Dwayne John

16/03/2025

"Tinubu Meets with Catholic Bishops Amidst Economic and Security Concerns"*

Reported by Marcus Habila

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed a delegation of Catholic Bishops from Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday. The delegation, led by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), included prominent members like Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

This meeting comes on the heels of the CBCN expressing concerns over Nigeria's worsening economic hardship and insecurity. During their 2025 First Plenary Meeting, the bishops highlighted the growing number of families struggling to afford basic necessities and the surge in food inflation, which is pushing more Nigerians into poverty.

In response to the CBCN's concerns, the presidency maintained that Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu's administration. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that significant progress has been made in areas like security, economic stability, and youth empowerment.

The meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops underscores the ongoing dialogue between the government and religious leaders as they work together to address Nigeria's pressing issues. According to Onanuga, the President appreciates the Catholic Bishops' active involvement in governance and their dedication to national unity and peace.

29/12/2024

TRAGEDY STRIKES: Catholic Priest Killed in Nigeria

Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Catholic Priest of the Nnewi Diocese in Anambra State, Nigeria, was tragically shot and killed by unidentified gunmen on December 26th.

The incident occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway between 7-8 pm. Fr. Okonkwo was not only a devoted priest but also a pharmacist and the Priest In-Charge of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala, Anambra State.

May the soul of Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace through the mercy of God. Amen.

May we pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his family, friends, and the entire Catholic community.

Archbishop Ignatius Archbishop Ignatius A. KaigamaArchbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama Kaigama

16/12/2024

THE AKPANI FAMILY BUILD A MODERN CHURCH, AN ADORATION CHAPEL AND A CHAPLAIN'S HOUSE .

Augustine University, an institution of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos was presented today with a modern church building which was dedicated at Mass. There is also an adoration chapel attached. The keys of the lovely residence for the chaplain of the university were also handed and the house blessed. These laudable projects were undertaken by the AKPANI family (Sir Walter and Dame Winifred AKPANI and their daughter, Catherine-Mary). It was a well attended event by friends, well-wishers and the student community. The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, received the keys from the very generous AKPANI donors who are well known for supporting the Church in many ways and aiding the poor and the needy of the society from their resources. He urged others who are blessed materially to immitate the Akpanis. God bless and reward the Akpani family, now, and in the hereafter.

Fr. Paul Zirra.

31/07/2024

*TRIBUTE: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Patrick, OSA, Passes On*

Abuja, Nigeria - July 31, 2024

The Catholic community in Abuja and beyond is mourning the sudden passing of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Patrick, OSA, who died on July 19, 2024. A requiem Mass was held in his honor at St. Helena's Catholic Church, River Park Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, to celebrate his life and legacy.

Fr. Emmanuel, fondly known as Fr. Emma, was a dedicated Augustinian priest who served in various parts of Nigeria, including his last posting as the priest in charge of St. Helena's Pastoral Area in Abuja Archdiocese. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many who knew him.

The Augustinian community has expressed gratitude to the Prior Provincial, Fr. Anthony Kanu, OSA, for posting Fr. Emma to Abuja Archdiocese, where he made a significant impact through his selfless service and edifying presence.

Further funeral rites will be held in Jos, Plateau State, with a requiem Mass on August 1 at St. Monica's Parish, Rantya, followed by the funeral Mass and internment on August 2.

May the soul of Fr. Emmanuel Patrick, OSA, rest in perfect peace. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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31/07/2024

Vestments worn by Catholic Priests.

If you have paid attention at Mass or at other liturgies at Church, you will have noted how the priest’s vestments change through the various seasons. It is possible that you might have asked yourself why the change and what the different colours might mean. Each piece of clothing and each color has a different meaning and invites us to a deeper understanding of what is going on during the liturgy.

These vestments and colours are truly symbols that can lead us to God and towards great and more beautiful participation in His mysteries. They also help us to recall the mission that all priests have.

Reflecting on the priesthood and its vestments, Pope Benedict spoke of how this represents a sort of putting on Christ, speaking and acting “in persona Christi”. For the priest, the vestments bear a very deep meaning; they are robes of love that reflect their special mission and identity in Christ. They reflect the gift of self, their obedience and their particular relationship with God. They are reminders of who they are and how they must strip themselves of all the worldly attachments, giving up their own lives in order to act in the name of Christ.

The chasuble is the outer garment worn specifically for the celebration of Mass and the colour of the chasuble indicates the liturgical season or feast. The word chasuble comes from the Latin word casula which means a little house. It was the outer garment worn by the Roman nobility. The chasuble is often beautifully decorated with Christian symbols. It is generally flowing in style.

31/07/2024

Images of the eucharistic miracle that occurred during the Mass celebrated by the bishop ordained by God, Claudio Gatti, in Rome, Italy.

HISTORY:

On 11 June 2000, the feast of Pentecost, while I was celebrating Holy Mass in the church "Mother of the Eucharist" a great eucharistic miracle took place.

I had just finished reciting the formula for the consecration of the bread when blood began to flow from my host.

For me time has stopped. I was bent over the host which I held in my hands and stared at the divine blood which spread over most of its surface.

I remained motionless for a time that seemed interminable to those present, because they thought I was feeling bad, as an impressive pallor and a strong blush alternated on my face.

When I recovered a little, I slowly elevated the host.

A lot of emotion was created among those present, but everything took place in an atmosphere of profound recollection and lively participation.

As I lowered my blood-stained host, I saw in the paten two other large hosts which, as the Mother of the Eucharist will later say, had been rescued from desecration and taken to the thaumaturgical place, because "the bishop, the seer and the members of the community love the Eucharist very much and are ready to give their lives to defend it."

After having recited the formula for the consecration of the wine and made the elevation of the chalice, I took the paten which contained the consecrated host stained with blood and the other two hosts rescued from desecration and I passed along the pews of the church so that those present could see them up close, ascertain the truthfulness of the fact, perceive the perfume that emanated from the blood-stained host to bear witness in the future to the miracle occurred.

When I did "the breaking of the bread", the blood continued to drip before the eyes of those present. Even with regret I had to consume my blood-stained host, as prescribed by the norms 113-116 of the IV chapter of the instruction

28/06/2024

Happy 40th Priestly Ordination Anniversary, dear brother, Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu, Archbishop of Jos. It was a very inspiring and great celebration in Tudu Uku today. Many more happy and fruitful returns.

Archbishop Ignatius Archbishop Ignatius A. KaigamaArchbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama Kaigama

28/06/2024

If Jonah came out of the great fish.

Daniel came out of the lion's den

Lazarus came out of the tomb

You will also come out of your problems

Amen!

27/06/2024

https://youtu.be/haHmZ5an7yY?si=EunliEaaUPzWlAXY "Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Catholic News Network, and join us in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world! By subscribing, you'll not only be supporting our mission to propagate the Gospel, but you'll also receive notifications about our latest videos, updates, and inspiring content. Let's grow in faith together!"

In this edition, Rev. Fr. Massdiile (MSP) of the Archdiocese of Abuja wisely advises his priestly confreres to eschew a dogmatic approach to their vocation, ...

26/06/2024

Pastoral Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Abuja Ecclesiastical Province (Abuja Archdiocese, Lokoja Diocese, Idah Diocese, Lafia Diocese, Makurdi Diocese, Otukpo Diocese, Gboko Diocese and Katshina Ala Diocese) at St William’s Cathedral, Lafia - Nasarawa State (on 26th June, 2024):

Preamble
Consequent upon our meeting as the Catholic Bishops of Abuja Ecclesiastical Province held in Lafia from 25th to 26th June, 2024, we issue the following pastoral statement:
Gratitude

We are eternally grateful to God for the significant increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life as well as the uninterrupted growth of the faith in the province as it is most evident in the administration and reception of the sacraments and the high Mass attendance.

Our Concerns
As shepherds and spiritual custodians of the spiritual and temporal goods of the Mystical Body of Christ in Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, we are essentially concerned about these:

1. Groups that Claim to be Catholic Churches: we have noticed the establishment of some churches with the appendage “Catholic.” And so, we paternally advise unsuspecting Catholics to always confirm from their Parish Priests the legitimacy of these Churches where they exist.

2. Security: We are deeply worried about the unabating spate of insecurity in the province in particular and the nation at large, which has sadly resulted in pastoral setbacks and the displacement of some of our pastoral agents with their parishioners. We passionately appeal to government at all levels to be more proactive and decisive in dealing with this monster that has bedevilled our country as security of lives and properties is its primary statutory responsibility.

3. St Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary, Makurdi: The Church in Abuja Ecclesiastical Province is blessed with a generous response to the vocation of the Catholic Priesthood. Accordingly, we appeal to good and generous Catholics across the length and breadth of the province to assist in..

18/06/2024

https://youtu.be/3d5PgiXG2mE?si=bsgbNkRxm-aR1tDX

My Father and His Two Wives: A Tale of Wisdom and Strategy

18/06/2024

When the Titanic sank, it carried millionaire John Jacob Astor IV. The money in his bank account was enough to build 30 Titanics. However, faced with mortal danger, he chose what he deemed morally right and gave up his spot in a lifeboat to save two frightened children.
Millionaire Isidor Straus, co-owner of the largest American chain of department stores, "Macy's," who was also on the Titanic, said:
"I will never enter a lifeboat before other men."
His wife, Ida Straus, also refused to board the lifeboat, giving her spot to her newly appointed maid, Ellen Bird. She decided to spend her last moments of life with her husband.
These wealthy individuals preferred to part with their wealth, and even their lives, rather than compromise their moral principles. Their choice in favor of moral values highlighted the brilliance of human civilization and human nature.
credit: Paulyn Pickle