Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan yesterday in Abuja inaugurated the Gaudium Et Spes Psycho-Spiritual Institute, saying their roles extend beyond addressing spiritual concerns, as the institute is dedicated to tackling spiritual and psychological issues.
This approach according to them marks a significant step in enhancing the holistic well-being of Nigerians.
Laying the foundation stone, Archbishop Kaigama stated that the project was a reminder that anybody who has worked in the archdiocese, no matter how little or big, would never be forgotten.
He said; “We raise them on the altar of God during holy mass asking him to be merciful to them especially those who have departed.
“We are also working tirelessly to see that there is inclusion for those who are having problem hearing, by introducing sign language in our mass.”
Onaiyekan said the church had always been impacting on lives of people in many ways.
He said, “The major job we do as religious leaders is dealing with the spiritual problems of our people but this particular one goes beyond spiritual work because it doesn’t only solve their spiritual problem but also psychological problem.
“This project will be a pilot project in the Abuja archdiocese, it may not be the only one, more priests will be trained in this regard especially now that Nigerians are going through hard times. There is a need to give people a place where they can go sort themselves out physiologically and spiritually”.
The chairman, Project Development Committee, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, solicited the help of men and women of goodwill to help raise the money needed for the success of the project.
