Unitatis Media, Shavou, Mile Six, Jalingo (2025)

11/10/2025

HOMILY FOR THE 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C – 12/10/2025

Theme: “Grateful Hearts Bring Down God’s Blessings”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings remind us of the great power of thanksgiving.
In the Gospel, ten lepers were healed, but only one — a Samaritan, a foreigner — returned to thank Jesus.
Jesus asked sadly, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”
Only one received not just healing, but wholeness.

1. Gratitude Opens the Door to More Blessings

The nine lepers were satisfied with healing, but the one who came back received something greater — salvation and peace.
Gratitude deepens God’s work in our lives.
When we say “thank You, Lord,” we invite Him to do even more.

An ungrateful heart forgets the Giver and clings only to the gift.
A thankful heart remembers both the blessing and the One who gave it.

2. Naaman’s Example of Thanksgiving

In the first reading (2 Kings 5:14–17), Naaman the Syrian was healed of leprosy after obeying the prophet Elisha.
He returned to give thanks and declared: “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.”
His gratitude led him to faith and conversion.
Thanksgiving is not just good manners — it is an act of worship that transforms the heart.

3. Gratitude in All Circumstances

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading (2 Timothy 2:8–13) to “remember Jesus Christ.”
Even in prison, Paul gave thanks because he knew that God remains faithful.
True thanksgiving is not limited to good times.
It is thanking God even in trials — trusting that He is still at work.

Take-Home Message:

1. Always return to thank God. Don’t be like the nine who forgot. Remember the Giver, not just the gift.

2. Gratitude multiplies blessings. The more thankful you are, the more God entrusts you with.

3. Gratitude must be expressed. Praise God aloud, testify, sing, and serve joyfully.

4. Gratitude brings peace and wholeness. It heals the heart and gives strength to the soul.

5. Be thankful even in suffering. Pain with gratitude becomes a place of grace.

6. Make the Eucharist your school of thanksgiving. Every Mass is a reminder that Jesus gave His Body and Blood for us — the greatest gift of all.

7. Let your gratitude overflow into generosity. Thankful people become channels of blessing to others.

8. A grateful heart never runs dry. God continues to fill a heart that remains open in thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Beloved in Christ, let us not be among the nine who forgot, but among the one who returned.
Every new day, every breath, every Mass, every act of mercy is a gift from God.
When we live with gratitude, our lives overflow with grace.

Let us say always:

“Thank You, Jesus, for Your mercy and love — You have made me whole.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You for life, faith, and healing.
Teach us to remember Your goodness always.
May our hearts be filled with gratitude, and may our thanksgiving draw down Your blessings upon us. Amen.

© Fr Cyriacus Kamai

11/10/2025

ONE YEAR MEMORIAL MASS FOR LATE MAMA ELIZABETH NOMSHAN (OSA)

A one-year memorial Mass for the late Mama Elizabeth Nomshan (OSA), a devoted Catholic known for her kindness and humility, was held at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, Mile Six, Jalingo. Family, friends, and parishioners attended to celebrate her life.

Rev. Fr. Cleopas Bem Nomshan, also a son of the deceased, was the chief celebrant. He offered a heartfelt prayer for his mother's soul and for the attendees.

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Yakoko delivered the homily, urging the congregation to "live lives that will preach their own funeral homilies," emphasizing a good life as the best legacy. He offered comfort from Scripture, quoting Matthew 24:44 ("be ready") and John 11:25 ("I am the resurrection and the life") to console the grieving family.

Mr. Innocent Nomshan, the eldest son, gave a vote of thanks, expressing deep appreciation to all attendees and various church societies for their continued support and prayers.

The Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Peter Tari, extended gratitude to all the clergy and lay faithful who attended.

Mama Elizabeth Nomshan was born in 1960 and passed away in 2024 after experiencing some health challenges. She is survived by four children and a granddaughter. Her legacy is one of love, humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith.

The Mass concluded with prayers for her eternal rest, hoping her exemplary life continues to inspire those who knew her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

07/10/2025

BISHOP HAMMAWA AND CLARETIAN SUPERIOR SEAL APOSTOLIC PARTNERSHIP IN JALINGO DIOCESE

The Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa, has officially entered into an apostolic partnership with the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Claretians).

During a courtesy visit to His Lordship at the Catholic Secretariat, the Provincial Superior of the East Nigeria Province, Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF, signed and handed over the contractual documents for the apostolate to Bishop Hammawa.

The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the Diocese’s pastoral mission and deepening collaboration with the Claretian congregation. The mission house is located at St. Martin’s Parish, Garba Chede, where the congregation has been there for a while and will continue its evangelization and pastoral work.

Bishop Hammawa expressed his gratitude for the partnership and commended the Claretians for their dedication to missionary service and evangelization.

The event, which symbolized mutual commitment to spreading the Gospel, was captured in a photograph featuring Bishop Hammawa and Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF, as they signed and exchanged the contract documents.

May God be praised in His Church and His people. Amen.

07/10/2025

TEAM MIGRANTS, REFUGEES STORMS ST AUGUSTINE, SOLICITS FOR FRIENDS

The Migrants and Refugees Unit of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo have stormed St Augustine Catholic Church Jalingo to give orientation and to solicit for friends of Migrants and Refugees Unit in the Diocese.

The team headed by their Chaplain, Rev Fr Collins Dossa had the opportunity of celebrating Mass on Sunday, 5th October 2025 in the said Church.

Preaching the homily l, the Diocesan Chaplain Rev Fr Collins Dossa exhorted Christians to make God the center of their lives. The Cleric stressed that all those going through problems in one way or the other to place their trust in God, always praying to Him and hoping that He will fulfill all their lives ambitions.

Explaining to the congregation the reason for the familiarization visit during the Mass, Mrs. Blessing Ben Onyekere stated that Migrants and Refugees are to be treated with love, respect and care.

She also took the opportunity to advocate for friends of Migrants and Refugees in the Diocese. According to her, "these are people who will at their disposal visit the vulnerable, the down- trodden, the marginalized and the aged to engage them in spiritual discussions, taking care of them and sometimes, feeding them as the case may be" she declared.

In a final remark, Rev Fr Collins Dossa thanked all present and tasked them to keep helping the poor. According to him, it is Christ's injunction to help the needy in the society.

The Migrants and Refugees Commission is a Commission in the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo and has Rev Fr Collins Dossa as its Diocesan Chaplain and 10 others as its members.

As part of the Diocesan body, the Commission is charged with the responsibility of caring for the poor and the needy, particularly migrants and refugees.

06/10/2025

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Mama Elizabeth Nomshan, a lover of the Church, and a servant of God, as she marks one year with her Creator.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

05/10/2025

Young Catholic Students (YCS) celebrate Jubilee Year of hope in Jalingo Diocese

04/10/2025

JALINGO DIOCESE CELEBRATES JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE FOR REFUGEES, MIGRANTS

In response to late Pope Francis' declaration of the year of hope, the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, through the office of Migrants and Refugees Unit, have celebrated its Jubilee Year of Hope for Migrants and Refugees.

The celebration which has as its theme: "Migrants and Refugees, Missionaries of Hope" saw the Unit visiting the Internally Displaced who converged at Government Day Secondary School Mallam Joda in Jalingo.

According to the Chaplain, Rev Fr Collins Dossa, the Unit was there to encourage and remind the IDPs that God and the Church has not forgotten about them.

He opined that the office was at the IDP Camp to listen to their challenges, yearnings and difficulties and above all to pray and bless them.

In response, the leader of the IDP , Mallam Usman Ja'afaru, expressed their joy and gratitude to the team. According to him, "We thought the Church has forgotten about us. We are indeed grateful to the Catholic Church for always being there for us," he declared. He went on to thank the government of Taraba State for the security they have enjoyed during this period of their hardship.

Some members of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, were present at the occasion.

May God restore peace to our Land, and be the protection and providence of all the IDPs. Amen.

04/10/2025

YOUNG CATHOLIC STUDENTS CELEBRATE JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE IN JALINGO DIOCESE

Over 100 members of the Young Catholic Students of Nigeria (YCSN) drawn from various schools across the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo converged at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Nukkai, to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope; a moment filled with faith, reflection, and youthful zeal for Christ.

Representing the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Charles M. Hammawa, the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Eugene Batare, presided at the Opening Mass, in his homily, he urged the students to remain steadfast in their faith even amid academic challenges. He encouraged them to see their studies as a means of evangelization, reminding them that true discipleship does not rely on signs but on a firm conviction in Christ.

Speaking at the 2 day event, the YCSN Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Teku Jakpen, expressed concern over the low participation from Catholic schools, noting that most of the attendees came from government-owned institutions. He therefore called on all Catholic schools within the diocese to ensure active participation in subsequent YCSN events as a means of strengthening the faith of young Catholics.

The celebration featured a variety of enriching activities, including motivational talks, Bible quotation and presentation sessions, teachings on the liturgy, and a quiz competition designed to deepen the students’ understanding of the Catholic faith.

The event also provided a platform for the students to interact, share ideas, and renew their commitment to being witnesses of Christ within their academic and social environments. The atmosphere was filled with joy and inspiration as the young participants embraced the call to live out their faith boldly.

In attendance were students and representatives from seven deaneries across the diocese; Yakoko, Zing, Kpantisawa, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Jalingo, Kofai, and Mutum Biyu deanery all coming together in a beautiful display of unity, faith, and youthful hope, bonding as members of the Catholic community in Jalingo Diocese.

May the hope of the Young Catholic Students in God never fail, as they make efforts to keep their faith alive. Amen.

04/10/2025

HOMILY FOR THE 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C
Date: 6th October 2025
Theme: “Lord, Increase Our Faith” (Luke 17:5)

Beloved in Christ, today’s liturgy draws our hearts to the heart of Christian life — faith. The apostles in today’s Gospel make a humble and honest request to Jesus: “Lord, increase our faith.” They had seen His power, His mercy, His miracles, and His patience, yet they felt inadequate. They longed for a faith strong enough to face life’s trials, persecutions, and disappointments.

This same cry should be ours today, in a world where faith is constantly being tested, diluted, and sometimes even ridiculed.

1. What is Faith?

Faith is not mere belief in God’s existence; even the demons believe that (James 2:19). Faith is a personal trust and total surrender to God — trusting His Word even when everything around us seems contrary.

Hebrews 11:1 defines it beautifully: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is both a gift and a response — a divine grace offered by God and a free act of trust by the believer. It is the light that helps us see God’s hand in the dark, the anchor that keeps us steady in life’s storms, and the fire that keeps love burning in the cold of doubt.

2. The Faith of a Mustard Seed

Jesus tells us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. He is not praising small faith but teaching that even the smallest amount of genuine faith — when rooted in God — has limitless power.

The power is not in the size of our faith but in the God in whom our faith is placed. A little faith in an Almighty God is far better than great confidence in ourselves or in the world.

3. Challenges to Faith Today

We live in an age where faith is under heavy attack. Let us reflect on a few of the key challenges:

i. Materialism and Consumerism:
Many measure success by wealth and possessions. When faith does not produce visible results quickly, people lose interest in God.

ii. Suffering and Delayed Answers:
Pain, sickness, loss, and unanswered prayers make some doubt God’s goodness. Yet, faith is precisely meant to sustain us when sight fails.

iii. Moral Relativism:
Society now teaches that “everything is acceptable.” Faith demands truth, but the modern world rejects absolute truth.

iv. Religious Hypocrisy and Scandals:
The failures of some leaders and believers discourage others. We must remember that our faith is in Christ, not in the perfection of men.

v. Social Media Influence and Distraction:
Many voices compete for our attention — false prophets, influencers, and trends that trivialize holiness. Faith grows only in silence, prayer, and reflection.

vi. Fear and Doubt:
Like Peter on the water, fear makes us sink. Faith and fear cannot live in the same heart; one must give way to the other.

4. Take-Home Message

1. Faith is not a feeling; it is a decision to trust God even when the evidence is not visible.

2. Faith grows through prayer, the Word of God, and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.

3. Challenges are not meant to destroy faith but to purify and strengthen it.

4. The saints we admire — Abraham, Mary, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Calcutta — all walked by faith, not by sight.

5. Like the apostles, we must daily ask: “Lord, increase our faith.”

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus,
You are the author and finisher of our faith.
We believe, but help our unbelief.
Strengthen our hearts when we grow weary;
purify our motives when we are tempted to doubt;
and renew in us the grace to trust You even in darkness.

When trials come, may our faith not fail.
When the world mocks, may our faith not waver.
When our hearts are afraid, may Your word reassure us.

Lord, increase our faith —
that we may see Your hand in our pain,
Your purpose in our struggles,
and Your victory in our weakness.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conclusion

Dear friends, faith is not a relic of the past; it is the living strength of every Christian soul. Let us nurture it, protect it, and live it daily. And may our faith, though as small as a mustard seed, grow into a tree that shelters others in hope and love.

“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)

© Rev Fr Cyriacus Kamai
🙏🙏💪

03/10/2025

KUNINI PARISH CELEBRATES FEAST DAY, GIVES AWARD OF RECOGNITION

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish Kunini celebrated her fest day today, 3rd October, 2025, being the date set by the Nigerian Catholic Church to celebrate the Saint who is a Virgin and Doctor of the Church, and whose Liturgical Memorial is on the 1st of October annually.

The Feast day in Kunini was marked with the celebration of Holy Mass in the Church together with all the parishioners and the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Isaac Sanzoro.

2 priests, in the persons of Very Rev Frs Augustine Agbaru and Sunday Patrick Muke, together with 20 other lay faithful received awards of recognition.

In his homily, Very Rev Fr. Augustine Agbaru called on all the faithful to emulate the life of their parish patron saint, especially by loving one another and being close to the Church.

Mr. Samuel Gabriel the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, thanked all for their presence and prayed for safe return.

May God be praised in His Church and His people. Amen.

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