In a post on his official Facebook page, Reverend Father Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic priest currently on a mission in Gambia, discussed the distinct differences in the nature of prayers offered in churches between Americans and Nigerians.
Father Ugwu’s observations have sparked conversations about cultural and societal influences on religious practices.
Father Ugwu emphasized that contrary to some beliefs, Americans do take their faith seriously and attend church regularly.
He acknowledged that while there may be a decline in mass attendance in some parishes, this trend is not unique to the United States. In many American parishes, multiple Sunday masses are held, often with full attendance. However, he pointed out a key difference: the nature of the prayers.
“The whites or Americans don’t attend church praying for cars, houses, or visas,” Father Ugwu stated. He noted that Americans typically do not bring personal items like canes to church to symbolically flog an imaginary witch from their villages, a practice observed in some other cultures. Instead, he highlighted that Americans rely on structured societal systems to address their needs.
Father Ugwu explained that in the United States, those who do wrong face the law, and those who achieve greatness are celebrated. Material needs, such as owning a car, are often managed through efficient payment systems that make it relatively easy for individuals to acquire what they need without resorting to prayer for these items….Seë_Morë