Catholic Church offers special prayers for S’Arabia Hajj stampede victims

The Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Damaturu, Yobe State, has offered special prayers for the victims of Saudi Arabia hajj stampede that claimed over 769 lives with 1,180 injured while stoning the devil on Mount Arafat on October 23, 2015.

Leading the prayers at a mass at the weekend, the Parish priest of the Church, Rev. Fr. Joshua Haman, said the sad incident requires prayers for the souls of the victims and the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries while stoning the devil on the eve of Eid-el-Kabir.

He also expressed sadness that the incidence claimed such a high number of worshippers who were performing one of their sacred religious rites, saying: “God Almighty knows the best. The death toll continues to rise; considering the extent of the pandemonium; but the Almighty God knows best and who are we to question His Will?”

In another development, Christians nationwide have been asked to transform lives and do well to others through preaching, love and having peaceful co-existence with one another.

The statement was made yesterday by the Dean, Faculty of Theology, Agape Christian Theological Seminary, Abuja, Prof. John Emmanuel Ibrahim, in Bauch State during Kings Gospel Ministry International convention to mark its 20 years of existence.

Prof. Ibrahim, who is also the founder of Kings Gospel Ministry International, said he received the vision to work for God in 1982 while still a student.

He said one of the cardinal visions of his church is to see lives transform from sin to righteousness and poverty into greatness and richness, adding: “If you transform lives of an individual, the community will be peaceful and prosperous, the church is providing both social and community service so that nothing will be lacking.”

The special prayer, according to the cleric, was approved to be conducted throughout Maiduguri Diocese by the Bishop, Most Revd. Oliver Doeme Dashe.