THE sun shone on a beautiful service for the World Day of Prayer prepared by the ladies of Nigeria. Christians from the Kilgetty and Saundersfoot district from all denominations met in St Bride’s Catholic Church for the service.

The sanctuary was draped with the flags of all nations, a reminder that this day of prayer was being celebrated all round the world.

Life in Nigeria is not easy, with poverty and with Christians often under attack in the north of the country, but the service emphasised the resilience of ordinary people, women coming together to share their resources or starting up small businesses to provide for their families. Above all, they are sustained by their strong Christian faith, which endures under often extreme circumstances.

The parish priest of St Bride’s is himself Nigerian, so he was able to give a personal perspective to the challenges facing the Nigerian people. He wove this in with the beautiful Scripture reading from Matthew’s Gospel. 11: 28-30: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.’

Participants then went over the road to the Wesleyan chapel [Saundersfoot Methodist Church], where they shared a delicious tea of Welsh-cakes and cakes. Several people said that they had never been to a World Day of Prayer service before and how much they had enjoyed it.

It is hoped that next year’s World Day of Prayer service in St Issell’s church will be able to greet even more people, for all are welcome.