08/06/2025
"Fr. Bishop's Visit to Nsukka Cathedral Inspires Faith, Unity, and Cultural Reflection"
The atmosphere at St. Theresa’s Cathedral in Nsukka was filled with reverence and anticipation as St. Theresa's cathedral Parish hosted a significant pastoral visit by Fr. Bishop, Most Rev Godfrey Igwebuike Onah. The event took place on the evening of Saturday, June 7, 2025 and it was marked by warmth, reflection, and calls for unity within the church community.
The day began from St Francis station with the cathedral administrator welcoming Fr. Bishop on behalf of St. Francis of Assisi Station. In a gesture of fellowship, the station presented kola to the bishop, which he graciously accepted and blessed, symbolizing spiritual solidarity among the faithful.
During his address, Fr. Bishop acknowledged the growth of St. Francis of Assisi Station, which was established in 2016. He highlighted both the strengths and challenges faced by the station. While commending the commitment of the members, he also pointed out areas that require greater participation and unity.
The bishop then posed a probing question to the congregation: “If all these faithfuls are members of St. Francis station, who are the members of the cathedral station?” He observed that the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) appears to have a larger population than the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), drawing attention to the need for balanced participation across all groups.
Fr. Bishop further remarked on societal influences, noting that members of other denominations are less interested in masquerades, compared to Catholic faithful. “No wonder we hardly see boys in the church,” he added, highlighting a decline in youth engagement and participation among the younger generation.
His visit was rooted in a spirit of blessing and guidance. He emphasized the importance of active membership and participation, urging the faithful to be more involved in church activities and to see themselves as integral parts of the broader church community.
The bishop acknowledged the community’s challenges, stating, “I know your problems, even though they are not all explicitly mentioned in the address. The first challenge is: where are your children? Both boys and girls. It is concerning that many names are registered in this station—more than in some parishes in our diocese—but very few of these children and youths are actively participating in church activities. Furthermore, it is difficult to realize that some attend church regularly, yet their names are not even in their respective zones. What do you lose by having your name properly registered? Who among you is part of a political party and yet your name is not there, Will you be given a share?”
He emphasized the importance of proper registration and participation, noting, “When you go for confession or receive other sacraments, and you are asked to present your membership card, could you be fit for those sacraments?, it raises questions about your commitment.”
The bishop also highlighted the unique status of Cathedral Parish, explaining, “Our cathedral parish does not celebrate the usual ‘Home and Abroad’ August meetings as the CWO does, but instead, we call it the AmaOzarra Christian Meeting. The key message I bring today is about unity. There are various levels of the Catholic Women Organization—zonal, station, parish, deanery, diocesan, provincial, national, and international—and the CWO remains the most organized arm of the Church. It is essential that we observe and uphold the structure and spirit of the CWO accordingly, for it is through these levels that we foster growth, unity, and strength in our faith community.”
Fr. Bishop addressed the issue of mourning periods for widows, stating, “The Nsukka diocesan CWO has agreed that, after the death of a husband, a widow should wait for six months before she begins to come out and participate actively in church and community activities, rather than the previous one-year period.” He emphasized, “If anyone refuses to abide by this, please let me know. This is rooted in our culture, which has helped shape us into the people we are today.”
He shared a personal reflection to illustrate the point: “Any woman mourning her diseased husband knows best how to mourn. For example, the wife of my immediate elder brother mourned her husband for two years. When I suggested she marry again, she told me, ‘You lost a brother, I lost a lover,’ and she insisted on not remarrying. Over time, the one-year mourning period was established as a rule, considering the working conditions of women, which made it feasible for them to resume normal activities.”
However, Fr. Bishop posed a challenging question: “Today, how can you tell a widow who is a government official to mourn her husband for one year and not attend her office? In reality, life moves on, and women have responsibilities that they must attend to, even in mourning.” His words underscored the importance of balancing cultural traditions with modern realities, advocating for compassion and understanding for widows navigating their grief while fulfilling their societal roles.
The Fr. Bishop expressed his appreciation for a particular part of the address, stating, “One thing that pleased me was when you mentioned that these anointed men of God have stood our station on a solid foundation.” He added, “It pleases me because I know the solid foundation you are referring to is your faith, and not merely the physical structure of the building.”
He congratulated the Cathedral administrator and his predecessors, emphasizing the importance of spiritual strength. The bishop warned, “An earthquake can destroy our cathedral in a day, but if the faithful remain firm in their faith, it can be rebuilt. However, if the faithful are not strong in faith, the church could be turned into a hotel.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Let this foundation remain firm, for it is the true strength of our community and the key to enduring faith.”
The bishop expressed his lamentation over recent developments, saying, “I regret that the market was relocated, which caused discomfort to the people. However, what is even more disheartening is that the same people who displaced you from Ogige Market have made Aku Road Market unbearable for the poor.” He noted with concern that, unfortunately, Sundays have now become market days for some faithful, disrupting the sanctity of the day of worship.
He shared an inspiring story of Sir Ambrose Okoyeuzu, who sold fuel until old age. “When he was pressured to open a filling station on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, he rejected their license,” the bishop said. “Not only that, he sold fuel at very affordable prices, and our people would buy from him, only to sell at high rates. Despite his selfless principles, he has never lacked.” His example exemplifies integrity and commitment to faith and community. We must set a standard—if Christians do not go to market on Sundays, then there will be no market, and the community will witness the true faith in action.”
The bishop expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, saying, “I am glad to have come here. Peace be with you all.” The vice chairman of the station council appreciated the presence of the Fr Bishop in their station as well as the spiritual growth within the community, noting, “We thank God that we have been enjoying the spiritual benefits of a parish, even as a station. Since 2021, when we started preparing candidates for their First Holy Communion, 199 faithfuls have received their first Holy Communion in our station.”
From St. Francis of Assisi Station, the Fr. Bishop proceeded to the cathedral parish, where he was warmly received by students and faithful members of the cathedral Parish. He expressed his gratitude to the priests, religious, and faithful present. The bishop explained the significance of the seat called the cathedra, saying, "The seat called 'cathedral' is what gives the church its name. I may welcome people in my office, give instructions, and sign documents, but this seat—the cathedra—is more important than anything I use in the diocese. I sit on that seat through the grace God has given me to lead His people and to administer the sacraments."
He further clarified, “The bishop’s office is not just that room; it is the position I occupy as teacher, leader, and sanctifier of God's people. It is centered on the seat called cathedra. We gather in the cathedral to learn how best to worship God, love Him, and be with Him in the next life. That is why we come here—to listen to God's Word and to pray as He deserves.”
He added that this visit was different from his usual Mass celebrations, emphasizing, “Today, I come to see how far we have come with our faithful. Since my last pastoral visit, many parishes have been created from the stations I visited—except for one. It is encouraging to see how the church continues to grow and expand.”
The bishop reflected on the progress of the Cathedral Parish, stating, “In my last pastoral visit, I visited several stations—Agbani, Odoru, Echara, Ugwu Echara, Umuakashi—and I also visited St. Paul's Parish GRA and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, which were not even stations at the time but have since been elevated to full parishes. This is a clear sign of growth and expansion within our diocese.”
He shared a metaphorical story to emphasize the importance of discernment and authenticity: “There is a story of a young lady who kept rejecting suitors until a shapeless being borrowed legs, hands, and a head, and presented himself to her. She accepted him, only to discover that all the parts were borrowed, and the young lady ran away. This teaches us that things are not always what they seem.”
The bishop then addressed the current state of the cathedral church, saying, “Today, the cathedral church is like that shapeless being because many new parishes are no longer under her that was once the mother church. He therefore advised, "Catholic can attend church and evening instructions wherever they prefer, but it is very important to belong to one zone—one community—and identify with it in the work of the church.”
He urged the faithful to maintain unity and a sense of belonging within their respective zones, emphasizing that active participation and identification are vital for the growth and strength of the church community.
The bishop continued, “Confirmation is a sacrament of adulthood. It signifies that a person has reached a level in their faith where they can teach others what it means to be a Catholic. As confirmed Catholics, you should be eager to learn more about your faith—asking questions, reading, and deepening your understanding. For example, PhD holders in their respective fields are recognized as authorities; similarly, as an adult confirmed, you have become an authority in your faith.”
He further explained, “Secondly, you are now available for service in the church. In a family, there are different responsibilities. If you are not contributing anything within your family, you are effectively absent. The same applies in the family of the church: you need to be strong in faith through confirmation to actively participate in the sacrament of service—whether in matrimony or holy orders.”
Using an analogy from football, the bishop said, “In a local football, players are chosen until only one remains, and such a person will always feel disappointed. How can you be truly happy if you are not assigned a function within the church? Without active participation, your faith might not survive. It is important to cultivate little devotions—prayers and practices—that remind you of your commitment to the Catholic faith.”
He also shared an interesting observation: “At the final profession of Benedictine monks, I discovered some from Ede Oballa, and in another monastery, I found more from the same place. I realized it was the Blue Army in Ede Oballa that formed them, inspiring their devotion. This teaches us the importance of strengthening our faith through spiritual organizations and groups.”
The bishop then addressed the attendance at the cathedral parish, noting, “Over seven thousand people attend church here every Sunday, yet very few have their names registered, and even fewer participate actively in church activities. Let us pray that our cathedral parish will continue to grow—not just in numbers, but in commitment to Catholic practice. Remember how happy we all were when we worked together on building this cathedral. That joy comes from being counted, from feeling truly part of the community.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Nobody wants to be left out if they are truly a member. Active participation not only nurtures your spiritual life but also provides social protection within your Christian community.”
The bishop emphasized the importance of correct prayer expressions, stating, “In our prayers, especially the ‘Bia muo nso nojue na obi ndi kwerenu,’ the response should be, ‘Munye nime ha oku nke ihunanya gi, Again, ka mkpulu obi ndi nile... Site na ebere nke Chukwu, wee zulu Ike na ndokwa.
He urged the faithful not to alter or distort the prayer but to lift their minds and hearts sincerely to God. “The most important thing,” he said, “is to genuinely lift your heart to God. Jesus tells us, ‘God knows what you want,’ so all you need to do is open your heart—be receptive and disposed to receive His blessings.”
The bishop concluded with a cautionary note before opening the floor for questions, stating, “You may observe the increasing rate at which people are reverting to paganism, which many now call ‘culture.’ While there is a close relationship between religion and culture, it is important to remember that religion is not culture, and culture is not religion. They influence one another, but they are not the same.”
He warned, “Unfortunately, as some revert to pagan practices, fe**shism, charms, and other superstitions are creeping back into society. We have forgotten that our forefathers, despite their traditional beliefs, recognized the value of Christianity and even offered lands to the church and for their schools and hospitals. If we continue down this path of going back to paganism, we risk incurring the wrath and anger of our ancestors, who intended for us to follow the path of righteousness.”
The bishop also expressed concern about the commercialization of religion, noting, “Many now use religion as a business—profiting at the expense of genuine faith. Someone once said, ‘The good you enjoy without laboring for it, is often the suffering of another person,’ and this is evil. Do not be deceived into thinking that such practices, which are being disguised as culture, are truly beneficial or acceptable in the eyes of God.”
During the question-and-answer session, several contributions were made, and the bishop responded appropriately to each.
One faithful suggested, “It would be helpful if priests attended zonal meetings regularly, as their advice could encourage more faithful to participate actively.” The bishop welcomed the suggestion, and informed his priests to take note. However, he acknowledged, “Priests in the cathedral are very occupied with various functions, which sometimes limit their availability for zonal meetings.”
Another question raised was about the proper phrase to use during confession. The faithful asked, “Should we say, ‘Bless me Fr.,’ or ‘Forgive me Fr.,’ for I have sinned?” The bishop clarified, “This is mainly a translation issue. The correct phrase is, ‘Bless me Father, for I have sinned,’ as this accurately reflects the sacrament.”
A further inquiry concerned receiving Holy Communion when arriving late to Mass. The bishop responded, “Any time you attend Mass late due to circumstances you could have avoided, you should not receive communion. On a normal day, late arrival might be understandable due to unavoidable circumstances, but on a Sunday—when Holy Mass is specifically prescribed—it is wrong to attend late. Punctuality is important for reverence and participation.”
The bishop also explained the purpose of incense in the Catholic Church, saying, “The function of incense is not to drive out evil spirits but to offer our prayers to God. In the Old Testament, incense was used in worship, but Christ fulfilled these actions once and for all through His sacrifice. Today, the incense symbolizes our prayers rising to heaven.”
Another question asked whether it is sinful not to attend evening instruction and benediction. The bishop responded, “Under Bishop Eneje, it was emphasized that missing these is a sin, and that teaching still holds. While some may consider themselves minimalists in their faith, I must stress that attending evening instruction and benediction is very important for spiritual growth.”
As God's people continue to deliberate on the right words during prayers, the Fr Bishop further advised, “Ensure that any prayer book you use is approved by a bishop. While translations from Latin or English to Igbo may not be literal, the spirit of the prayer remains the same.”
Regarding veneration, the bishop explained, “The crucifix is a symbol, but the Blessed Sacrament is not merely symbolic; it is the real Body and Blood of Christ. However, veneration of the crucifix holds a higher place than images of other saints. Don’t feel bad when the faithful greet our Blessed Mother Mary before the image of Jesus—it's natural, as one would naturally greet their mother before greeting the son, he or she is looking for.”
A young lady then shifted the discussion to the challenge of young people leaving the Catholic Church. The bishop noted, “Since 2016, this diocese has been consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a devotion we uphold through preaching the rosary and living its values. We are actively addressing the issue of youth leaving the church from different angles, and we will never sit on our laurels ".
On the issue of mixed marriage, he added, “It is possible for a baptized Catholic to marry a non-Christian with the necessary dispensation from the bishop, so they do not lose their faith or their place in the church.”
A lady asked about maintaining relationships with relatives who have turned to pagan practices. The bishop responded, “There is little you can do about your relatives, except to live a life of exemplary Christian conduct. The most powerful form of evangelization is the example you set. If you find yourself among those insisting on fe**sh practices, apply the principle of osmosis—if your faith is strong, it can influence and attract others. Remember, Christians, even without a spear, defeated the mighty Roman Empire through faith and love.”
Teclus Ike Ugwueze
