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Tag: catholic

  • Pope Francis, tireless champion of the poor – Tinubu

    Pope Francis, tireless champion of the poor – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning Pope Francis.

    In a statement he personally signed , Tinubu described Pope Francis as  a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.

    The President said  the passing of the Pope, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, was a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

    “His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.

    “He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home – this Earth – is a gift we must protect for future generations.

    “He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor,” Tinubu said.

    He said the late Pope was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.

    “His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.

    “He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds,” he added.

    In the President’s 2025 Easter Message, he joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff.

    “I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.

    “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.

    “As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful,”  Tinubu said.

  • Church confirms release of 2 Catholic nuns in Anambra

    Church confirms release of 2 Catholic nuns in Anambra

    The two reverend sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary of Onitsha in Anambra have regained their freedom after spending six days in kidnappers’ den.

    The victims are Sister Vincentia Nwankwo and Sister Grace Okoli.

    There release is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Maria Ikeotuonye, which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Onitsha.

    According to the statement, I bring to your notice in joy that our dear Sisters Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, who were kidnapped in the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health.

    “We thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support all through these rough and uncertain days. May God forever be blessed through Mary our Mother,” it said.

    When contacted for confirmation, the Anambra Police Command’s spokesman , SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that he saw a press statement from the organisation.

    “I don’t know weather it is from them or not, but there is a news flying, concerning their release.

    “Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the congregation to ascertained the information and also take brief from the reverend sisters that were allegedly kidnapped and later released.

    “So, as soon as we do that, I can be able to talk authoritatively on what happened”, he said.

  • I receive music inspiration behind the wheel – Gospel artist

    I receive music inspiration behind the wheel – Gospel artist

    A Catholic Priest and Gospel artist, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onyemechalu says driving is a channel of his creative birthing and he receives inspiration for his songs when he is behind the wheel.

    The musician, who is popularly known in music circle as FadaBen, disclosed the source of his inspiration in an on Sunday.

    Besides being the Parish Priest of St Andrew Catholic Church, Orozo, Abuja, FadaBen is a songwriter, music producer, with scores of records to his name

    FadaBen, who recently released a new album, ‘The Magic is in You.’ said driving is his hobby and most of his songs started as ideas while driving.

    “I love to drive. Driving is a hobby for me, as well as a channel of creative birthing to life of ideas and many other stuffs.

    “The moment I drive in that relaxed disposition, I get to come back home with nothing less than a song or two, depending on the distance covered.

    “I believe that the human person is a creative entity. We are all born creative, but some of us just don’t get to realise that from birth even till death.

    “Some get to connect to their creative selves at the evening of their lives while others, like some of us, get to discover and explore theirs early enough,” FadaBen said.

    He stressed that music to him is a channel of self expression and when he is ‘ “pregnant” with musical ideas, he will be so restless until he expresses them.

    “Once the ideas or inspirations come, I see them as God wanting to minister to some people through the unique gift and sound He has given me,” he said.

    FadaBen said most of his songs could be accessed on the digital streaming platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Audiomack, Boomplay, SoundCloud, and the rest.

    All you need do is to search out the name “FadaBen” and you’ll have access to them all.

    On his music career in the next five years, the clergy said, he hopes to hear FadaBen on the lips of many out there.

    “I hope to hear my songs, my sounds permeating climes I never envisaged.”

  • Gunmen set Kaduna Catholic Parish residence ablaze, kill seminarian in overnight attack

    Gunmen set Kaduna Catholic Parish residence ablaze, kill seminarian in overnight attack

    A Catholic Parish house in Kamantan, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was on Thursday night set ablaze and a seminarian killed in an attack by gunmen.

    The Parish in Kamantan is under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.

    It was gathered that the attackers stormed the parish house at about 8:00 p.m. and set it ablaze alongside a vehicle.

    Sources said that the deceased seminarian, Stephen Naman, died from the smoke he inhaled while trying to escape from the grasp of the attackers.

    When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Command Acting Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Alhassan, confirmed the incident to NAN.

  • 30th anniversary: Nigerian Catholic cleric counts gains in priesthood

    30th anniversary: Nigerian Catholic cleric counts gains in priesthood

    A Nigerian Catholic priest on mission in the U.S, Rev. Fr. Micheal Ukah, says evangelism is his greatest achievement in his 30 years as a cleric.

    Ukah, a Professor of Philosophy and a lecturer at Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, is also a visiting lecturer on Classics and African Thought in New York University.

    “I consider my greatest achievement in the 30 years of my apostolate the number of people whom I have touched positively.

    “As a pastor, I have had opportunity of taking care of the students and lecturers in the university.

    “I converted a lot of students and lecturers from other religious groups. I have been involved in charitable works, especially among indigent students, paying their fees and other bills.

    “It gives me much joy to get people talk about how I positively influenced and mentored them. The work of human development and sanctification makes me happy,’’ he said.

    He, however, said the challenges of being an authentic priest could not be overemphasised, acknowledging the divine presence of God in his priestly journey.

    “I thank God that He made me His priest. I am very passionate about it and my joy is that in all these challenges, He is always there to sustain and guide me.

    “I am constantly conscious of my vacation as a priest, and I pray daily for God to keep me faithful to the vows I took as a priest.

    “In my very lowest moments He has been there for me. His promise of divine protection has never failed,’’ he said.

     

    “Since you have chosen me in this way of life, do give me all the graces to answer your call as you would want me to. Be my constant ‘Emmanuel’.

    “Be my Refuge and Strength, be my light and shield. Lord Jesus, I trust and believe in you,’’ said the cleric.

    He said what had kept him going was his closeness to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Blessed virgin Mary, daily celebration and admiration of the Eucharist.

    In addition, he said reading of scriptural and spiritual works, not neglecting his divine office or the liturgy of the hours had been his greatest source of strength.

    The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or the Work of God (Opus Dei), is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer.

    The Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer.

    Ukah, a retreat preacher, was the chaplain at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia state, for 27 years.

    He is a member of the university senate and a member of the diocesan tribunal, a former Chairman of Abia Pilgrim’s Welfare Board, former Administrator of Holy Trinity parish, Umudike.

    Also, he is a member of Nigeria Philosophical Association and a member of National Association of Nigerian languages, among others.

    In addition, Ukah has written many books and contributed to many national and international journals, attended numerous conferences both local and international.

    He is also an external examiner to Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi, and a resource person to the National University Commission, Abuja.

     

  • Embrace preachings of Christ, cleric urges Christians as Knights of St Mulumba mark founder’s day

    Embrace preachings of Christ, cleric urges Christians as Knights of St Mulumba mark founder’s day

    Christians, especially the Knights of St Mulumba, KSM, have been charged to imbibe the worthy life of Jesus Christ so as to ensure proper development of human resource.

    Rev Fr (Dr) Hyginus Aghaulor, the Episcopal Vicar For Ozubulu Region of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on members of the Knight of St Mulumba to focus attention on training of the human person to achieve a balanced and responsible personality in life.

    Fr Aghaulor who is the Worthy Chaplain of the Sub Council of the Order stated that failure of the human society to do this has resulted in the malformation of the human person hence giving rise to all the violence, crime, neopaganism and immorality that have bedeviled the society today.

    The Episcopal Vicar frowned at the regular pulling down and renovation of ecclesiastical structures within parishes every now and again. He wondered if parishioners derive some inexplicable joy or pecuniary gains in it.

    He therefore asked if any individual would do same to their homes and rebuilding them now and again. The Chaplain argued that much profit would be derived in channeling such funds to other human and or ecclesiastical capital development.

    The lecture was part of series of lectures in memory of the late Rev Fr Abraham Anselm Ojefua who founded the Order of Knight of St Mulumba. He died in 1988.

    The Ozubulu Sub Council of the Order of the knights of St Mulumba organized the lecture at their Ozubulu Temple and was heavily attended by members. The life touching lecture by Fr Aghaulor, the Worthy Chaplain of the Sub Council, went down memory lane on the virtuous life of Fr Ojefua.

    The Grand Knight (GK) of the Sub Council, Ignatius Nnubia(KSM) in brief interview with journalists shortly after the event explained that the nationwide lecture series was part of the sacrifices they have to make in their sojourn on earth to deepen their faith and to imitate Jesus Christ, whose life was encapsulated in the virtuous life of Fr Ojefua.

    He said that Very Rev Fr Aghaulor was chosen as the guest lecturer because of his vast knowledge of the Order, and his avowed passion for human capital development.

    Consequently Nnubia urged Christians to adopt our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ footprints, whose life was replicated by Fr Ojefua. “Let our life reflect positively with love on our neighbours for their our edification,” he advised his fellow knights.

    Sir Nnubia equally beckoned on the church to emulate Christ and refrain from too frequent demolition and rebuilding of existing ecclesiastical structures but to be concerned essentially with the capital development of her members.
    The Order of the Knights of St Mulumba was established by the late Rev Fr Abraham Anselm Ojefua, a Catholic priest and monk, on June 14 1953 at Owerri.

  • 35 Catholic priests to be investigated over sex abuse allegations in Bolivia

    35 Catholic priests to be investigated over sex abuse allegations in Bolivia

    Bolivian prosecutors are investigating 35 members of the Catholic Church after more than a dozen victims accused them of sexual abuse, authorities said Tuesday.

    The statement comes as the country is reeling from confessions of abuse that were found in the personal diary of a Spanish priest who died in Bolivia in 2009 after decades of service there.

    “At present, 35 people are accused and under investigation,” Daniela Caceres, a department head at the Bolivian attorney general’s office, told a press conference.

    “We have 17 people, identified victims, but out of respect and as a precaution for the protection of the victims, we are not going to give specific details,” she added.

    Prosecutors opened an investigation following a report by the Spanish daily El Pais in April about the late Spanish priest Alfonso Pedrajas, whose diary indicated that he had abused more than 80 minors in Bolivia, where he had lived since the early 1970s.

    Pedrajas also noted in his journal that senior clergy had known about his crimes and kept quiet.

    Prosecutors on Tuesday confirmed that a copy of Pedrajas’ diary had been delivered to them by the Society of Jesus in Bolivia.

    But Caceres said the diary was not complete, with some pages skipped and some passages crossed out and erased.

    She said Bolivian authorities will try to obtain the complete document or request the cooperation of Spanish prosecutors.

    In a letter released in mid-June by Bolivian President Luis Arce, Pope Francis expressed his “shame and dismay” at the sexual abuse committed by the clerics and vowed to shed light on what happened.

    Arce’s government has discussed with the Vatican the need to improve controls to prevent priests with a history of sex offenses from entering the country.

    The Catholic Church has also set up four commissions to receive and process complaints.

  • Pope Francis expels Catholic priest who fathered 12years old child

    Pope Francis expels Catholic priest who fathered 12years old child

    A Rwandan-born Catholic priest, Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, who fathered a 12-year-old child has now been expelled by Pope Francis.

    Munyeshyaka who had been working for nearly three decades as a clergyman in northern France, where he fled following the genocide in his homeland instructed to “avoid places where his previous status is known,” RT reports.

    Catholic outlet La Croix International reported on Thursday that the Pontiff’s decision to remove Wenceslas Munyeshyaka from the clerical state was dated March 23, and was announced on Monday.

    According to the report, it was based on the priest’s admission that he fathered a child in 2010.

    In a statement circulating online signed by the bishop of the diocese of Evreux, stated that Munyeshyaka “automatically loses all rights” associated with his ordination and is “excluded from the exercise of the sacred ministry.”

    Bishop Christian Nourrichard said the priest’s removal is not “subject to any appeal” and begins with “immediate effect.”

    Munyeshyaka, who was the head of a parish in the Evreux diocese, was suspended by the bishop in December 2021 after he reportedly admitted being the father of a 10-year-old boy “from an affair he had in Gisors.”

    Ordained a priest in 1992, Munyeshyaka was accused in 1995 of participating in the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, including the rape of women and executions at his church in Kigali. According to the United Nations, an estimated 800,000 people were massacred in the genocide, which lasted 100 days between April and July 1994.

    French courts cleared Munyeshyaka of criminal charges in the 20-year case in 2015 due to a lack of substantial evidence.

    Munyeshyaka’s dismissal “is not related” to the genocide allegations, and is based on the conclusion of an investigation relating to his suspension in 2021, the dioceses clarified, as reported by La Croix.

  • Pope Francis leaves hospital after three nights stay over bronchitis infections

    Pope Francis leaves hospital after three nights stay over bronchitis infections

    The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, left the hospital on Saturday after a three-night stay for a bronchitis infections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital on March 29 after suffering from breathing difficulties.

    Joking with well-wishers and journalists waiting for him outside the hospital, the pope said “still alive.”

    The 86-year-old pope, admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties, got out of the car transporting him, smiled, and joked with the crowd before heading off to the Vatican to begin preparations for the most important week in the Christian calendar.

    On Friday, the pope visited the children’s cancer ward at the hospital, handing out chocolate Easter eggs and even baptising a weeks-old baby boy, according to a video published by the Vatican.

    Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis had been working on Friday in the hospital’s private papal suite on the 10th floor and catching up on newspapers.

    On Thursday night, he ate pizza with some hospital staff.

    The Argentine pope was discharged as expected on Saturday, as Bruni was earlier positive he would preside over Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square.

    The ceremony marks the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in Easter.

    Francis’ hospitalization was his second since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery, also at Gemelli.

    His increasing health issues over the past year have sparked widespread concern, including speculation that he might choose to retire rather than stay in the job for life.

    His predecessor, Benedict XVI, quit in 2013, in a radical step not seen since the Middle Ages.

    Visitors to St Peter’s Square on Friday expressed relief over the pope’s improvement.

    “I was afraid for the pope,” said one 56-year-old Italian tourist who gave his name as Davide.

    “But I’m happy he’s better, that he’s returning. For believers and the Catholic community, it’s important,” he added.

  • Okowa, Oborevwori, Bishop Kukah, Others To Attend Ewherido’s Installation As Warri Catholic Bishop Thursday

    Okowa, Oborevwori, Bishop Kukah, Others To Attend Ewherido’s Installation As Warri Catholic Bishop Thursday

    All is now set for the episcopal ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Monsignor Anthony Ovayero Ewherido as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in Delta State on Thursday February 9th, 2023.

    Ewherido, who was until recently the Rector of St. Peter and Paul Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Ibadan, was appointed by the Holy Papa, Pope Francis, as the Bishop-elect following the retirement of Bishop John Oke’Oghene Afarheha.

    He was appointed December 28, 2022. Ewherido’s appointment was announced by the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze.

    Prominent Nigerians including the governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, are among dignitaries expected to grace the ceremony.

     

    Others expected at the historic event are the Deputy Senate President and Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ovie-Omo-Agege, the Vatican ambassador to Nigeria and Papal Noncio, Archbishop Antonio Gillo Filipazo; Cardinals and all bishops of the Catholic church in Nigeria including Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese and Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze and the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

    Also expected at the ceremony are former governors of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief James Ibori; Deputy governor of Delta, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; federal ministers and a host of others.

    Addressing journalists at a press conference in Effurun, the chairman of the installation planning committee, Very Rev Fr. (Prof.) Jude Obuinu, said the episcopal ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Ewherido will hold Thursday February 9th at Holy Martyrs of Uganda Minor Seminary, Effurun, Delta State.

    Flanked by the Financial Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and member of the planning committee, Very Rev Fr. Dr. Jude Sagbodje; Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Warri and Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, and former Delta commissioner for information and member planning committee, Chief Emuobonuvie Enamuotor, Fr Obuinu said guests are expected to sit by 9am while celebration of Holy Mass commences by 10am.

     

    Obuinu, a professor of counselling and director of counselling at the Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka, said adequate security has been put in place to ensure hitch-free ceremony.

    He said the choice of Ewherido as the new Bishop of Warri was greeted with wide acceptance by priests and lay faithful, adding that his (Ewherido’s) “appointment is a blessing to the diocese and the body of Christ”.

    The Catholic priest explained that the Catholic Diocese of Warri was established in 1964 by Pope Paul VI of blessed memory from the Benin Diocese after the existence of the Catholic faith in the area for several centuries.

    Prof. Obuinu added, “The forthcoming event of the episcopal ordination and installation of our new bishop is a great event for us. We are excited about it and feel blessed by it because, once again, we are taking major steps forward in developing the Catholic faith in Warri Diocese.

    “It is coming up on Thursday, February 9th, 2023. All the Catholic bishops in Nigeria, will be here, both retired and in active service. Except for this who for some special reasons cannot attend. The papal noncio will be here as one of the principal celebrants of the ceremony.

    “We are expecting dignitaries from within the state and around the country. And all well-meaning sons and daughters. We praying for a hitch free engagement. There’s going to be tight security to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.”