Cleric says Nigeria needs the Holy Spirit for renewal, redemption

By Julius Augustine

Rev. Fr. Linus Barau, a visiting Priest to St. John Mary Vianney Catholic Church, Kubwa extension, Abuja has called on Nigerians to embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit for total cleansing and redemption.
Barau said on Sunday in Abuja after a Holy mass to mark the feast of the Pentecost Sunday.
According to Christian tradition, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated forty days after Easter by Christians of the
Catholic faith in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
``If the Holy Spirit penetrates the hearts of all Nigerians many evils and corruption will be eradicated.
``When the spirit of God touches the perpetrators of evil through prayers, they will be transformed automatically and do what is right," he said.
Quoting from the Book of Galatians Chapter 5, the cleric urged the faithful to get rid of pride, arrogance, jealousy and selfishness.
``A lot of evil deeds are going on in the country today; everyday innocent blood is being shed in this country through crisis, abortion and rituals.
``The Holy Spirit of God has come to recreate and renew the country, if we detest evil and receive the spirit," he added.