Catholic Church Declares Dec. 8 Prayer, Fasting Day for 2027

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has declared December 8, 2026, a national day of prayer and fasting for the successful and peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

The CBCN issued the declaration in a communiqué at the end of its Second Plenary Meeting, held from September 10 to 18, 2026, at Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.

CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, read the communiqué to journalists in Osogbo.

The bishops also directed dioceses and parishes across the country to begin civic education and mobilisation ahead of the elections.

They called for end-of-month fasting and prayer, alongside Rosary processions, from October to December 2026.

The bishops said, “We invite all dioceses and parishes in our nation to embark on civic education, mobilization and end-of-month fasting and prayer with Rosary processions from October to December 2026 in preparation for the elections.”

They added that December 8 would be observed as a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.

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The CBCN also urged stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections. It encouraged eligible voters to participate actively and vote for qualified candidates according to their consciences.

The bishops said the conference had also issued a pastoral letter on the forthcoming elections.

Bishops Decry Poverty

The Catholic bishops expressed concern over the level of poverty in the country, warning against using deprivation as a means of controlling citizens.

They called on governments at federal and state levels to create more employment opportunities, support local businesses and introduce economic policies that would reduce the financial pressure on poor Nigerians.

The conference also urged the government to create policies that would encourage greater private-sector participation.

At the same time, the bishops encouraged Nigerians to engage in honest work, support local businesses and reject criminality and corrupt practices.

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CBCN Raises Concern Over Insecurity

The conference also addressed the country’s security challenges.

While acknowledging government efforts to tackle insecurity, including plans to decentralise the police, the bishops said any restructuring should be comprehensive and should not be driven by ethnic considerations.

They expressed concern over the continued cases of violence, kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and the theft of natural resources.

The bishops called on the government to take stronger action against banditry, recover territories used for criminal activities and ensure that the land is put to productive use.

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Bishops Oppose Foreign Aid Bill

The CBCN also called for a halt to the proposed Foreign Aid Bill 2026.

The bishops expressed concern that giving government officials broad discretionary powers over humanitarian resources could affect faith-based organisations, churches, mosques and non-governmental organisations.

They argued that non-profit organisations were already subject to existing regulations and urged the National Assembly not to pass the bill.

The conference said such a move would help protect freedom of association and religious freedom in Nigeria.

source: Vanguard News