Build strong Christian families in Nigeria

Nigerian Catholic parents have been called upon to nurture core values of good family life.  This call was made by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Family and Human Life Committee secretary, Sr. Regina Tombere in her presentation at the 2015 Kaduna Archdiocesan Assembly held in Kaduna, Nigeria recently.  Sr. Tombere is also the secretary of the Family and Human Life unit of the Church and Society department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN). 

The theme of Sr. Tombere’s presentation was, “Promotion of Traditional and Catholic Family Values.” She spoke on family life in general and then moved on to discuss the relationship between traditional and Christian morals.  She emphasised that Catholic family values of caring for each person should be promoted. Culturally, Nigeria holds important family values and symbols that do not contradict Christian values.  Sr. Tombere outlined the challenges of the family in the modern world context.

How to assess and address the root causes of marital and family problems was one of the questions that Sr. Tombere addressed.  She highlighted the importance of good parents by stating, “As a Christian family, I propose to you that you assess and choose your parenting style intentionally, based on the example of Mary and Joseph and the parable of the prodigal son.”

Sr. Regina Tombere said that, “Genuine family life requires moral uprightness and a deep life of spirituality.  This is how a Christian family is able to positively bring up children.” She added that, “In this way, the whole local community is moulded into a true image of Christ, the guide of family life.”  She went on to talk about the role of various Sacraments of the Church and how Christians ought to practice compassion.  “Jesus is the fountain of life,” Sr Tombere added.

She warned the assembly against the dangers of trial marriages or co-habitation and the quest for riches at the expense of staying in simple Christian homes. 

Sr.  Tombere outlined the importance of diocesan family counselors.  “The diocesan family counselors are there to address identified problems and to ensure happy Christian family life following the teachings of the Church,” she said.

(Catholic News Service of Nigeria)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va