The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for a nationwide nine-day prayer session following renewed killings in Benue State and other parts of the country.
The spiritual exercise which begins today and ends on Sunday, June 29, seeks divine intervention for peace, healing and justice.
In a statement signed by the president of the CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun, the bishops expressed deep sorrow over the persistent violence.
“It is profoundly heartbreaking that less than two weeks later, we are compelled to speak out again. The renewed wave of killings in Benue State and other parts of our country continues to wound our collective spirit,” they stated.
The bishops urged all Catholics and people of goodwill to join in daily recitations of the Rosary and the ‘Prayer for Nigeria in Distress.’
According to the statement, on the final day, churches across Nigeria will offer special Masses for victims of violence, the repose of the dead and the conversion of perpetrators.
“We ardently pray that the day will soon come when such sorrowful interventions will no longer be necessary, and our voices may instead rise in thanksgiving for a land healed and at peace,” the statement said.
The CBCN also announced emergency assistance to affected communities and plans for a solidarity visit by a delegation of bishops.
“To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, we assure you that the Church stands with you,” the bishops said.
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