World Day of Prayer highlights plight of Nigerians
News
When Christians gather for an ecumenical World Day of Prayer service in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, the occasion will be of special significance to Nigerian Catholic priest Fr Jude-Thaddeus who resides in Adelaide.
Fr Jude is chaplain to the RAAF Base Edinburgh and will be among the attendees at the local World Day of Prayer service on March 6.
A global movement of informed prayer and prayerful action, World Day of Prayer focuses on a different country each year in a bid to bring their hopes, joys and needs to the world.
Nigerian Christian Women. Picture: Erik-Tryggestad
The worship service this year is written by the World Day of Prayer committee in Nigeria and includes stories of faith shared by the country’s women and girls.
Fr Jude’s mother lives in Nigeria and often shares with her son how challenging daily life has become for her.
“She describes the situation as feeling helpless,” Fr Jude said.
“Many families live on less than one US dollar a day, and hunger is now widespread. It is increasingly common for households to go to bed without food.”
His mother also says that people “no longer sleep with both eyes closed” because of rising insecurity.
“There is a general sense that the current government has ‘lost the plot’ and many ordinary citizens feel unprotected, unheard and unsure about what tomorrow will bring,” Fr Jude said.
“Like many Nigerians with family still at home, I carry a constant concern for her safety and wellbeing.”
Fr Jude, who has helped plan the local World Day of Prayer service, said for many Nigerians – both those in the country and those living overseas – the World Day of Prayer offered a moment of hope, unity and encouragement.
“Nigeria is a deeply spiritual country, and prayer remains a source of strength in difficult times,” he said.
“Having the global Christian community focus on Nigeria reminds people that they are not forgotten and that the world is standing with them in solidarity and compassion.”
The theme of this year’s World Day of Prayer is ‘I Will Give You Rest: Come’ (Matthew 11:28-30) and a special feature of the local service will be three women’s stories, each read by a different woman on the day.
The Adelaide service will be held at 10am on March 6 in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, followed by fellowship in the Cathedral Hall with traditional food served.
For more information, visit www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org
