The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Christians to emulate former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, by holding annual Christmas carols in their residential apartments.
Kaigama made the call on Friday night during a special Christmas carol organised by Tallen in her Abuja residence as part of activities to celebrate Christmas.
He said that the former minister’s decision to put the event together was in line with the church’s old tradition, whereby families would hold Christmas carols in their homes.
“Tallen’s decision to put this event together is an incredible act of faith.
“It is good for the faithful to make use of their homes as home churches.
“This was the tradition of the church in the olden days which we should emulate,” he said.
Kaigama stressed that the central message of Christmas carols and Christmas, rolled into one, was the birth of Jesus Christ; the significance of which should not be lost on Christians.
On his part, Bishop Gerald Musa, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, said that the event was special because Christmas carol “heralds the Christmas season of joy, peace and blessings.”
The pioneer Bishop of the recently created Katsina Diocese, said Christmas was significant because, through Christmas, Christians learnt something unique about the nature of Christ, especially his humility.
He lauded Tallen for the inspiration to organise the carol, saying he was very impressed by its large turnout and unique arrangement, adding that it was one of the best he ever attended in a private home.
More so, Fr Patrick Alumuku, Communication Director, Catholic Secretariat, said that Christmas carol basically entailed sharing the message of Jesus’ birth via songs, which also marked the birth of one’s life in Jesus.
According to him, Christmas is important because it passes a strong message, especially as taught by St Augustine, the essence of which is to turn Christians from sons of men to sons of God.
In her remarks, Tallen reminded the audience that the inspiration to put together a Christmas carol in her residence was to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.
She said that the essence of the occasion was also to enable Christians to look back and appreciate God for the gift of life and for the year ending.
“Those of us, who are alive right now, exist by the special grace of God; we are not better than the dead or the imprisoned.
“I pray for the spirit and light of Christmas to be with everyone; wish them a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year ahead,” she added.
Some dignitaries who graced the event included George Daika, former member, House of Representatives and one time Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly and the wife of former Governor of Kaduna State, Amina Yakowa.
Others were Papal Grand Knight and eminent lawyer, Stephen Adeyi, former Chief of Staff to Adamawa Governor, Maxwell Yakubu, former member, House of Representatives, Charles Akogwu and former Plateau Governor’s spokesman, Mark Longyen.
Seasoned female broadcasters, Evelyn Onyilo and Moji Makanjuola also attended the event.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured special presentations from Tallen’s grandchildren and children from Victorian Home Orphanage, Gwarinpa, Abuja, as well as a dinner.
