Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church. Many are feared dead, many others injured, and the Church violated, he said. This further complicates the situation, especially against the backdrop of sharp criticism of the security forces' handling of violence across the country. Francis said he was praying "for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence" so that they "choose instead the path of peace" and righteousness. He was transformed in his understanding of "difference" and "oneness". "We have been able to see the footprint of ISWAP in the horrendous attack in Owo and we are after them. Abayomi notes that the Church has been occupied with providing pastoral care for those grieving the death of the loved one, and for the injured, by visiting them, praying with them, administering the sacraments and encouraging them to keep hope alive. Some other parishioners had also succeeded in locking the entrance door to the church in a bid to slow down the attackers. When he finally came out of the sacristy, he was met with the terrible scene of some dead parishioners and many others who were injured. The Owo incident is the latest in a series of deadly attacks by unknown armed persons in Africas most populous nation, as Nigerian authorities continue to take steps to face the security challenges in the country. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. Even descriptions of how he moved capture his gusto - "he walked with a joyful, calm face" and "everywhere he went he went with laughter in his mouth". | Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Russell Crowe to star as the Vatican's chief exorcist in new film, Beauty, truth, and unity: Why Pope Francis is so concerned with the liturgy, Pope Francis has made College of Cardinals less European, analysis shows, Any arrests so far in attacks on Catholic churches and pro-life pregnancy centers? Aid to the Church in Need calls on all political and religious leaders in the world to firmly and explicitly condemn this terrorist attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in southwest Nigeria, during Pentecost Sunday celebrations. Abayomi is trying to be present to the people, keeping them strong in the faith and determined to get them back on their feet. Follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandYouTube. ISWAP's leader at the time pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Along the way, he assisted in many previously established missions; including those in Mozambique and Melindi (Kenya) Africa, Socotra (an island off the coast of Somalia), and Goa (a district on the west coast of India, and the main Portuguese center) and other communities in the southern coastal areas. Xavier was known to have conducted his life's work with great vitality and zeal. Editorial: The new gun control law is good. Ujah Gabriel Ejembi, the parish priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benin City, told NCR that he and other priests no longer feel comfortable traveling in clerical outfits, as they are afraid to be identified as priests. Xavier was certainly not a flexible or passive individual. The massacre took place in the southwest of Nigeria, a place that hasnt been affected until now by the insecurity and violence which generally affect the north and the Middle Belt. St. Xavier ranks among the greatest missionaries in Christian history. 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We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time. "Presently, we live in fear. Much of the enthusiasm for his missionary work came from the support and prayers he was receiving from those that sent him and from the beauty from which he viewed his service. Ujah Gabriel Ejembi, parish priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benin City, Nigeria (Courtesy of Ujah Gabriel Ejembi), A nun has her fingerprints captured during the Independent National Electoral Commission voter registration exercise at a center in Abuja, Nigeria, June 23. It was not the first time that Christians in the West African country had been attacked, nor would it be the last. The Institute of Security Studies found that in January 2022 alone, "a total of 1,486 people in the country were victims of insecurity" with 915 of these killed, while 571 suffered kidnappings. He also highlights the important need for a security strategy as police and security personnel could to get the Church during the attack, even though it lasted for some 20 minutes. A bill seeking to make Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results valid for two years has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives. The thoughts and prayers of ACN are with the victims, with the injured, their families and the entire Catholic community in Ondo. The Pentecost Sunday attack is the first of this sort in the region, even though attacks on innocent citizens are not uncommon in Nigeria. He passionately pursued extra-ordinary yet realistic challenges. Gunmen killed dozens of worshipers including children in a shooting at a Sunday church service in southwestern Nigeria, in the latest example of spiraling religious violence in Africas most populous nation. Xavier's enthusiasm is underscored when recognizing that his work and life were not easy.
However, it was not only during this time that he felt this way. Due to the sensitive and graphic nature of the images, the charity has chosen not to share them. Home > News > Pentecost massacre at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, Nigeria. Send your thoughts and reactions to Letters to the Editor. He talks to both the good and the bad. He was decisive and known to have the "fiery" personality and temperament of the Basque. In 1549, Xavier began the first Christian mission in Japan where he served in the country for over two years. He immediately began to make arrangements to transport the injured to the hospital and personally drove some there. our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. While trying to unify the world under Christ, Xavier was discovering the depth and extent of differences. This brutal act has taken place when Nigerians have only recently celebrated Nigerian National Childrens Day on May 27, where Save the Children called for a renewed commitment of all stakeholders at federal, state, and local government levels to protect, respect, and fulfill the rights of the child. Abayomi said that he encouraged his parishioners and calmed them, while praying for Gods intervention in the situation. A Nigerian government official said Thursday that the insurgent group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is suspected as the perpetrators of a massacre at a Catholic church last week that left dozens dead. Three qualities of Xavier are highlighted which are noteworthy in today's modern world. The violence must end here, now.. Xavier conducted his work in the spirit of magis; a Latin term meaning "more" and used by Loyola to underscore good character in service to others. [Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam], which translates "to the Greater Glory of God", and Vidit Mirabilia Magna, a phrase from the psalms applied to Xavier which translates "he has seen great wonders.". St. Francis Xavier Owo Parish.
On June 19, gunmen also attacked congregants at the St. Moses Catholic Church and a Baptist church in Kaduna State, killing three people in the process and kidnapping several others.
The initiative which was launched at the Little Saints Orphanage (Abule Egba Home) in Lagos on Saturday 16 July is targeted at children aged 3 11 years. stated, "When the heart is touch by direct contact, the mind may be challenged to change" (SCU, 2000). Xavier was known to be a charismatic man. More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than any other country worldwide at least 4,650 in 2021 and nearly 900 in the first three months of 2022 alone. The kidnappers are also looking for cash through ransom payments for church leaders kidnapped, he added. It takes two to tango. In the June 5 attack, gunmen opened fire on Catholic worshipers attending Pentecost celebrations at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in southwestern Nigeria. So much so that, despite early reluctance, Xavier eventually made the Spiritual Exercises under his direction. News Corp is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other products and services. We recognise the complex drivers of violence and conflict in Nigeria. Government officials, law enforcement and witnesses said masked attackers walked into a Pentecost service at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Ondo state spraying bullets and detonating explosives. (CNS/Reuters/Temilade Adelaja), Fr. The most remarkable aspect about the St. Francis shootings and killings was the scale and determination of the attackers to storm and open gunfire on parishioners taking part in Mass. Joseph Aketeh Bako was abducted and killed in April. Since our foundingmore than100 years ago, weve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. Find out more.
Religious identity can be a factor in incidence of violence and individuals, including both Christians and Muslims, have been victims. Save 15% or more on the Best Buy deal of the Day, Free $20 Home Depot coupon with Pro Xtra membership sign up, Black Friday in July: Extra 30% off sitewide - JCPenney coupon code, 60% off running shoes and apparel at Nike. The winner will replace Buhari, who has been in charge of Nigeria since 2015 and leaves the country among the poorest in the world.
Other surviving children may have witnessed their peers or family members lose their lives. Since that day, the atmosphere across many Catholic parishes in Nigeria has transformed into a sense of fear and trepidation, Ibiyemi and other Nigerian priests told NCR in separate interviews. These three qualities of St. Francis Xavier are reflected in a description of him written by a companion: I have never met anyone more filled with faith and hope, more open-minded than Francis. He lived his life with zeal for the Greater Glory of God. Moreover, by the time Xavier finished University studies, his father, mother and a sister had died (his father had passed away when Xavier was only 6 years old) and his other sister and brothers had married. A right arm wearing the Jesuit robe holds aloft a cross signifies Xavier's preaching and missionary works. Anything he is asked to do, Francis does willingly, simply because he loves everyone. In these days, Fr. Mission Information for Prospective Faculty and Staff, Reflection Resources While Working and Studying Remotely, Watch St. Francis Xavier: A Modern View of his Life and Work, Click here for the St. Francis Xavier brochure. This paper is based on a presentation by Debra Mooney, Ph.D. offered at the annual Celebration of Excellence, an event recognizing Xavier's faculty and staff participants in mission-related professional development activities. Together, Xavier and Ignatius were ordained priests in 1537. At St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Ondo state, Nigeria, Sunday, a weekly church service was interrupted by a violent attack. Meanwhile, all the priests in the parish are safe and none was kidnapped, said the priest, dispelling rumors to that effect which circulated on social media. His missionary travels took him to many places around the world. Box 220384Brooklyn, NY 11222 | Phone: (800) 628-6333, Aid to the Church in Need is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. If the West didnt accept their money, they would leave it at home. The exact number of the attackers is unclear, as reports vary between four and six gunmen. Abayomi recounts that he was still on the sanctuary when the attack happened. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news. At first, differences were viewed as obstacles to his goal. Worse still, the actual voting days could be equally violent. He wrote to a fellow Jesuits about his safe arrival after traveling, "In this life, we find our greatest comfort living in the midst of danger, that is, if we confront them solely for the love of God.". Distribution and use of this material are governed by Abayomi notes that there have been reports of militant groups which have been mobilizing their troops in the southwest and other parts the country, but it is difficult to ascertain the tribe, race or group of the attackers. He was helping others by helping them to find God. At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. There have been attacks and kidnappings of at least six other Catholic priests across Nigeria this year alone. We join with Nigerian leaders political, civic and religious from different religions or beliefs seeking to uphold respect for human rights and religious freedom for all. "[The] security architecture has completely collapsed, which has led to increase in banditry and relentless kidnapping and even unpreventable lynching of so-called blasphemers," said the priest. He had just put incense in the thurible at the end of the Mass to prepare for the procession outside the Church when he heard a noise, followed by another. Their efforts have been helped by the diocese who called on other parishes to lend their support. "We are confused, afraid and sad.". The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on worshippers inside the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. Fr. What motivated Xavier to set high standards was his drive to help others in a way that he believed was beneficial to all persons on earth. By thirty years of age, he had earned a Master of Arts degree in philosophy, taught the subject for four years and then studied theology for two years. We have detected that JavaScript is disabled in your web browser. Above the shield is the Jesuit seal, IHS, the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek. Jesuit Fr. Bandits, Boko Haram, kidnappings, these are all symptoms of injustice, of the corruption that is in the system. Some of the attackers, the Priest said, disguised themselves as regular parishioners at Mass and worshiped with us during Mass until the attack started.. Masses are also being offered for the intentions of the other members of the parish, so that they may remain steadfast in faith and alive in hope.. Please follow, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825, Statement in Response to the Attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Ondo State, Nigeria. This occasion, April 10, 2006, was one of the campus events marking the 175th anniversary of Xavier's founding and recognizing the Jesuit Jubilee year. For his part, Fr. It goes beyond enthusiasm and passion. Concerns and worries among the Catholic and wider Christian community in Nigeria that violence will inflame ahead of elections next year are growing. Teesas, an education technology firm has launched the Teesas Donate Program to support underprivileged and out-of-school children in attaining academic excellence. Later, he discovered the variety and beauty of languages, faiths, cultures and living conditions. Seventeenth century sea voyages were filled with life-threatening dangers. In Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people, about 54% of the population identifies as Muslim. And while he was fervent, he was known to be so without losing a realistic grasp of the facts. Impunity for violations of childrens rights feeds into the narrative that these crimes are acceptable and can create cycles of violence. To ensure delivery of Save the Children emails to your inbox, add support@savechildren.org to your contact list. In my parish, there are armed policemen every Sunday," said Ejembi. In the following year, Xavier went to Rome to share in the discussions that led to the formal founding of the Society of Jesus. While his work had a profound influence on others, he came to recognize that he was equally influenced through the interactions and contacts. He never seems to lose his great joy and enthusiasm. The upsurge in insecurity is a "result of separatist agitation and associated repressive state responses," it notes. He died on the island of an acute illness at the age of forty-six. He was serving God and helping others. 20220621T1200-NIGERIA-DIALOGUE-KUKAH-1716693 crop.jpg, 20220624T0845-NIGERIA-BISHOPS-ELECTION-CANDIDATES-1716885 resize.jpg, Parent sues Australian cardinal over child sex abuse charge, New Zealand bishops urge action to end Palestinian suffering in Holy Land, Do not hide reality of abuse, pope tells religious orders. It grew out of his experiences. Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. This incident is a grave reminder that children often bear the brunt of violence and conflict, in Nigeria and across the region. In 1552, he set sail to begin the first Christian mission in China. Ibiyemi fears that Nigeria could become "unstable" during election season, as there has been a history of violence at polling locations. The goal, he said, is to establish personal contact with them, strengthening them and reminding them that when we profess our faith in God, it means that we have given up our whole life. Copyright 2017-2022 Dicasterium pro Communicatione - All rights reserved. In the wake of the horrible tragedy, Fr. 9 as reported by Reuters. He had a "dashing and robust personality" and has been described as "astounding", "decisive", "cheerful", "vivacious", "practical", "prudent", and a "keen, ambitious" boy in school. He traveled from Rome to Lisbon, Portugal and then to India. This confidence enabled him to travel through life with his sense of joy and enthusiasm. He said that the dead were left in the church as efforts were concentrated on saving the injured. As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. With this in mind, Fr. Yet, his goals were not to be "the best" or "first", but rather to make an impact. The seal of Xavier University reflects the Jesuit order and the life of St. Xavier. When you give, 85% of every dollar goes straight to our mission. For the children who were injured in this incident, their suffering may last for years. In 2021, nearly 6,000 Nigerian Christians were killed for their faith, Open Doors USA said in a May report. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. The following IRFBA members associate themselves with this statement: Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Estonia,Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Slovakia,Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Western governments collaborate with our leaders.. He was a man of quick perception and sound judgment. Open Doors USA, which tracks persecutions against Christians for their faith, notes that Nigeria has become the seventh most dangerous place for Christians to live around the globe. "We are calling for help from everywhere in the world because people are being killed and tortured by these terrorists," said the priest. Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has been elected to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), a step which signposts his outstanding role in the development of the engineering profession in the country. Upon approval, Xavier served as the secretary of the Society until leaving for India in 1541. The June 5 shootings shook the world, drawing condemnation from Pope Francis, who appeared to blame the attacks on religious hatred. (CNS/Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde), Church killings in Nigeria leave Catholics 'confused, afraid and sad'. The country was, without explanation, in late 2021 delisted from the U.S. State Departments list of countries with the most egregious religious freedom violations. He was driven by a passion, and an internal energy. As members, friends, and observers of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, we note with grave concern the horrific attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in the town of Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, and on the worshippers gathering together on Pentecost Sunday. Our security agencies are on their trail and we will bring them to justice," Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said Jun. Continue reading your article witha WSJ membership, Copyright 2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. South Africa's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point to 5.5 percent on Thursday -- the steepest hike in a decade. Yet it is not just religious institutions and congregants that are at the receiving end of violent attacks in Nigeria.
A study conducted in 2019, when the country held its last election, showed that "the pre-election period was generally more violent and deadly. At the age of nineteen years, and after completing preliminary course of studies, he left home permanently, bound for the University of Paris. Office of the U.S. "We've seen quite a significant upsurge in communal violence. Fr. The Mass was for at least 50 victims killed in a June 5 attack by gunmen during Mass at the church. Throughout the attack which lasted between 20 and 25 minutes, Fr. He learned the languages and adopted the indigenous dress of the peoples he served. Incidences of violence against Christians in Nigeria have been increasing over the past few months. Pope Francis has expressed his spiritual closeness to Nigerian Catholics following the most recent attack, saying in a telegram that he was praying for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence.. Like the forlorn look on the faces of sympathisers during the funeral of former American President, John F. Kennedy on November 25, 1963 at the St. Matthews Cathedral, Central Washington DC Sequel to the dastardly killing of 40 people at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State penultimate Sunday, traditional worshippers will be invoking curses on the culprits today ahead of the mass burial of victims tomorrow. When he arrived, however, he was not allowed to disembark on the Mainland. For much of his life he struggled with feelings of loneliness, depression and chronic feelings of inferiority. ", She said: "In reality, many of these murders have political and religious motivations.". In his words, he shielded them as a hen shields her chicks.. Learn more here, CopyrightThe National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company | 115 E. Armour Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111 | 1-800-444-8910, A man cries during a funeral Mass in the parish hall of St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, Nigeria, June 17. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Cardinal Parolin said that the pope was praying for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence.. Here's what we know, Vatican warning: Germany's Synodal Way poses threat to the unity of the Church, Irelands president condemns Catholic church massacre in Nigeria, Nigeria church massacre: Pope Francis mourns victims of unspeakable violence, Catholic charity urges world leaders to condemn Nigeria church massacre, Vatican and local Catholic bishop respond to Pentecost Sunday church massacre in Nigeria. Tawanda Karombo is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe, who specializes in sub-Saharan Africa, covering climate, environment, health, economics and all things Catholic in southern Africa. Save the Childrenbelieves every child deserves a future. Unless we can get to the root of the issue, we will be fighting a losing battle..