to clergy and lay faithful, Archbishop Crotty highlighted the sheer number of priests and religious sisters Nigeria has produced. He described them as indispensable to the spiritual and pastoral needs of communities worldwide.
“The Nigerian Church has blessed the Universal Church with missionaries whose energy, faith, and commitment are revitalizing parishes and institutions across continents,” the Nuncio said. He attributed this growth to the deep faith of the Nigerian people, despite the Church’s relatively short history in the country, spanning just over 150 years.
Visit to Lagos Archdiocese
Archbishop Crotty’s itinerary in Lagos included visits to the Lagos Resource Centre, St. Finbarr’s College in Akoka, and Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Lekki. He lauded the Archdiocese for its innovative evangelization efforts and commitment to youth development.
At the Lagos Resource Centre, the Archbishop was particularly impressed by its transformation into a hub for faith formation, with a focus on equipping young people for leadership roles in the Church. “Young people are the future of the Church, and investing in their formation is critical to ensuring a vibrant and enduring faith,” he noted.
Nigerian Missionaries Revitalizing the Church Abroad
Archbishop Crotty also reflected on his experiences witnessing Nigerian clergy breathe new life into parishes abroad, particularly in Ireland. He acknowledged the challenges that come with migration but emphasized the importance of guiding young Nigerians to stay connected to their faith in foreign cultures.
“We must support and guide them, both spiritually and morally, as they navigate new societies,” he said, urging the Church to provide ongoing pastoral care to its members living abroad.
Addressing Nigeria’s Challenges
Beyond the Church’s internal growth, Archbishop Crotty touched on the broader societal issues facing Nigeria, including insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship. He underscored the Church’s role in promoting education, charity, and moral values, praising Nigerians for their resilience and ability to uphold their faith amid adversity.
“The Church must continue to be a beacon of hope, guiding society toward justice, peace, and progress,” he said.
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue
The Apostolic Nuncio also stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue in fostering unity and peace in Nigeria, particularly in regions marked by religious tensions. He encouraged Catholic leaders to strengthen their engagement with other religious groups to build mutual understanding and cooperation.
A Pillar of Catholic Growth
Archbishop Crotty’s visit reinforced the Vatican’s recognition of Nigeria as a cornerstone of Catholic growth in Africa and beyond. He described the country’s abundance of vocations as a testament to its spiritual wealth and a source of hope for the future of the Universal Church.
“With its vibrant faith, Nigeria is not only a blessing to the Church today but a foundation of hope for the Church’s mission tomorrow,” the Nuncio concluded, expressing optimism for Nigeria’s continued contributions to global Catholicism.
