By Tricia Ikem
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Bishop Adewale Martins has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify actions in addressing the many current challenges facing the nation.
Martins said this during the 2026 Chrism Mass celebration at the Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos.
The Chrism Mass is a solemn Catholic liturgical celebration held during Holy Week where the bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism used for sacraments.
It symbolizes diocesan unity, with priests renewing their ordination vows.
Although the Archbishop acknowledged the efforts of the government to address the nation’s current challenges, but urged it to intensify its action particularly in securing lives and alleviating the economic hardship faced by citizens.
He congratulated the priests on their feast day, and reminded them the gospel must be preached throughout the world including doing it through the digital platforms.
He warned that the authenticity of the gospel must, however, not be compromised.
The Archbishop acknowledged the growing importance of digital evangelization noting that many people now inhabit in online spaces.
He cautioned that priests must approach social media with a high sense of decorum and responsibility, guided strictly by the teachings of the Church rather than the pursuit of personal popularity.
“The oils blessed today are not simply symbols; they speak of configuration of being set apart by a mark not earned, not constructed, not curated, but given.
“We have renewed our promises today, we do not recreate ordination; we awaken memory and remember that we were not ordained to build profiles but to bear Christ,’’ he said.
He noted that globally digital technology has play vital role where people gather, argue, celebrate, confess, misunderstand, and sometimes encounter truth.
“The Church is fully aware that this space exists and is alive. The people we have sent to serve are already there. The Gospel, therefore, has reason to enter it.
In his homily, Paul Akin-Otiko, Chaplain of St. Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Lagos, describe the enduring significance of the Chrism Mass as an age-old tradition where sacred oils are consecrated.
He urged priests to pray fervently for the sick using the blessed oils, but stressed that healing comes from God.
He called on priests to work selflessly and never to turn the church into personal gain.
“Your duty to care for the people entrusted to you, not seeking any gain but with zeal to save souls.
Monsignor John Aniagwe , while also speaking appreciated Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, for his fatherly role, exemplary leadership which all should emulate.
He prayed for God to keep all the priests in good health to celebrate many Chrism Mass.
Our correspondent reports that hundreds of priests renewed their vows of dedication, chastity, and obedience to the Church and their bishop, drawing applause from the congregation and the event ended with thanksgiving.
