PRAYER, FASTING AND RESPONSIBLE PARTICIPATION IN THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS
DIOCESAN DIRECTIVES
In response to the appeal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and in the exercise of my pastoral responsibility as Bishop of Katsina, I hereby direct as follows:
1. Observance of Prayer and Fasting: All parishes and pastoral areas in the Diocese shall observe the prescribed Parish Days of Prayer and Fasting on 28 November 2026 and 15 January 2027. These observances shall include Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a procession where possible, and the CBCN Prayer for Credible and Peaceful Elections in Nigeria, 2027.
2. Diocesan Day of Prayer: Tuesday, 8 December 2026, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, shall be observed as a Diocesan Day of Prayer and Fasting. Priests, religious, lay faithful, and representatives of Church associations and organisations are expected to participate. Further details concerning the venue and programme shall be communicated through the appropriate diocesan channels.
3. Implementation by Parish Priests: All Parish Priests and Priests in charge of pastoral areas shall ensure the proper organisation and observance of these spiritual exercises. They are to mobilise the faithful, encourage family and community participation, and ensure that the prescribed election prayer is recited during parish gatherings.
4. Participation of Religious Communities and Lay Organisations: All religious communities, lay associations, societies, movements and prayer groups are strongly encouraged to participate actively in this diocesan spiritual initiative and promote its objectives among their members.
5. Responsible Civic Engagement: Priests and other pastoral agents shall encourage the faithful to participate responsibly in the democratic process, including voter registration, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards and voting peacefully and conscientiously. The Church shall remain non-partisan, while firmly upholding truth, justice, peace, human dignity and the common good.
6. Promotion of Peace and Reconciliation: All Church communities shall promote peaceful coexistence; reject hate speech, tribalism, religious intolerance, vote-buying, electoral violence and every form of manipulation. No Church platform or institution shall be used to promote partisan political interests.
7. Prayer in Families and Communities: The CBCN Prayer for Credible and Peaceful Elections in Nigeria, 2027, should be encouraged in families, religious communities, parish meetings and personal prayers throughout this period.
These directives take effect immediately and shall remain in force throughout the period of preparation for the 2027 General Elections.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria, intercede for our nation and obtain for us the grace of peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
Let justice flow. Let peace prevail. Let Nigeria flourish!
+Gerald Mamman Musa
Bishop of Katsina
