Olanrewaju Ganiyu
Christmas mass at St. Thomas Catholic Church Kano was spectacular as both Muslims and Christians were seen celebrating together.
The Holy mass which was officiated by the Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Danbaba Sarki had both Muslim politicians and civil society actors in attendance.
The Action Democratic Congress, gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election in Kano, Hon. Mubarak Salisu and Kano State Chairman, Action Democratic Congress, Hon. Wakili Haruna, Zainab Nazeer Ahmad a renowned Kano civil society advocate were among the attendees.
They were invited to the Church by Amb. Nworisa Michael Founder and Executive Coordinator, Stand for Peace Initiative invited the personalities in a bid to foster peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance amongst the two dominant religions in Kano, Nigeria.
Amb. Nworisa Michael in an exclusive interview with Stallion times says: “We can be a nation worshipping our God our ways. People should understand that as humans we are all equal but in our diversity we can’t and as such we should for the sake of peace respect each others opinion.”
For all, the experience and joy on their faces were beyond description; they all are visiting a Church for the first time and during Christmas.
Recall that St. Thomas Catholic Church in October, 2020 was attacked and vandalized during the #EndSARS protest in Kano a situation which almost turned into a religious conflict. The presence of the Muslim community on such occasion is indeed a sign of hope, love and brotherhood amongst the two Abrahamic religions.
The priest, in his sermon emphasized on the need for sharing love as there is no time segregation. He expressed satisfaction and welcomed the Muslim brethren while praying for peace and healing from the corona virus pandemic.
