Special Circular – August 2019
To all Priests and Religious Working in the Archdiocese of Lagos and the Lay faithful.
Dear Msgri./Frs., Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
INSECURITY IN THE NATION AND THE NEED FOR PRAYERS
You may recall that on May 22nd 2018, we had a Prayer Procession through some of the streets of Lagos to pray for our country as well as demonstrate our dissatisfaction with the situation of our country Nigeria. We were concerned with problems regarding insecurity, threat to religious freedom and the rights of people to exercise their faith as they wish in all parts of the country.
Since then, we have also directed that the People of God in the Archdiocese, Priests, Religious and the Lay faithful, should pray for the country by gathering in their different Parishes for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary and other prayers between 5pm and 6pm on the last Sunday of every month till further notice.
The heightened situation of insecurity and tension in the country today has compelled us to ask that we all renew our commitment to the prayers for our nation. The prayers at this perilous time should be as follows:
- Daily recitation of the Holy Rosary by individuals, families and Associations of lay faithful for peace and harmony in the country. Remember, the Holy Rosary is an effective weapon in moments of difficulty and in the fight against all forms of evil.
- Instead of the last Sunday of each month as before now, Parishioners should gather for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and other prayers for Nigeria and Benediction every Sunday.
Let us, as individuals pray and fast on Fridays in particular; let Associations and groups pray as they gather for their meetings; let the entire Parish come together on Sunday evenings for prayers. As time goes on, we shall see how we can gather together as the People of God in the Archdiocese to hold another Archdiocesan Peaceful Prayer Procession in order to storm the heavens with our prayers. We are assured that as we are united in prayers, the Lord will not fail to listen to us and heal our nation of insecurity and the other evils that beset us.
Parish Priests and Priests-in-charge should give this directive maximum publicity in their parishes. Let us all ensure that we mobilize our people and lead them in prayers for our country, Nigeria.
(Signed)
+Alfred Adewale Martins
Archbishop of Lagos
August 6, 2019. Feast of the Transfiguration