TheNewsGuru

Tag: Catholic Church

  • VIDEO: Final resting place of Pope Benedict XVI revealed

    VIDEO: Final resting place of Pope Benedict XVI revealed

    The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be laid to rest in the former tomb of Pope St. John Paul II underneath St. Peter’s Basilica, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports.

    TNG reports the Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, presided over by Pope Francis, was celebrated at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.

    Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s coffin was closed in a ritual held Wednesday evening.

    As per tradition, the Pope Emeritus’ pallia, coins and medals minted during his pontificate, and a “rogito” summarizing the highlights of his papacy, were also placed inside the casket.

    Following the Requiem Mass, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s coffin will be transported through the Basilica and to the Vatican crypt for burial, in the first tomb of John Paul II.

    He will be buried in the traditional triple coffin, with caskets made of cypress wood, zinc, and oak.

    Meanwhile, in his homily at the Requiem Mass, Pope Francis commended his predecessor into the loving hands of God the Father, and prays that his joy may now be complete as he contemplates the Lord face to face.

    “Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever!

    “Like the women at the tomb, we too have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope, in order to show Him once more the love that is undying,” Pope Francis said.

    TNG reports former Pope Benedict XVI died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.

    He led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

    Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within the walls of the Vatican. His successor, Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently.

    Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.

    For much of his papacy, the Catholic Church faced allegations, legal claims and official reports into decades of child abuse by priests.

    Earlier this year the former Pope acknowledged that errors had been made in the handling of abuse cases while he was archbishop of Munich between 1977 and 1982.

  • Fr. Mbaka returns to Adoration ministry, after serving eight months suspension

    Fr. Mbaka returns to Adoration ministry, after serving eight months suspension

    Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria Catholic Chaplaincy in Emene, Enugu state has returned from Monastery where he was deployed to eight months after he was suspended by the Catholic church for his interference in political matters in the country.

    Recall that the Church was closed down earlier in the year and on June 3, 2022 the Catholic Diocese of Enugu banned Mbaka from commenting on political issues after activities in the ministry were suspended.

    Upon reopening, the Church turned the ministry into Chaplaincy to monitor the excesses in the ministry.

    In October 2022, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, had transferred Mbaka from chaplaincy to the monastery.

    Consequently, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi was named to replace him (Mbaka) as the new chaplain of the Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy.

    It remains to be seen if Fr. Mbaka will take over the helm of affairs of the Adoration ministry from the new chaplain.

    More update later….

  • Benedict XVI: A humble labourer in the Lord’s vineyard – By Fernando Ocáriz

    Benedict XVI: A humble labourer in the Lord’s vineyard – By Fernando Ocáriz

    By Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz

    With the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, we have lost a priest, theologian, bishop, cardinal, and pope who saw himself as “a humble labourer in the Lord’s vineyard.” Along with our grief, it is natural for us to thank God for his life and teachings. The discretion and sobriety with which the German pontiff lived since 2013, in an attitude of prayer, were his last lesson.

    Since I first met him personally in 1986, when I began to collaborate with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as a consultor, I was struck by his readiness to listen to everyone. I had the opportunity to be alone with him on many occasions for questions related to the Congregation and other matters. In those encounters, he was never the one to end the conversation or to point out that he had other issues to attend to. It was edifying to see his consideration for others’ opinions, even when they differed from his. Contrary opinions could be put to him with ease; they did not bother him, even when they came from someone younger or with less training or experience. The truth was what really mattered to him, so he took his episcopal motto from some words of St. John: Cooperatores veritatis (3 Jn 8).

    His love for the Church and the Pope was exemplary, going beyond sentiment. I remember, for example, when Msgr. Lefebvre accepted what was proposed to him and shortly after backed out. Witnessing this, Cardinal Ratzinger was moved to exclaim sorrowfully: “How can they not realise that without the Pope, they are nothing!”

    His humility and love for the Lord made him capable of responding with a “yes” to what the Lord and the Church asked of him. It is well-known that he presented his resignation to St. John Paul II on several occasions so that he could be replaced by someone younger, with more physical vitality. When the Pope asked him to remain in office, Cardinal Ratzinger did so without hesitation.

    Shortly after his election to the See of Peter, he said that when St. John Paul II died, he thought he would be able to retire to his native Germany and devote himself to prayer and study. But the Lord had other plans, and he had to hear the words of John 21 applied to himself: “Amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” In the same way, he knew how to step aside when, in the presence of God, he saw that he could no longer adequately exercise the demanding responsibilities that come with the mission of the successor of Peter. Like everyone, I received the news of his resignation with a mixture of sorrow and affection for this great successor of St. Peter. In recent months, his physical strength visibly waned, but his mental lucidity, serenity of spirit, simplicity, and kindness did not.

    Knowing how to disappear, serving the Church with silent prayer, was the characteristic note of the years following his resignation. I was able to visit him on a few occasions in his residence in the Vatican Gardens: he was noticeably interested in others and centred in prayer. As he said himself, he felt like a pilgrim on his way to the Father’s house, to the embrace of Christ, who was the object of his love and his long years of study.

    In the nearly eight years of his pontificate, Benedict XVI left us a great spiritual and doctrinal heritage in the encyclicals Deus caritas est, Spe salvi, Caritas in veritate, along with many apostolic exhortations and homilies. The magisterium of his Wednesday audiences — like those related to the Church, the Apostles and Fathers of the Church, and the cycle of audiences on prayer, which form a beautiful and profound treatise on dialogue with God — is enormously rich.

    His whole life could be summarized in one beautiful phrase he pronounced at the Mass at the beginning of his Petrine ministry: “There is nothing more beautiful than allowing oneself to be touched by the Gospel, by Christ.” For him, happiness “has a name, it has a face: that of Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist.”

    Benedict XVI steered the boat of the Church on the sea of history with his eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, on “days of sun and of light winds, days when the catch was abundant; there were also moments when the waters were rough and the winds against us, as throughout the Church’s history, and the Lord seemed to be sleeping.” But he knew that the boat belonged to Christ.

    Benedict XVI has been one of those “lights close by—people who shine with his light and so guide us along our way,” as he so beautifully described in the encyclical Spe Salvi. His work in the vineyard of the Church will have earned him the loving words of Christ: “Come, good and faithful servant, share your master’s joy.”

     

    Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz is the Prelate of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church

  • What Archbishop Kaigama said in his 2023 New Year message

    What Archbishop Kaigama said in his 2023 New Year message

    The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged leaders to inspire hope in Nigerians in the new year.

    Kaigama who made the call in his new year message on Sunday in Abuja, said that Nigerians were facing challenges with far-reaching consequences on their social life.

    He called on the leaders to find a lasting solution to secure lives, property, and freedom of the people.

    He said that the Nigerians lived with and survived a culture of kidnapping, hostage taking, and mindless murder in 2023.

    Kaigama said that there would be a turnaround in 2023 with fervent prayers and help from God.

    “The determination to confront insecurity must be given priority in the agenda of those seeking to be elected,  they must have the will to unveil those behind brutal attacks and murders,“he said.

    Kaigama urged  critical stakeholders to  ensure fair play and respect for the opinions of the people when eventually expressed when the ballot is cast.

    “We are here today just because God has brought us thus far. The Kaduna deadly train attack in March and the agonising months the abducted passengers spent in the hands of armed men left us all traumatised.

    “The daring Kuje Prison attack by Boko Haram and precipitated secessionist rallies left all of us begging for answers.

    ”The advisory by some foreign embassies on the risk of travelling to Nigeria and the subsequent arrest of suspected terrorists in October left us reeling in fear.

    ”The volatile situation in the Southeast in a bid to enforce an unlawful lockdown has made life in that part of the country difficult,“he said.

    He prayed for preservation for all Nigerians in the new year.

  • PHOTOS: Body of late Pope Benedict XVI displayed in chapel for private visits

    PHOTOS: Body of late Pope Benedict XVI displayed in chapel for private visits

    The body of late Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI has been laid in repose in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mater Ecclesiae Monastery is located in the Vatican Gardens a few steps away from the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

    The late Pope Benedict XVI had chosen the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes as his home after stepping down from the Petrine ministry in 2013.

    The remains of the Pope Emeritus displayed at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery are vested in red liturgical vestments with a miter, but without the pallium.

    The body is lying in repose in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery next to a large crucifix, a nativity scene, and a Christmas tree.

    Meanwhile, private visits by cardinals and people closely connected to the Pope Emeritus started today.

    Pope Francis remembered his predecessor at the New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

    Pope Francis offered words of affection and sorrow for the death of his Benedict XVI, but also his gratitude for the Pope Emeritus, who he described as “a gift for the Church and the world”.

    Pope Francis said: “The beginning of the new year is entrusted to Mary Most Holy, whom we celebrate today as Mother of God.

    “At this time, let us invoke her intercession, especially for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who left this world yesterday morning.

    “Let us all join together, with one heart and one soul, in thanking God for the gift of this faithful servant of the Gospel and of the Church.”

    According to Vatican News, the remains will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica tomorrow morning allowing for veneration by the faithful.

    Beginning at 9 am on Monday and for three days until the funeral on Thursday, 5 January, the body will lay in state in St Peter’s Basilica.

    TNG reports Pope Benedict XVI died on New Year’s eve at the age of 95.

    See photos below:

  • BREAKING: Former Pope Benedict XVI is dead

    BREAKING: Former Pope Benedict XVI is dead

    Former Pope Benedict XVI is dead, coming almost a decade after he stood down from the position due to ill health.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Pope Benedict XVI was a retired prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the head of the Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013.

    Benedict’s election as pope occurred in the 2005 papal conclave that followed the death of Pope John Paul II.

    As per a report by Vatican News, Pope Benedict XVI died at 9:34 AM on Saturday morning at his Vatican residence. He was aged 95.

    “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 AM in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

    “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.  As of Monday morning, 2 January 2023, the body of the Pope Emeritus will be in Saint Peter’s Basilica so the faithful can bid farewell,” the report reads.

    In the next few hours, the Holy See Press Office will communicate details for the funeral rite.

  • Omo-Agege congratulates Ewherido, Warri Diocese Bishop-elect

    Omo-Agege congratulates Ewherido, Warri Diocese Bishop-elect

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has congratulated the Bishop- Elect of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ewherido, on his appointment by His Holiness, Pope Francis.

    In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Senator Omo-Agege expressed profound delight over the appointment of Monsignor Ewherido.

    The Delta APC Governorship candidate described the bishop as a “thoroughbred priest educated to the highest level in the finest traditions of the Catholic Church, an expert in Theology who rose to the rank of a Professor of Biblical Theology and Languages”.

    The Bishop-elect who hails from Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, is a constituent of the Delta Central lawmaker.

    Until his appointment, Ewherido is the Rector of his alma mater, SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan.

    Omo-Agege recalled the cleric’s past as an impactful teacher, devoted priest, administrator, noting that he had always been guided by hard work, godliness and passion for humanity.

    In his congratulatory message, the Deputy President of the Senate said, “I congratulate the membership of Warri Diocese not only for the peaceful selection process that led to your emergence but also as the second indigenous Bishop of the Diocese.

    “I am optimistic that your tenure will usher in peace in the area. It will also be an era of positive revolution in the vineyard to help save the world.

    “I pray that the Almighty God will bless you with good health of mind and body so that you will continue to serve the Universal Church and the people according to God’s wishes. Congratulations Padre”.

  • Who is Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido?

    Who is Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido?

    Reverend Father Anthony Ovayero Ewherido was on Wednesday appointed as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in Delta State, Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Father Ewherido was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Warri by The Holy Father, Pope Francis.

    Until his appointment as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Bishop Ewherido was the Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Bishop Ewherido was born on 8 October 1960 in Eghwu, in the Diocese of Warri. After attending the minor seminary in Effurun, he completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Ibadan.

    He was subsequently awarded a doctorate in biblical studies at Saint John’s University and Fordham University in New York. He subsequently obtained a diploma at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome.

    He was ordained a priest on 18 October 1986 and incardinated in the diocese of Warri.

    He has held the following offices: deputy priest of Saint Jude’s in Effurun (1986 – 1987); rector of the Holy Martyrs of UgandaMinor Seminary in Effurun (1988-1992); and parish priest of the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church in Effurun (1992-1994).

    He has held the office of residential priest with pastoral responsibilities at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Floral Park (1994-2005) and Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Coram, New York (1995-2006); chaplain at Stony Brook University Medical Center in Stony Brook, New York (1995-2006); and parish priest of the Sacred Heart in Abraka, Nigeria (2006-2007).

    Since 2007, Ewherido was formator and teacher at the Saints Peter and Paul Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Ibadan; vice rector of the Saints Peter and PaulInterdiocesan Major Seminary in Ibadan (2013-2019); teacher at the Dominican Institute in Samonda, Ibadan (2013-2021); and since 2019, rector of the Saints Peter and Paul Interdiocesan Major Seminary.

  • 2023: Archbishop Martins tells Nigerians who to vote for

    2023: Archbishop Martins tells Nigerians who to vote for

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale-Martins has advised Nigerians to vote only credible persons in the 2023 general election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Archbishop Martins gave the advice on Saturday while urging Nigerians not to sell their votes in order not to jeopardise the future of their children.

    Martins charged political leaders to allow the spirit of God to guide them to enable them make policies for the common good rather than for the benefit of a privileged few.

    He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and hope that God will not fail to deliver the country from the shackles of bad leadership and its attendant poverty.

    “All persons of voting age should go get their voting cards and partake in the elections and vote only credible persons capable of changing the fortunes of the country to better,” the Bishop said.

    Adewale-Martins decried what he called “injustice, inequality and feelings of marginalisation associated with the Nigerian state,” and gave the projection in his 2022 Christmas message.

    The High Priest asked everyone to hold on to the belief that Nigeria shall return to the path of prosperity and peace once again.

    He said that just as Jesus was born on Christmas night and He brought redemption to the whole of humanity so his coming at Christmas of 2022 would be a positive transformation to Nigerians.

    “The celebration of Christmas should serve as a symbol of hope that God has not abandoned Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “On the contrary, the days of victory over the forces of retrogression are near.

    “Just as Christmas begets hope for humanity, so it heralds hope for our country, Nigeria, particularly at this period when millions of citizens are in pain and frustrated as a result of hardship in the land.

    “We must cultivate the spirit of expectancy just as the story of Christmas is the story of God’s unending love for mankind. My message to you is that God loves us and so His love is bound to beget hope.

    “However, as they say: ‘Heaven helps those who help themselves,’ so all Nigerians need to do the needful. We must all pay keen attention to the political happenings as we look forward to the general elections coming in 2023,” the Bishop said.

  • 48 hrs to Christmas: Tears as families hold mass burial for 40 Christians allegedly killed by terrorists

    48 hrs to Christmas: Tears as families hold mass burial for 40 Christians allegedly killed by terrorists

    A mass burial has been held for 40 residents killed by bandits in Mallagum and Sogwon communities in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    It was gathered that all the victims are Christians of Catholic and ECWA dominations.

    Terrorists had on Tuesday attacked the two villages, killed a number of residents, burnt down houses, foodstuffs and properties worth millions of naira.

    Family, friends and well-wishers wept profusely as those killed were buried on Thursday.

    They gathered at Government Secondary School, Mallagum to pay their last respect to the victims.

    The Anglican Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Danladi Kundi led the burial after a prayer session by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese.

    Many communities in Kaduna have been living at the mercy of terrorists and bandits, who have been killing, maiming and kidnapping residents with reckless abandon.

    It was gathered that some of the victims were also buried on Wednesday.

    Source: Sahara reporter