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Tag: catholic

  • Pope urges Catholic congregants to pray for murdered Father Achi, other Christians

    Pope urges Catholic congregants to pray for murdered Father Achi, other Christians

    The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has urged congregants to pray for Isaac Achi, a reverend father brutally murdered by bandits last week in Minna, Niger State.

    “I ask all of you to join me in praying for Father Isaac Achi, of the Diocese of Minna in northern Nigeria, who was killed last Sunday in an attack on his rectory,” the Pope beseeched pilgrims gathered at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Wednesday.

    Pope urges Catholic congregants to pray for murdered Father Achi, other Christians

    “So many Christians continue to be the target of violence: let us remember them in our prayers!” Pope Francis added.

    Father Achi was set ablaze by angry bandits after they were unable to gain entry to the parish residence where he dwelled.

    In the same vein, the Pope condoled the victims of a church bombing in Kasindi, Congo, which left at least 14 people dead and more than 60 injured.

    Pope urges Catholic congregants to pray for murdered Father Achi, other Christians

    The Islamic State terrorist group had taken responsibility for the bomb attack.

    The bombing in the Congolese church occurred the same day the priest (Achi) was burned alive in Nigeria.

    The Pope expressed “compassion and closeness to all the families so hard hit by this tragedy.”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Father Achi hailed from Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State and was celebrated as the first indigenous Catholic priest from Gbagyi/Koro land.

    After his ordination on January 7, 1995, Father Achi was later transferred to the Minna Archdiocese of the church from where he was moved to different parishes.

    He was drawn into the church in his early childhood and was very magnificent until the killers cut short his life’s journey.

    It was gathered that his assailants decided to burn down the building when they could not access where the priest was.

  • Benedict XVI to be buried on January 5, Pope Francis to lead funeral

    Benedict XVI to be buried on January 5, Pope Francis to lead funeral

    The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, would preside over the funeral for former pope Benedict XVI, who has died at the age of 95, on January 5, the Vatican said Saturday.

    “On Thursday, January 5, at 9:30 am (0830 GMT) the funeral is expected to take place in Saint Peter’s Square, presided over by the Holy Father,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists at a special briefing following the death of the first pontiff to resign in six centuries.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that Pop Francis asked the faithful to pray for the ill Pope Benedict XVI after the general audience.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Pope Benedict was under constant medical attention before his demise.

    Pope Francis announced that the former Pope Benedict XVI was very sick. He asked the faithful for prayers to the retired pope. Pope Francis surprised the people after his sudden appeal at the end of his general audience.

    Pope Francis did not provide any details of his illness to Pope Benedict, but the Vatican has stated the condition of ill Pope Benedict.

    According to the Vatican, the condition of Pope Benedict worsened in recent hours due to his age and illness. Pope Francis went to see him after his general audience.

    The Vatican added that Pope Benedict is under constant medical care, and his condition is currently stable. The health of the 96-year-old pope is deteriorating due to old age.

    Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement from the papacy in 2013. He was the first pope to retire in 600 years. Since his retirement, he has been living in a convent in the Vatican, medicating most of his time in prayers and meditation.

    Pope Francis said at the end of his audience that he would like to ask all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, sustaining the church in silence.

    The Pope noted that Pope Benedict was sick and asked the lord to console and support him in the witness of love for the church until the end.

    Pope Benedict is the first German pope in 1000 years. He was elected in 2005 and succeeded Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict, the birth name Joseph Ratzinger, left Germany in 1982. He wrote about 60 books from 1962 to 2013.

    After his retirement in 2013, many questions were pointed at his decision. Some cardinals questioned his retirement and his decision to wear a white cassock even after retirement.

    Another question brought up after his retirement was regarding the continued usage of the name Benedict and not converting back to Joseph Rotzinger. Critics have also said Pope Benedict’s presence in the Vatican creates confusion and threatens the church’s unity.

  • Another Catholic Priest abducted by gunmen in Benue

    Another Catholic Priest abducted by gunmen in Benue

     

    Another Catholic Priest and Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu has been abducted by unknown gunmen.

    The cleric was kidnapped on Thursday evening along Okpoga – Ojapo road along the Okpoga – Utonkon road

    The abduction of the Priest on that axis of the state which has become notorious for the kidnap of commuters came about five months after another Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Amodu was in a similar fashion waylaid and taken away and later released by armed men along Otukpo – Ugbokolo road while on his way to celebrate the Holy Mass at Okwungaga in the same Okpokwu LGA.

    The latest incident was confirmed Thursday night by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in a letter from the Diocesan Secretariat addressed to all Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi.

    The letter read in part, “We write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Ojotu. He is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga. The sad incident occurred today December 22, 2022 at about 5pm along Okpoga – Ojapo Road, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.

    “The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.

    “We commend our brother and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors.”

    Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the incident in a text massage said “the command is on the trail of the priest and hoodlums involved.”

  • I will not thank God Apostle Suleman survived assassination attempt – Catholic priest, Fr. Kelvin

    I will not thank God Apostle Suleman survived assassination attempt – Catholic priest, Fr. Kelvin

    A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu has said he will not thank God for Apostle Suleman, founder of the Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide after surviving assassination attempt.

    Recall that Suleman while reacting to alleged assassination attempt on his life on Friday evening, said “my life is in the hands of God, nobody can kill me.”

    His testimony was preceded by an attack on his motorcade on the Warake road in Auchi, Edo State, leading to the death of at least seven persons, including four police officers.

    Reacting, Fr Kelvin faulted Suleman’s testimony, saying it was wrong to “use other people’s misfortune to elevate your own story”.

    According to him, the life of the Apostle is not more valuable than that of the police officers and civilians who were murdered in the unfortunate attack.

    “I have always said it here, when giving testimonies, be sensitive. Don’t use other people’s misfortune to elevate your own story.

    “In their bid to assassinate you, seven persons were killed and you are like “my life is in the hands of God, nobody can kill me.”

    “Well, I will not thank God that you survived the assassination, I will rather thank God that you admitted to knowing those that were behind the assassination and shooting.

    “I call on the police and the government to take it up from there. The lives of those seven persons matter so much. The minister’s life is not more valuable than theirs. A full investigation should be opened immediately until those behind the shooting are arrested and given what they deserve by law.

    “And for those working closely with the minister, I will advice you take necessary precautions because it seems he knows something that is capable of putting you at risk, which you may not be aware of”, Fr Kelvin posted on his verified Facebook page.

  • Adoration Ministry: Do not protest, pray for me – Father Mbaka begs members

    Adoration Ministry: Do not protest, pray for me – Father Mbaka begs members

    Former Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, (AMEN), Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has urged members of the church to remain calm and stop protesting but to pray for him.

    Mbaka made the call while leaving for the Monastery on Wednesday in obedience to the church order.

    The Enugu Diocese of the Catholic Church on Sunday announced Mbaka’s movement to the monastery.

    The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on Monday clarified that Rev. Fr. Mbaka had not been removed from the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN) as erroneously reported in some quarters.

    According to reports, the recommendation for Mbaka to spend time in solitude at a monastery was hinged on the need for him to hear what the Spirit of God had to tell him.

    “I do not want to hear that there is any protest done to express anger towards my journey to the monastery.

    “Help me; fellow adorers to stop any kind of protest that anybody will carry on my behalf to please me. Instead of protest, or demonstration geared towards helping me, it may jeopardise my priestly call.

    “Therefore, encourage peace, love, within this time and do more of prayers and God of heaven will do the rest for us in Jesus name,’’ he said.

    On his journey to the monastery, Mbaka said he would use the opportunity to bless everyone, adding that, he was going to the monastery in obedient to the Bishop, His Lordship Onaga.

    Mbaka said he was going to monastery under priestly obedience and wished to encourage his fellow adorers to remain calm and be still.

    According to him, this is a time to know the real adorers. Please back me with your prayers so that I will go and embark on deeper reflection, sober contemplations and waiting on the Lord.

    “I want to assure you that God has plans for us for a future of hope and not of disaster. Use this opportunity to call on God for integral wellness and wellbeing of the adoration ministry that is the apple of God’s eyes.

    “I wish to inform you fellow adorers that this is not a time to be cantankerous, sorrowful, and angry unnecessarily,” Mbaka said.

    He said as a catholic priest, under the vow of obedience, he must obey the mother church, stressing that, his absence should not bring anything that would be awful giving the devil iota of glory.

    Speaking on the new director, Mbaka urged all adorers to obey, pray and listen to Fr Anthony Amadi, noting that he would be back in a short while.

    He, however, denied prophesying against the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi.

    Mbaka noted that there were several media reports that he prophesised that the former governor of Anambra state would not succeed in the forthcoming presidential election.

    Clarifying the allegation, Mbaka said he never mentioned Obi not to talk about him during the Sunday Mass, advising the purveyors of the news to apologise.

    “After handing over to Fr Amadi on Sunday, I started hearing that I spoke against Peter Obi.

    “I never mentioned Obi. Please whoever is being used by the devil to blackmail me in the name of doing any job for anybody is satanic and they should apologise,’’ he said.

  • Just In: Catholic Diocese confirms Mbaka in seclusion, still in charge of Adoration Ministry

    Just In: Catholic Diocese confirms Mbaka in seclusion, still in charge of Adoration Ministry

    …says he’s on a brief solitude

    Despite speculations in the social media networks that Rev. Fr. Ejike has been removed, the authorities of the Enugu Catholic Diocese have clarified that he was not removed as Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, as the spiritual director as widely reported.

    The Diocese, which expressed love for Mbaka as an illustrious son, said Mbaka was only asked to take time away in solitude to listen to what the Spirit of God has to tell him.

    Responding to an inquiry, spokesman and Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi, said Mbaka would return to continue his duties.

    The interview titled ‘Mbaka: the true position’ reads: “Going by an interview with the Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi, Very Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka was not removed from the Adoration Ministry, as many reports are suggesting.

    “Rather, according to Fr. Achi, since it was recommended that Fr. Mbaka takes time away in solitude, in order to listen to what the Spirit of God has to tell him, he was allowed to propose a priest to administer, in the interim, to the faithful at the Adoration Ministry.

    “With the approval of his Bishop, on Sunday, 2 October 2022, Fr. Mbaka introduced Fr. Anthony Amadi to the worshippers.

    “Unfortunately, some people were still not pleased, and would prefer that Fr. Mbaka remains.

    “What every true Christian, and especially every true Catholic, should do at this moment is to commit our dear brother and priest, Fr. Mbaka, to God in prayer so that he may, through this moment, encounter God specially, come out stronger and better in recognizing His will for him and gain more graces to channel those rare gifts for His glory and for the sanctification of the people of God and society at large.

    “The Church loves Fr. Mbaka and cherishes him as an illustrious son.

    ”May our Mother Mary, the Queen of all Apostles, intercede for him. Amen”.

  • Father Mbaka sent packing from Adoration Ministry

    Father Mbaka sent packing from Adoration Ministry

    Controversial catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has been transferred out from the Adoration Ministry.

    The Adoration Ministry, which was shut down three months ago, was re-opened yesterday, Sunday.

    However, in the place of Fr. Mbaka, another clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi has been posted to take charge of the Adoration Ministry.

    Mbaka has been sent to Monastery. The transfer is with immediate effect.

    Details to follow…

  • Bishop Kukah charges political actors to be disciplined as electioneering campaigns beckon

    Bishop Kukah charges political actors to be disciplined as electioneering campaigns beckon

    The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has called for discipline among political actors, as parties prepare for campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Kukah made the call at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s 2022 peace conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kukah, a panellist at the conference electoral violence in Nigeria was attributable to lack of discipline among political actors.

    “Ordinary Nigerians have no problem with religion; it is the manipulation and systemic manipulation of our different identities that is responsible for our violence,’’ he stressed.

    He charged religion leaders to do their best to sensitise the public on the need for peace, but insisted that political actors must play their roles.

    Another panellist, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said elected officials should regard themselves as being privileged or opportune to participate and contribute to nation building.

    He said Nigeria needed a president who would be a leader for Nigerians across board and not a sectional leader.

    In his contribution, the Regional Director for Africa at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Prof. Christopher Fomunyoh, said Nigeria could not afford to erode its past election gains in 2023.

    The NDI is a non-profit American NGO that works with partners in developing countries to increase the effectiveness of democratic institutions.

    “Elections have consequences; peaceful elections have a lot of benefits,’’ Fomunyoh, also a panellist said.

    He stressed that other African countries were looking up to Nigeria as the giant on the continent to conduct peaceful elections.

    “No country stumbles into credible, meaningful elections by chance; there has to be a national consensus that the citizens want meaningful elections.

    “Once that national consensus is there, it is going to raise the bar for stakeholders to comply with that national consensus.

    “The political leaders should make sure in their conversations with their supporters that they talk about non-violent elections,’’ he stressed.

    Executive Director at Centre for Democracy and Development, Dr Idayat Hassan, in her contribution, urged all stakeholders to take responsibility toward a successful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

    “It is not enough for us to point accusing fingers towards the electoral umpire; we all need to take responsibility,’’ she said.

    The Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Ms Cynthia Mbamalu, also a panellist, said political actors, media and civil societies must play their roles properly to ensure a peaceful election in 2023.

    Mbamalu said there was also the need for security agencies to pledge their alliance to the nation’s Constitution and not to a ruling party.

    She also called for uniformity in the implementation of rules and regulations guiding the conduct of elections.

    She said preparation for campaigns should not entail the amassing of arms and ammunition by politicians who should instead be sensitising their supporters to embrace peaceful conduct.

    In his remarks, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, said Nigeria must seize the opportunity of the 2023 general elections to address injustices facing the country.

    The theme of the conference was “Nation building: The role of peaceful elections in a multi-ethnic context.’’

  • Catholic Church resumes hand shake during Mass

    Catholic Church resumes hand shake during Mass

    The Catholic Church has announced the resumption of the traditional handshake in churches, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius IIwejur-Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri diocese said in a statement that worshippers were to resume the “Kiss of Peace” during Eucharistic and other events in the liturgical celebrations of the Church.

    The statement was signed by Rev. Fr. Cosmas Uzoigwe Personal Assistant to the Archbishop, and released through the National Director of Social Communications of the Church, Fr Mike Umoh, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The statement was addressed to all Priests and Lay faithful in Owerri Archdiocese.

    “It would be recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to pronounce stringent guidelines which affected our liturgical worship, and one of such was that which restrained all from shaking hands during Mass.

    “The resolution to commence the liturgical gesture of shaking of hands came following the proceedings of the recently concluded Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria held at Orlu.

    “We thank God who led us through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we pray Him to bless us always with His presence,” the Archbishop said.

  • APGA chair congratulates Cardinal Okpaleke, Soludo

    APGA chair congratulates Cardinal Okpaleke, Soludo

    Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has joined millions of Catholic faithful in Nigeria to congratulate Bishop Peter Okpalaeke of the Diocese of Ekwulobia on his elevation to the rank of cardinal.

    Okpalaeke was installed a cardinal by Pope Francis alongside other 20 bishops in a consistory held at the St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City, Rome on Aug. 27.

    In a message made available to newsmen on Sunday, Oye who was in Rome to witness the installation of the new cardinals described Okpalaeke as God’s gift to Nigeria.

    He thanked the Pope for finding Okpalaeke, who hails from Anambra,  worthy of the elevation.

    He said it was a sign of greater things to come to the state and the country.

    According to Oye, Okpalaeke’s shining qualities of humility, steadfastness, courage, godliness and patience in the face of adversity stood him out.

    “I pray to God for continued grace and humility in his (Okpaleke) service to God and humanity as he assumes a greater role in His vineyard,” he said.

    Oye also felicitated the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the people as the state marked 31st anniversary of its creation.

    He said Anambra had experienced consistent harmony, progress and development under APGA since 2006,  adding that “for Anambra, it is so far so good”.

    He urged Soludo to remain focused and implement the people-oriented manifesto of APGA for the greater good of the larger number of people.

    He called on Anambra residents to give the governor maximum support.

    Bishop Okpalaeke, the second cardinal of Anambra origin after Francis Cardinal Arinze was born on March 1, 1963 at Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He was ordained a priest on Aug. 22, 1992.