Prayers for lasting peace in Borno State and an end to terrorism and violence dominated the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Maiduguri.
The Catholic from across the city gathered at the cathedral to mark the feast, offering prayers for peace, unity and security in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for the faithful to give thanks for the relative peace being experienced in parts of the state following years of insecurity, while renewing their prayers for the complete restoration of peace across communities affected by insurgency.
READ ALSO: Catholic Archbishop Encourages Women’s Political Participation
For many of the worshippers, the gathering was a moment of hope, courage and thanksgiving. Some shared testimonies of how they endured years of violence and hardship while remaining steadfast in their faith.
The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri, Most Reverend Oliver Dashe Doeme, who delivered a lecture and led prayers during the celebration, urged the faithful to remain committed to prayer as a means of seeking victory over terrorism and lasting peace.
Speaking on the recent attacks in some communities in Borno, Bishop Dashe said prayer must go hand in hand with decisive action by the authorities.
He called on the Federal and Borno State Governments to do everything necessary to strengthen security operations and ensure that security personnel have the resources and access needed to enter forests and mountainous areas where terrorists are believed to be operating.
“We pray that Boko Haram will be crushed, but human beings must also do their work,” the bishop said, urging the authorities to take the necessary measures to defeat the terrorists and restore peace to Borno and Nigeria. “Dashe noted.
Bishop Dashe also called on Christians to remain vigilant, stressing that prayer was one of the most important ways for believers to respond to the prevailing security situation.
He said the faithful had gathered to pray, give thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary and seek lasting peace in their lives, churches and communities.
“Let prayer be the number one thing in our lives as believers. When we are soaked in prayer, God will grant us victory,” he stated.
The bishop commended the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his administration’s support for security personnel and its humanitarian interventions aimed at assisting communities affected by the insurgency.
He stressed the need for continued collaboration among government, security agencies, religious institutions and local communities to consolidate the peace being experienced in parts of the state.
Bishop Dashe urged the people to remain hopeful and committed to peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, while praying for an end to violence and the restoration of normal life in all communities affected by insecurity.
The Solemnity of the Assumption thus served not only as a major religious celebration but also as a platform for thanksgiving, reflection and a renewed commitment to peace and security in Borno State.
