TheNewsGuru

Tag: Catholic Church

  • Pope dedicates Easter Monday prayer to the elderly and sick

    Pope dedicates Easter Monday prayer to the elderly and sick

    Pope Francis dedicated his noon-day public prayer on Easter Monday to the elderly and sick, as well as residents of nursing homes, saying he hoped his words gave them encouragement and hope.

    The prayer known as the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) was delivered from the Vatican and viewable for streaming.

    It officially ended the Easter celebration in the Catholic Church.

    The commemoration of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Mother of God replaces the Angelus (Angel) prayer, which is more common at other times.

    This year was the second time after 2020 that the head of the Church had to celebrate the festivities to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Vatican under strict coronavirus restrictions.

    There were virtually no pilgrims in Rome over the weekend and the huge St Peter’s Square was almost empty on Monday.

    Easter is the climax of the ecclesiastical year for believing Christians.

    In his Easter message earlier on Sunday, the 84-year-old Francis had called for more vaccinations against COVID-19 also for poorer countries in front of a few listeners in St Peter’s Basilica.

    The Argentinian also warned against wars and arms races in the world.

  • Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass

    Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass

    Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and offers the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.

    The services will be held in a smaller circle because of the anti-coronavirus restrictions in place and as a preventative measure against infection.

    Before the pandemic, Easter Mass was usually held in St Peter’s Square in front of tens of thousands of pilgrims.

    With the morning Mass on Sunday at 10 am (0800 GMT), Francis is scheduled to again have to celebrate in St Peter’s Basilica, as he did last year.

    Easter is the most important feast of the year for devout Christians.

    The week leading up to Easter Sunday includes many different services that mark the final days of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion.

    Already on the previous days, only between 100 and 200 faithful were admitted to the services.

    With the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the world) blessing, the pope remits for the faithful the punishment for their sins if they have already redeemed them beforehand, for example in confession or through prayer.

    The blessing is usually given at Easter and Christmas and when a new pope has been elected.

  • Oshiomhole chairs dedication of Catholic Church in Iyamho-Uzairue Community, Edo State

    Oshiomhole chairs dedication of Catholic Church in Iyamho-Uzairue Community, Edo State

    Immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will on April 5 (Easter Monday) chair the Caronical Erection to a parish and dedication of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iyamho-Uzairue Community, Iyamho Estako Local Government Area of the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the elated former chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has since sent out invitation to friends for support and attendance.

    TNG reports that the church dedication will be one of the first public event that the ex-governor is attending since his party (APC) and anointed candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu lost the 2019 Edo State governorship election to Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    See invitation details below as signed by Oshiomhole:

  • Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Benue, kill priest

    Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Benue, kill priest

    Gunmen have killed a Catholic priest Rev. Moses Ngugban in Agu village, Mbatyula/ Mbelev council ward, Katsina/Ala local government area in Benue.

    A statement by Benue Police Public Relation officer (PPRO), Kate Anene, a DSP, confirmed the incident.

    It explained the gunmen stormed the village around 7am on Tuesday.

    According to reports, the gunmen launched an attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Sai, Kastina-Ala LGA and killed the priest.

    Meanwhile the corpse has been deposited at General Hospital Kastsina-Ala while a joint operation by Police and other security agencies is on the trail of the hoodlums.

  • Palm Sunday: Cleric urges Christians to promote Christ’s virtues

    Palm Sunday: Cleric urges Christians to promote Christ’s virtues

    Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, has urged Christians to promote the virtues of Jesus Christ in their service to God.

    Badejo, who made the call in an interview on Sunday in Ibadan, said that as Christians all the world celebrated the Palm Sunday, it was important for faithful to stand up for the teachings of Christ.

    According to him, the story of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as narrated in Matthew’s gospel should spur Christians to open their hearts to God.

    “As Christians, we need to open our lives to God, promote the things that Christ did and aspire to live in holiness.

    “We should show deep commitment to service, knowing that through Christ, we shall get salvation,” he said.

    He said that Palm Sunday celebration should challenge Christians to take a stand for Christ, adding that believers should be consistent in their commitment to the truth.

    “Palm Sunday represents dignity, beauty, well being and victory, it should never be jettisoned for sin and evil.

    “It holds a lot of significance for the youth, young people must never lose hope, they must believe in their dreams,” Badejo told NAN.

    The Cleric described Palm Sunday as remarkable because it marked the beginning of the Passion Week.

    “This is the most holy week in Christendom, it is the week in which the key events of the history of salvation are celebrated.

    “During Holy Week, the Catholic Church commemorates the institution of the priesthood, the sacraments and the Eucharist.

    “The Good Friday is also celebrated during the week to commemorate the death of Christ on the cross,” he said.

    Palm Sunday is celebrated around the world by Christians to mark Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

  • Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions – Vatican

    Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions – Vatican

    The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are “not licit” if carried out.

    The ruling was a response to practices in some countries, such as the United States and Germany, where parishes and ministers have begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and calls for bishops to defacto institutionalise these.

    In response to formal questions from a number of dioceses on whether this practice was allowed, the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling: “Negative”.

    Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was “not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite”.

    It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were “motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons” and help them grow in the faith. The Roman Catholic Church has 1.3 billion members.

    The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples.

    “For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex,” it said.

    At least two German bishops, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, who is one of the pope’s top advisors, have expressed support for some kind of “pastoral” blessing for same-sex unions.

    But the CDF note approved by the pope ruled this out.

  • Ash Wednesday: Catholic cleric urges Christians not to lose hope

    Ash Wednesday: Catholic cleric urges Christians not to lose hope

    Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu of Catholic Church of the Presentation, Festac Town, Lagos State, has urged Christians in the country not to lose hope because of the challenges they face.

    Ash Wednesday, observed each year by Christians, marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration.

    The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him.

    Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice and resurrection.

    Godonu, who is also the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, also urged them to see the Lenten season as a period of reflection and time to renew hope in God.

    The priest gave the advice on Wednesday in Lagos as the Catholic faithful observe Ash Wednesday.

    He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had made things difficult for a lot people, leading to despair and depression.

    “It is not really easy for any institution or individual but there is hope; we, Christians should always remember Jesus is above everything.

    “It is in Him we live and move and have our beings.

    “So, He who has created us in His image and likeness will not leave us alone,’’ he said.

    Quoting from the Bible’s Book of Hebrews, Chapter 13 verse 8, the priest assured that Jesus Christ has not changed from caring and loving his followers.

    According to Godonu, research has shown that those who go through depression are those that lack faith.

    “Nobody should despair or give up hope, nobody should become depressed.

    “If you have faith in Jesus, you have connection with Him, your faith in Him, even in the time of suffering will bring you joy and happiness,’’ the priest said.

    He urged Christians to be sensitive to the needs of one other, adding that they should not disregard the COVID-19 guidelines but ensure they obeyed all the protocols to keep safe.

  • 2021 will bring surprises – Archbishop Kaigama

    2021 will bring surprises – Archbishop Kaigama

    …Kaigama urges corrupt leaders to repent

    Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has advised corrupt Nigerian leaders and government officials to take advantage of the new year by repenting from their corrupt practices.

    Kaigama said this in his New Year Message tagged “Relying on Divine Providence,’’ in Abuja on Thursday.

    The archbishop said that those who misused government funds through corruption should repent like Zacchaeus, the tax collector, so that poverty will be conquered in the country.

    “Those who rob others of their valuables should stop. Those who exploit helpless victims in our police stations, courts, institutions, highways and offices must stop.

    “No matter the unemployment and poverty rate, compatriots should stop kidnapping fellow human beings for money, not to talk of taking their lives, because every human life is sacred.

    “In this New Year, please, see a brother or sister in every Nigerian you meet.

    “Promise not to hurt or look down on another human being,’’ he said.

    Kaigama said that there must be an attitudinal change in the country for progress and development.

    “Let both the ordinary poor Nigerians and the privileged and influential Nigerians behave and do things positively and differently, with the fear of God,’’ he said.

    According to him, as Christians, we see the New Year as a symbolic anticipation of that eternal day when all things will be made new.

    “Only if we keep Christ at the very centre of our existence can we ever hope to know the joy and happiness that nothing and no one can take from us.

    “Undoubtedly, the New Year will bring its share of surprises. Maybe one of the surprises of 2021 will be that this New Year exceeds expectations.

    “As we begin the New Year, I am optimistic that it will be a better year and the storms of 2020 will be over,’’ he said.

    The Archbishop, however, encouraged the leaders to do more and not to be afraid of corrections and that the citizens should adhere to and be guided by words of the national anthem.

    “Christians and members of other religions should be faithful and charitable.

    “They should be charitable so that we can witness a transformation in all spheres of our private and national life, in this way, peace will flow like a river and justice and progress will follow,’’ he said.

    Kaigama, however, urged Nigerians to be grateful for the gift of 2021 and to rely on God for the best in the New Year.

    “We give thanks and praise to God for the beginning of a New Year, a brand new gift from the Lord. All things work together for good for those who love God.

    “This consoling thought should be with us during 2021.

    “The beginning of a New Year is usually a time for hope, a chance to make a fresh start.

    “However, given all that the world has been through in the past year, the usual optimism that comes with a new year seems a bit diminished,’’ he said.

    Kaigama said that 2020 had its bitter moments and more than enough ‘heartaches and headaches’ but had some joys, blessings and providence.

    “In the face of an uncertain future, our hope as Christians is rooted in what in Christian spirituality we refer to as Divine Providence.

    “Divine Providence is the term used to explain that God is so sovereign that everything takes place according to His purpose. The entire universe is governed by Divine Providence.

    “If you affirm the providence of God, you are confessing, even in the face of all appearances to the contrary, that God cares for you and is in control of your life.

    “It is worth reaffirming that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose, according to Romans chapter eight verse 28,’’ he said.

    According to him, by providence, we mean that God looks after human affairs.

    “One of the examples of providence occurs in Genesis Chapter 22, when God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

    “As they were going up the mountain, Isaac saw the fire and the wood, but he wondered where the lamb was for the burnt offering.

    “Abraham said, God will provide himself a sacrifice.

    “Indeed, God did provide a sacrifice in the place of Isaac, and Abraham called the name of the place. The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14), which is where we get the name, the God who provides,” he said.

    In addition, he said after God provided a sacrifice for Abraham, more than 2,000 years ago, He again acted to provide a sacrifice through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

    “If God has given us His Son, He will surely see us through the coming year. We can trust in the Providence of God,’’ the archbishop said.

  • Christmas Message: Catholic Church backs Bishop Kukah, says attackers ‘agents of evil’

    Christmas Message: Catholic Church backs Bishop Kukah, says attackers ‘agents of evil’

    The National Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, has stoutly defended the state of the nation message delivered on Christmas Day by Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

    In the statement titled, A call in Support of Truth’, the church said the attacks that the truthful message has attracted is ‘the stock in trade of evil people”.

    “As expected, the agents of evil have gathered to attack the person of the Bishop and to discredit the simple obvious truth of the message…However, they often succeed when good people, Christians, choose to do nothing”.

    Bishop Kukah poked the Buhari supporters when he delivered a damning verdict on the administration, saying the nation is almost rudderless under Buhari’s watch.

    Kukah spoke about the worsening insecurity in the country, the parlous economic situation, Buhari’s nepotism and drive for northern hegemony.

    And he said the ethnic colouration and bias of the government has not yielded good dividends for Northern Nigeria as it is the worst affected by insecurity.

    He said that the prospects of a failed state stares Nigeria in the face, with “endless bloodletting, a collapsing economy, social anomie, domestic and community violence, kidnappings, armed robberies”

    He then delivered a most critical judgment on the regime, saying that every honest Nigerian knows that “there is no way any non-Northern Muslim President could have done a fraction of what President Buhari has done by his nepotism and gotten away with it.

    “There would have been a military coup a long time ago or we would have been at war. The President may have concluded that Christians will do nothing and will live with these actions.”

    A day after Kukah delivered his speech, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed launched the first counter-salvo, accusing Kukah of calling for a coup”, a comment that was not grounded in what Kukah actually said.

    The APC similarly attacked Kukah, saying Nigeria is no where near what can be called a failed state.

    On Monday, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who runs an NGO, styled Muslims Rights Concern poured some vitriol on Kukah, accusing him of painting Islam as a religion of violence and always standing up against a muslim leader.

    “Kukah’s statement is reckless, inflammatory and unguarded. It is the most egregious, luciferous, serpentine and diabolical statement of the year 2020. Hasan Mathew Kukah is ululating from the wrong side of the pulpit.

    “Kukah is in the habit of demonizing and demarketing any president who happens to be a Muslim. In particular, we are most disappointed that such a heavily prejudiced and explosive statement is coming from the secretary of Nigeria’s Peace Committee. His behaviour is consistently inconsistent with his status,” he said.

    Kukah’s church has now risen in his support and also urging lovers of truth and justice to rise in defence of Bishop Kukah against the attack on his person and the attempt to discredit the simple obvious truth in his message.

    In the statement the Church said the situation in Nigeria no longer allows anyone to sit on the fence or show indifference.

    “We are quite aware of the 2020 Christmas Message by our revered Bishop Hassan Kukah and the enormous space it has enjoyed on social media and in public sphere.

    “As expected, the agents of evil have gathered to attack the person of the Bishop and to discredit the simple obvious truth of the message. This is the stock in trade of evil people. However, they often succeed when good people, Christians, choose to do nothing.

    “I am therefore calling our attention to this new development so that we can all rise in unison and stand for truth”.

    The Church said that everyone must choose and stand up for what he or she believed in.

    Quoting a popular verse by St. Augustine, the Church said that “evil is absence of good”, adding that people should add a voice in support of goodness, in order to forestall the reign of evil.

    “The truth about our nation is also that there are only two parties now existing: the good and the evil, the oppressed and the oppressor, the suffering people and the benefiting government officers and their families.

    “Please stop allowing anyone fool you with these cards: religion and tribe,” the church added.

  • Pope Francis names 13 new cardinals

    Pope Francis names 13 new cardinals

    Pope Francis announced the appointment of 13 new cardinals on Sunday, including archbishops from the U.S., Rwanda and the Philippines.

    The appointments will be formalised in a consistory, a meeting of cardinals, on Nov. 28, the pontiff said during his Sunday Angelus message.

    Nine of the appointees are under 80, and as long as they do not reach that age, they can take part in the next conclave, the council of cardinals that elects new popes.

    The list includes Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Kigali Archbishop Antoine Kambanda, representing one of the most Catholic countries in Africa, and Jose Fuerte Advincula, the Archbishop of Capiz in the Philippines, Asia’s most Catholic country.

    The list also includes several Italians, including the head of the Vatican’s sainthood department, Bishop Marcello Semeraro, and the head of the Franciscan convent of Assisi, Fra Mauro Gambetti.