28/07/2025
Bishop Onah's Pastoral Visit to Ohom Orba and the Celebration of 920 Confirmands Mark a Moment of Faith and Reflection
The atmosphere at St. Patrick’s Parish in Ohom Orba yesterday being Sunday July 27, 2025, was filled with joy and spiritual fervor as the Fr Bishop, Most Rev Godfrey Igwebuike Onah visited the community and presided over the confirmation of 920 candidates, a remarkable sign of growth and renewed faith within the parish. The occasion was also marked by a warm welcome from the entire congregation, eager to listen and learn from the Shepherd of the Diocese.
The Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr. Evaristus Isife, in his opening words, welcomed the Bishop and humbly requested him to continue teaching the faithful the true gospel of Christ. The Bishop, observing the large number of confirmands, expressed both admiration and concern. “We all understand growth in the church,” he said, “but it is also a sign of our spiritual decline if we do not remain faithful. When a child grows, he builds a house elsewhere; when a station grows, it becomes a parish. And yet, some see new parishes being created from us as a sign of underdevelopment or disunity. I remind you that St. Jacob's Orba was the first to leave Isienu Parish and to become a parish itself, and St Patrick's Ohom Orba was the first to become a parish out of St Jacob's Orba. The recent creation of parishes from Ohom Orba parish is a sign of progress, not decline.”
He emphasized that the number of confirmands—920 candidates who received the Holy Spirit through the sacrament—was a sign of vitality and growth in faith. “We must sustain this growth by being more faithful,” he urged. While acknowledging the challenge posed by the increasing influence of paganism among the youth, the Bishop reminded everyone of the importance of continuous catechesis and deepening their understanding of faith.
The Sign of the Cross and the Foundation of Faith
In his teaching, the Bishop began with the significance of the sign of the cross, a fundamental prayer in the Catholic faith. “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” he recited, explaining that the sign recalls the Holy Trinity—the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. “It is in doing the sign of the cross that we bless ourselves and remind ourselves of the divine mystery that owns us,” he said.
He further explained that the cross is where Christ triumphed over evil—a powerful symbol that instills confidence against Satan. The Bishop cautioned against certain denominations’ practice of praying solely in the name of Jesus, emphasizing that Catholics pray through Christ, our High Priest, and that the sign of the cross is central to our faith and spiritual protection.
Mary, Mother of God, and the Power of Prayer
The Bishop highlighted the importance of venerating Mary, Mother of Jesus, as a vital part of Catholic devotion. “Mary’s relationship with Jesus is maternal and profound,” he said. “She is not just an envelope for Christ but a mother who intercedes for us. The rosary, a powerful weapon against Satan, is often neglected, yet it remains essential in our spiritual arsenal.”
He also emphasized the significance of the Holy Ghost fire—“Bia muo nso nojue na obi ndi kwerenu, munye na ime ha oku nke ihunanya gi”—as a symbol of divine love and spiritual renewal. “When we invoke the Holy Ghost fire against our enemies, we are calling upon divine love to transform and renew,” he explained.
Addressing Community Concerns and Faith Challenges
During the question-and-answer session, several issues were raised, including land disputes and pagan practices. The Bishop cautioned against violence over land conflicts, urging parishioners to seek counsel from the parish priest and avoid participating in pagan worship or oath taking. “Your faith journey is about salvation, not material possessions,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about tithing and support for the Church, clarifying that support should come from voluntary offerings and that the Church’s primary focus is on supporting its spiritual mission. “Support for the Church is a form of obedience to the seventh commandment,” he emphasized, urging the faithful to contribute generously according to their means.
Marriages, Holy Sacraments, and Parish Boundaries
The Bishop reaffirmed the sanctity of marriage, stating that once validly contracted, it cannot be dissolved, though annulments are possible under certain circumstances. He advised couples to be properly catechized before marriage and to be truthful in their dealings with the Church regarding sacraments.
He also explained the importance of parish boundaries, urging the community to remain faithful to their closest parish and to foster unity among Christians. “Orba is now an urban center, and as Jesus taught, we should be faithful to our community and work together for God’s kingdom,” he said.
The Homily and the Call to Intimacy with God
In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop reflected on prayer as a relationship with God. “Prayer is not just about words; it is about building a relationship,” he said. He emphasized that Jesus teaches us to pray with sincerity and faith, calling God “Father” as Jesus did, and highlighted the importance of developing an intimate relationship with God—like that of Abraham, who was called a friend of God.
He reminded the faithful that prayer should be rooted in love, trust, and relationship, and that it is through prayer that we draw closer to God, who is both Father and Friend.
The Power and Significance of Prayer
The Bishop beautifully expounded on the essence of prayer, highlighting that Jesus Himself taught His disciples how to pray. “Our Lord taught us the Our Father, which is the summary of all prayers and theology,” he said. “One of His disciples asked Him, ‘Teach us how to pray,’ and Jesus welcomed their request.”
He encouraged everyone not to be afraid to speak up or seek help, because “your speaking out may save others.” Jesus, he explained, not only taught us what to say in prayer but also emphasized the importance of relationship with God. “Prayer begins with our relationship with God; it tunes our consciousness and aligns our will with His. Ask, seek, and knock, and you will receive, find, and the door will be opened, respectively” he urged.
The Bishop asked a fundamental question about what one is asking for, seeking or knocking, and called on Nigerians and all faithful to first and foremost knock on the door of their hearts, open their hearts especially recognizing that many hearts and minds are locked to God's direction. “The first thing we should pray for is to accept the will of God,” he said. Drawing from the biblical account of Abraham’s intercession for S***m, he asked, “If God, because of your righteous prayer, would spare our community or nation, would we be among those righteous ones?”
He reminded the congregation that Jesus, on the Cross, prayed, “Father, forgive them,” and through His sacrifice, God’s mercy is available to all. “If we are in Christ, and Christ in us, whatever we ask will be granted because our will aligns with God's divine plan,” he added. “Let us pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite us with Christ’s life, so that our words and actions can guide others to salvation.”
The Confirmation Ceremony and the Call to Christian Life
Following the homily, the diocesan secretary introduced the sponsors and called out the confirmands to receive the sacrament. The Bishop, in his prayer, anointed each candidate, symbolizing their new role as “apostles, missionaries of peace, agents of love, soldiers of Christ.” “You have taken a new name,” he said. “Use the gifts of the Holy Spirit within you to serve God and His Church. May the Holy Spirit’s light never flicker in your lives.”
The Parish Priest, Fr Isife then expressed gratitude to God for the successful event, the good weather, and the presence of the Bishop. He remembered the Bishop’s long journey in priesthood—41 years since his first Mass—and lauded his leadership and fatherly care. Special thanks were extended to priests, catechists, choir members, altar servers, and all who contributed to making the celebration meaningful.
The Bishop’s Final Words: A Call to Unity and Righteousness
In his closing remarks, the Bishop reaffirmed that God is both Father and Friend, and prayer is ultimately about relationship. “It is not about what we say,” he said, “but about the connection we have with God. If you are at peace with God, you will be at peace with others.” He urged the confirmands to remain strong, emphasizing that they are the hope of the parish and the future of the Church.
He addressed the ongoing misunderstandings surrounding the creation of new parishes, describing them as initial signs of growth. “Learn from the fraternity of priests,” he said, “and strive for unity. More priests, more Word of God, and more sacraments should make us better Christians.”
He concluded with a heartfelt prayer for divine mercy upon Nigeria and the world, urging all faithful to be united with Christ. “May God have mercy on us because of our righteousness. Be among those so united with Christ that, through your lives, others will see the light and be guided to salvation.”
A Spirit-filled Celebration of Faith and Unity
As the celebration ended, the community left inspired, strengthened in faith and committed to living as true followers of Christ. The Bishop’s visit has rekindled the spiritual fire within the hearts of the faithful, calling them to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, love, and unity.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and bless the people of Ohom Orba, and may their lives be a testament to the love and mercy of God.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze
