The collaboration among people of different faith, to which the Catholic Church is committed, has been described as an essential factor for the building of an authentic Nigerian nation that can earn the respect of the world and bring God’s favour on the country.
This assertion was made by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, in his homily at the celebration of the Mass to mark the centenary of the advent of the Catholic faith to Kano Diocese. The ceremony took place recently at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Kano; and was attended by a high powered delegation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City Archdiocese.
Noting that the collaboration that existed among the Christians, traditional and civil authorities in the area has played a major role in the facilitation of the centenary celebration of the diocese; Bishop Badejo declared: “The Catholic Church, no matter what, will continue to form God-fearing, productive citizens for this country in their thousands.”
He continued: “her unrepentant policy of being present to the needs of Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional religion alike is the only recipe for building an authentic Nigeria which can earn respect of the whole world and bring God’s favour on us all.” The Bishop added: “It all really rests on the firm belief of the church in the equal dignity of all men and women before God, the creator of all.”
Going down memory lane, on the 100 years journey of the Catholic faith in the diocese amidst challenges and tribulations, Bishop Badejo commended the missionaries who brought the faith and the early Christians, for their resilience and perseverance in sustaining the faith, noting that: “Through their determination, many lives have been transformed by the joy of the gospel”.
The homilist commended the first indigenous Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. John Niyiring OSA, and the faithful for keeping the faith glowing and the tremendous progress made, spiritually, pastorally and in the provision of social amenities for the needs of all the people of the area, irrespective of their religious differences. He called on them not to rest on their oars, saying: “In spite of all the trials and pains of the past and the challenges of the present, all church groups and societies and even individuals must embark on the work of evangelization with courage and faith”.
He also used the occasion to appeal to the people of the country, use the forthcoming General Elections to transform the country from its present sorry state to a more vibrant and justiceable democracy. His words: “ Let us deploy our time, treasure and talent for the establishment of truth and integrity in our politics, economy and our society. He added: “let us reject violence, buying and selling of votes and other vices daily creeping up on our polity.”
Also present at the celebration were: the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Archbishop Augustine Akubueze of Benin city and CBCN President and over 25 other Bishops.
I have been thinking a great deal about my experience at Reconciliation this past Saturday. I felt an intense and unexplainable urge to go and confess my sins when I woke up that morning. I try to go every six weeks or so, but this was no routine visit to the priest for me. I needed to unburden myself of the numerous venial sins I had committed since I last participated in this Sacrament.
Purest Gold: God's Refining Fire in our Lives »
After salvation, many young Christians wonder if there's anything more to their newfound faith than just the security blanket of "being a Christian." Time and time again, God shows himself as a "refiner," and our lives are as gold. God started leading me in this study to understand what He was doing in my life, as well as in the lives of others.
Picking up my pen to write this column, I couldn’t imagine how time flies. Since the last publication of this column I have gone through a lot, especially the loss of my dear mother to whom I dedicate this article. Not only her, but seems I lost a whole generation of my close family.
How to Achieve Business Excellence »
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before Kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs 22:29
Spiritual Development for our Youth »
Most of us youth in today's fast moving world are easily thrown off by difficulties and worries.
The theme of conversion is a thread that runs all through Lent, but conversion takes on different aspects throughout the phases of Lent. The first two and a half weeks focused on the interior turning of hearts; the liturgy urges the faithful to reflect and examine consciences thoroughly.
Saint Josephine Bakhita »
Feast Day: February 8
Patron Saint Of: Sudan
Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. She was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering.
Catholics Must Fast More Intensely This Lent»
The Norbertine Canons of St. Michael's Abbey have created this digital Lenten retreat so that you can journey through this holy season alongside them. If you want to have one of your best Lenten seasons yet, join us in our Lenten Program "The Great Fast" - https://theabbotscircle.com/the-great-fast-join
When Your Faith Is Put to the Test - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon»
Friends, we come now to the Second Sunday of Lent, and we’re on both dangerous and very holy ground with the first reading from the twenty-second chapter of Genesis. The ancient Israelites referred to it as the “Akedah,” which means the “binding”: Abraham binds and is ready to sacrifice Isaac at God’s command.
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