The Priests, Religions and the lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria converged on Saturday October 1, 2016 at St. Mary’s Parish, Samaru to witness the Diocesan celebration of the year of mercy.
In his homily tilted “The world in need of Mercy” the Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese Most Rev. George J. Dodo said the world was in dire need of mercy and compassion in view of the several atrocities committed that offends God and quoted Pope Francis thus “this is the time of mercy, we all are sinners” saying “the church has an endless desire to show mercy, there is so much of lack of care wherever the church is the mercy of God should manifest” he said.
Bishop Dodo urged the Catholic faithful to make very good opportunity of the extra ordinary Jubilee Year of Marcy to reconcile with God, forgive one another no matter the gravity of the offence committed. “I try to live by example to reconcile with one of my priests Fr. Matthew Akut during last Diocesan Ordination. So no matter how badly one has offended you just forgive. It frees you from any guilt remember the Lord’s Prayer and make yourself available to doing good at all times” he said.
While congratulating Nigeria for celebrating her 56th independence celebration the clergyman who is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna state chapter backed the anti – corruption crusade of the Buhari led Administration and applauded the “Change begins with me” campaign saying it was the only way for any meaning development in the country.
He finally prayed for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to assist us in attaining mercy and compassion despite our short comings.
Highlights of the celebration were; Benediction led by Fr. Peter Ogwuche Diocesan Coordinator of the Year of Mercy and Fr. Michael Bazai Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Samaru, Confession from Catholic faithful anchored by all the priests in the diocese, Mass wedding of over five couple, a special offertory by the priests led by the Bishop and donations of food items by parishes to the poor.