The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Dr Ignatius A. Kaigama, has called on Nigerians shun vengeance and embrace peace, forgiveness and reconciliation as essential values for building a united and prosperous country.

The Archbishop, represented by the National Chaplain, Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev Fr Richard Igyor, made the call on Sunday at the 2026 National Feast Celebration of the Pious Union in Abuja.

The celebration, held under the theme, ‘Cultivating Peace, Faith and Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues’, brought together over 1,000 devotees from different parts of the country to reflect on the life and virtues of Saint Rita and their relevance to nation-building.

Igyor stated that the virtues demonstrated by Saint Rita, particularly forgiveness, perseverance, faith and commitment to peace, remained relevant to the country at a time it was confronted with insecurity, political tensions and social divisions.

He therefore, urged citizens to move beyond seeking miracles to build a genuine relationship with God that will reflect in their conducts towards others.

He added that true devotion to a Saint should be demonstrated by emulating the virtues of the saint rather than merely seeking favours through prayers.

He held that Nigerians can contribute to national development through enabling the values of peace, love and reconciliation to influence their homes, workplaces, communities and places of leadership.

The Prior General of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Nigeria, Mrs Cecilia Oyakhire, also described women as important agents of nation-building, urging them to promote peace, love and care within their families.

Oyakhire noted that the virtues of Saint Rita should inspire women to raise children with strong moral values and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Women are nation builders. They are expected to have a soft heart, to always make peace, show love and care.”

She added that the Pious Union has continued to demonstrate Saint Rita’s charitable spirit through activities such as hospital visits and supports for vulnerable, who were unable to meet their medical expenses.

Also, the Abuja Archdiocese National Grand Patron of the Pious Union and former Auditor-General of the Federation, Dr Ukura Samuel, urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Saint Rita’s spirit of forgiveness and selfless service.

He noted embracing forgiveness and fairness will avoid victimising political opponents, subordinates and other members of society.

According to him, the virtues of Saint Rita could help reduce hatred and political hostility, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.

“If the politicians imitate the life of Saint Rita, you will see that Nigeria will be a better place to live in”, Ukura said.

Also speaking, the Abuja Archdiocesan Coordinator, Bro. Celestine Makwe, urged Nigerians to collectively work towards building a country where peaceful coexistence, forgiveness and mutual understanding thrive.

Makwe cautioned against allowing vengeance, enmity and animosity to take root in society, stressing that such attitudes could undermine peace and national development.

He said: “We must strive to build a nation where peaceful coexistence and forgiveness thrive. We should not allow a spirit of vengeance, enmity or animosity to exist among us because these attitudes can only divide the country and hinder development.”

He called on Nigerians to embrace reconciliation and tolerance, noting that peaceful coexistence required individuals and communities to learn to forgive one another and resolve disagreements without resorting to hatred or violence.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Lady Idowu Jokpeyibo, said the celebration attracted more than 1,000 devotees from different parts of Nigeria.

She expressed appreciation to the organisers, benefactors, members of the committee and the management of Cor Mariae College for supporting the event.

The National Feast Celebration featured prayers, reflections and charitable activities aimed at encouraging devotees to deepen their faith and emulate the virtues of Saint Rita.

The organisers stressed that the values of peace, forgiveness, faith and hope were not only religious ideals but equally essential ingredients for national unity, social stability and sustainable development.