A Report from the Nigerian Chaplaincy

CARDINAL ARINZE OFFICIALLY INAUGURATES
THE NIGERIAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY IN THE UK

The Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in the UK was officially inaugurated by His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, at St Georges Cathedral, Southwark, on the 18^th of November, 2006. In the presence of a huge gathering of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in the UK, Cardinal Arinze unveiled the official plaque and entrusted it to the Nigerian Chaplains, Rev. Fr. Albert Ofere and Rev. Fr. Austin Mbelu CM.

At the beginning of Mass, His Grace, Archbishop Kevin, of the Southwark Archdiocese welcomed the Cardinal and the entire congregation to his Diocese. He thanked God for the gift of the Nigerian Chaplaincy and spoke of his experience of working with the Cardinal in Rome. Archbishop Kevin expressed the desire that the presence of Nigerians in such large numbers in the church in UK will bring about vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He pointed out that while Nigerians should continue to celebrate their identity and culture, they should also work for a full integration into their local catholic communities. Counting it an honour and privilege, Archbishop Kevin offered a hundred thousand welcome to Cardinal Arinze and all present.

The chief celebrant, Cardinal Arinze , then led the church gathered in a beautiful liturgy with a distinctive Nigerian character.

In his homily, the Cardinal offered praises and glory to God for the official inauguration of the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in the UK. Commenting on the second reading of the 30^th Sunday of year B, the Cardinal urged all present to remember that Christ offered one single sacrifice for the remission of sin and continues to sanctify His people especially through the Church. Cardinal Arinze thanked God for the gift of the Chaplains, Fr Albert Ofere and Fr Austin Mbelu, who were sent to spearhead the work of the chaplaincy. He also thanked the chaplains for the work they have done so far. The Cardinal recalled that it was Cardinal Cormac, in conjunction with the other Bishops that specifically requested the Nigerian Catholic Bishops˘ Conference to send a chaplain; and also appointed the assistant chaplain from the Vincentian Community. Cardinal Arinze exhorted all Nigerians in UK to be happy in being part of the chaplaincy pointing out that refusal to accept the chaplains means refusal to accept those who sent them.

The Cardinal maintained that the Church is Universal and yet it has a place for Chaplaincies in cases where people live away from their homeland. Citing the example of people living in city parishes in Nigeria, he urged Nigerians to work actively in their local parishes in UK and also support the work of the Chaplaincy. The Cardinal exclaimed; Receive! Give! Listen! Share! Collaborate! And work with others! You’re Nigerians! We love to celebrate in community and we trust better the person who can interact with others! God has wished to save us not only as individuals but as a community, hence Christ continues to gather the scattered children of God. Cardinal Arinze affirmed the celebrations of national identities in the Church noting that every nation has something of the goodness of God. He reiterated that national identities are not destroyed by the Church rather the Church represents all cultures. Quoting Vatican 11 Documents, the Cardinal emphasized that the Church accepts whatever is good in all cultures and elevates them hence the establishment of inter-cultural centres to make room for chaplaincies. Cardinal Arinze called on all Nigerians to rejoice in their identity and accept the cultural diversity of Nigeria as a blessing. He urged every Nigerian in the UK to show their collaboration with the chaplains in their willingness to attend chaplaincy gatherings, to contribute their talents, their time and occasionally their treasure. He explained that in the chaplaincy the different language groups should not be suppressed, rather people should be encouraged to speak their language - otherwise they are culturally without roots. He encouraged parents to inform and educate their children of such things at home; noting that language matters because it touches the heart.

Cardinal Arinze expects the Chaplaincy to be built on a unity based on Christ and stressed the need for individuals to avoid the crave for attention. Speaking of the proverbial person who will either be the head even if it means being a corpse or begin another group or sabotage the work of a group, the Cardinal urged all present to note that the centre of attraction is Christ. He called on everyone to project Christ, to proclaim Christ, and like St Paul, if Christ is preached then all should be happy; and no doubt with Christ at the centre, the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in UK will be a thing of joy, peace and love. To Christ, Cardinal Arinze said, the centre of our worship, be honour and glory for ever.

In a speech during the celebration, Bishop Hopes, who brought messages of goodwill and blessing from Cardinal Cormac, gave a sigh of relief that after a very long time the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy is finally established in the UK. He thanked the nominated and appointed Chaplains, Fr Albert and Fr Austin, who has worked tirelessly to prepare for the inauguration. Bishop Hopes noted that Nigerians are indeed the largest community among the African communities and encouraged them to continue to promote the Gospel and nourish the life of the local church. He prayed that the Chaplaincy will be a true instrument of unity since we all profess one faith in one true God. Bishop Hopes expects that Nigerians will equally be integrated into the local church pointing out that the Chaplaincy should never become ˇa church within the Church. He called on all Nigerians to nurture, help and allow the Chaplaincy to grow into a force for good and assured them of the full support of the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark and Brentwood.

The civil society, among whom was the Deputy Mayor, was not left out as the Nigerian High Commissioner who was present also joined forces with the clergy to exhort Nigerians to rejoice and work for unity. In the sight of God, Ambassador Kolade said, we are one. He stressed that in oneness there is also variety of identity and we are to use our diversity to strengthen our unity. The Ambassador reminded Nigerians in Diaspora to remember to their homeland at all times. Ambassador Kolade congratulated Fr Albert Ofere and Fr Austin Mbelu whom he said are in the process of making history because both of them and indeed all present will always say I was there when the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy began officially.

After the special thanksgiving led by Fr Albert and Fr Austin; Fr Albert thanked an elated congregation and invited all present to the reception at the adjacent Cathedral hall. The reception which followed the celebration of the Eucharist was full of speeches, dancing and eating. Remarkably, His Eminence, Cardinal Arinze, Bishop Hopes, Bishop Patrick, Nigerian priests and religious were among those who witnessed the unique display of Nigerian cultural diversity.

The occasion was joyfully brought to an end by a vote of thanks by the Assistant Chaplain, Fr Austin Mbelu and a closing prayer by Fr Chris.

austinmbelu@yahoo.co.uk