The inauguration of a Temple is first and foremost the inauguration of man and the whole creation in the New Life, which began with the Resurrection of the God-Man.. The very etymology of the word “inauguration” means the incorporation into the new, the newness that Christ brought into the world and it is the offering of His Holy Body and Blood. The inauguration of a Church is also the dedication to God of a place which is glorified and occupied by the Grace of God through the Sacrament of the Eucharist, who, although He does not “dwell in temples made with hands” (Pt 24), nevertheless invites all “in the churches” to bless and glorify God, so that redemption, sanctification, purification and health may come richly.
Today’s historic event for the Church Community of Nigeria reminds us that the role and mission of the Church is to take the world and transform it “in Christ”, to renew it, freeing it from the bondage of mortality, creatureliness and sin.
The Eucharistic Community of this blessed country, as the Body of Christ and “child of God” (1 John c.2) transcends any racial, ethnic, religious or other distinction, looking only to the love, peace, reconciliation and unity offered by faith in the God-Man Jesus. That is why in today’s turbulent world, where religious passions are deliberately stirred up and innocent blood is unjustly shed – alas – in the name of the Almighty God, the voices of believers should be raised in protest, guarding the sacred garment of faith from being transformed into a cloak of violence and bloodshed. Our argument has always remained timeless: Our faith speaks of peace. Our sacred texts praise peace. Therefore, only if the world follows the path of a correct and unadulterated faith will there be true peace. .
To all of you, precious brothers and sisters, I paternally wish you all many years of blessed life, and may the blessing of the Church, through Her hymnal words, seal this holy Temple:
“The Church is a heaven full of light, the Church has become the answer, illuminating the faithful, in which we cry out, ‘Lord, fix him in the heavens'”. Amen!
