Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh was at Stella Maris College, Umueri yesterday for Mass, Confirmation and the school feast.
His point: stop treating the school as nobody’s job. Help build it. And “Stella” means star — you shine by learning, not by wasting the years.
He thanked Fr Anthony Dinyelu, staff, parents and the girls.
📸 CADIAG
#BishopDenisChidiIsizoh #StellaMarisUmueri #CatholicDioceseOfAguleri
ARCHBISHOP UGORJI PAYS PASTORAL VISIT TO STACC, FUTO
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has commenced a pastoral visit to the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy (STACC), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
The Archbishop was received by the Vice-Chancellor, FUTO, Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, alongside members of the University Management team.
“YOU ARE HEROES FOR THE WORK YOU DO”
In his homily, Archbishop Ugorji commended the chaplaincy's commitment to the spiritual formation of students, urging those involved in their formation to allow their lives to speak louder than their words.
He encouraged them to lead by spiritual example, humility and good conduct, noting that students often learn more from the lives of their mentors than from their spoken words.
The Archbishop described the chaplains and those entrusted with the students' spiritual formation as locus parentis—those who stand in the place of parents in the lives of the students—and prayed that God would continue to bless their service.
He also urged the students to shun social vices, embrace Christ and remain focused on their academic pursuits.
A significant highlight of the pastoral visit was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Archbishop to eligible candidates.
FUTO Management officials accompanying the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Development and Innovation, Prof. E. B. Etuk; University Registrar, Mr Chiedozie Uba; Bursar, Mrs Ebere Nwadike; and University Librarian, Dr Mrs Justina Ekere.
Source: FUTO - Nigeria
#FUTONews #FUTO #STACC #PastoralVisit #CatholicArchdioceseOfOwerri
The world watched the heartwarming scene with admiration and love as six young men served Pope Leo XIV at the Holy Mass at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The young men, namely Théophile, Maxime, François, Foucauld, Timothée and Jérôme, who had the special privilege to serve the Pope at the altar at one of most significant occasions in recent times, have a story to tell about how they were chosen for the once in a lifetime blessing.
Sometime ago, during an audience with Pope Leo at the Vatican to the Lejeune Foundation, eleven-year-old Théophile handed over a letter to the Pope, signed by the six altar servers requesting an opportunity to serve the papal Mass when he would be visiting Paris. His wish was granted by the Pope and he was taught the art of serving at the altar by another young man with down syndrome, Maxime. The duo was joined by François, Foucauld, Timothée and Jérôme in Paris.
The noble gesture garnered wide praise from various corners, opening a new vista of acceptance for people with down syndrome. Representing ‘Down España’, a Spanish organization advocating for people with Down syndrome, Icíar De La Peña called decisión “a beautiful gesture that should help us see naturally that people with Down syndrome are exactly the same as any of us and, therefore, can and should participate as equals in our society”. “Intellectual disability does not prevent a person from having spiritual and religious convictions, nor should it prevent their participation in the life of the Church and their presence within it” she added.
Source: Shalom World News
#popeleoxiv #paris #popeandkids #shalomworldnews #apostolicjourneytofrance
Catholic to Catholic — a short note on that picture.
What looks strange is the staff. We are used to the bishop’s crozier: the curved shepherd’s hook. That is the ordinary sign of his pastoral office. A straight staff with a crucifix looks like the papal ferula, so many of us doubt the photo.
There is no Church law that reserves the ferula to the Pope alone. Bishops are not forbidden to carry a staff of that form. The curved crozier is the custom; the crucifix staff is permitted.
The modern papal ferula with the Crucified on top became regular only with St. Paul VI in 1965. Later Popes have used it the same way a bishop uses his crozier.
So the picture is real. Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, carried the same style of staff in October 2022. Unusual, yes. Against the liturgy, no.
The crozier shows the local shepherd. The ferula shows the Cross he must follow. Both are acceptable. We learn daily.
@FrUgochukwu@frmarcellinus kindly help with further clarification 🙏
#Catholic #Liturgy #Crozier #Ferula
Catholic to Catholic:
Take a good look at this picture. What seems strange to you about it? Do you have an explanation for it? Let’s hear it. We learn every day.
REFLECTION FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
First reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Second reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS
Dear friend in Christ, today is the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our liturgy today invites us to turn back to God, live out our faith, and let our actions speak louder than our words.
In the first reading, the prophecy of Ezekiel reminds us that the sinner who renounces sin and chooses to live rightly shall certainly live, while turning from righteousness to sin brings its consequences.
In the second reading, St. Paul calls us to be united in love, avoid competition and conceit, consider others better than ourselves, and imitate the humility of Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives the parable of the two sons. One initially refused but later went to the vineyard, while the other said yes but did not go. Jesus teaches that doing the Father’s will matters more than words, pointing to the tax collectors and prostitutes who believed John and changed their ways.
Dearly beloved in Christ, action speaks louder than words. In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of two sons. One said no to his father but later changed his mind and went to work, while the other said yes but never went. This connects beautifully with what we have been reflecting on in the past two Sundays. Two Sundays ago, we were reminded about forgiveness and reconciliation, while last Sunday we reflected on the generosity of God, who is fair and generous even to those who come at the eleventh hour. Today, we are reminded that our response to God cannot remain in words; it must be seen in our lives.
The first reading reminds us that God does not desire the death of the sinner. The sinner who renounces sin and chooses to live rightly can begin again. It also reminds us of the seriousness of turning away from the right path. This is where metanoia comes in: a change of heart, a turning around, a U-turn. We must continually examine the direction of our lives and be willing to change whenever we realise that we are moving away from God.
Brethren, this is why Jesus’ reference to the tax collectors and prostitutes is so striking. Their past did not prevent them from responding to God’s call. They believed John and changed their ways, while the chief priests and elders, despite seeing and hearing these things, refused to believe and change. Jesus was not approving of their former way of life; He was showing that those who humbly respond to God and turn from their old ways can enter the Kingdom. Sometimes, the person we consider a sinner may be making a sincere U-turn, while we who consider ourselves righteous may still be refusing to change.
The second reading shows us what this change requires: the humility of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the Father. If we truly want to forgive, reconcile, make peace and change our ways, we must sometimes let go of our pride and be willing to take the first step. So, the question today is not simply, “What have I said?” but “What am I doing?” May our “yes” to God be more than words. May our actions reflect our faith, may the humility of Christ teach us to let go of pride, and may we always have the courage to make a U-turn and return to God whenever we go astray. Amen. Happy Sunday. Have a blessed Sunday.
Happy the one the Lord has chosen as His heritage
~ Adebiyi Ayodeji
#SundayReflection
#Metanoia
#Obedience
#Action
Joy in Bauchi. ✝️
The Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Nanman Dachelem, CMF, and the entire diocesan family joyfully announce the priestly ordination of four deacons and the diaconate ordination of one candidate.
To the Priesthood
Rev. Raymond Gokop
Rev. Sunday Vehmintah
Rev. Kefas Joshua
Rev. Benedict Sabo Ezekiel
To the Diaconate
Bro. Felix Williams Yumtu
📅 Tuesday, 29 September 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. prompt
📍 St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Bauchi
Come, let us pray. Come, let us celebrate this sacred moment of grace as these servants respond to God’s call.
“You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.”
🎥 Catholic Diocese of Bauchi | Caritas Television, Bauchi Diocese
#CatholicDioceseOfBauchi #BauchiDiocese #PriestlyOrdination #DiaconateOrdination #HolyOrders #Vocations
The Prince of the Church has spoken.
“It is not the duty of governors to tell people how they should vote.” — John Cardinal Onaiyekan
🎥 Afia
#JohnCardinalOnaiyekan#Election
A grandfather’s heart must be filled with indescribable joy to witness his grandson receive the sacred ministry of the transitory diaconate.
Rev. Timothy Senibi was present at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Korede-Kabba, yesterday, as his grandson was ordained a deacon alongside three other seminarians. What a beautiful and grace-filled moment for the family, especially for a grandfather witnessing his grandson take another step towards the priesthood.
May the Lord bless the newly ordained deacons, strengthen them in their vocation, and grant them the grace to serve His people faithfully and generously. Amen.
📸 Catholic Diocese of Lokoja
#CatholicDioceseOfLokoja
Rev. Peterpaul Chinonso Chukwudebelu, one of the four priestly ordinands, shares his inspiring journey to the priesthood, from his days as an altar server to the seminary.
Coming from a devoted Catholic family and being the second child, his story is a beautiful testimony of faith, service and responding to God’s call. 🙏🏽✝️
🎥 Credit: CADIAG
#CatholicX #CatholicDioceseOfAguleri #PriestlyVocation #CatholicPriest
The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe announces the funeral of Rev. Fr. Dr. (Barr.) Anthony Chidi Uzodimma Onyenagada (1971–2026), Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Ikperejere. Funeral Mass today at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Okigwe. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
#CatholicDioceseOfOkigwe
Heavenly Father, I lift my mutuals up to You today. May You surround them with Your love, guide their steps and grant them the grace to remain faithful to You in all they do. May their lives continually bear witness to Your goodness and power.
Lord Jesus, as Herod was puzzled about who You were because of all that was being done through You, may the works You accomplish in the lives of my mutuals speak for them. May those who see them recognise Your presence, favour and grace upon their lives.
Father, confuse every plan of the enemy against them and protect them from those who seek to harm, frustrate or bring them down. Give them peace, wisdom and courage, and let no evil plan prevail over them. May their identity and purpose remain secure in You, and may their lives bring glory to Your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
May Christ Himself bless you, your day and all your endeavours today ☘️
I came across the trending video of Rev. Isaac Omolehin speaking about Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh and the Catholic Church, and I think he spoke well. His key message is what should be the focus, rather than the unnecessary comparisons that some people have turned the conversation into.
As Catholics, we do not need to prove the worth of the Church or her priests through wealth, social status or connections. Yes, there are Catholic priests who are wealthy and others who are well connected, but these things are not the measure of a priest's worth or his standing before God.
What should matter is the message: our calling is ultimately about Christ, service, humility and the salvation of souls. The example of St. Francis of Assisi reminds us of the importance of simplicity and detachment from material possessions. It is not about condemning wealth, but about ensuring that wealth never becomes the measure of our faith or vocation.
So, rather than turning Rev. Omolehin's message into a Catholic versus other churches or a Catholic priest versus other pastors/General overseers comparison, I believe we should reflect on the substance of what he said. There is much more value in taking the message to heart than in trying to prove who has more, who is richer or who is better connected.
I have also written about Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh before, in the post below, and I believe it is worth sharing again in the context of this conversation. Check it out below 👇
Saint of the Day: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (1887–1968), popularly known as Padre Pio, was born in the small village of Pietrelcina in southern Italy. He joined the Capuchin friars at the age of 16 and was ordained a priest seven years later. He spent about fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he became widely sought after as a spiritual adviser, confessor and intercessor.
Padre Pio was gifted with extraordinary mystical experiences, including the stigmata, which he received in 1918 and bore for the rest of his life. He was also associated with the spiritual gift of bilocation, with numerous people reporting that they encountered him in places far from where he was physically present. Many miracles were popularly attributed to his prayers and intercession during his lifetime.
He was deeply devoted to prayer, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and dedicated himself to bringing souls closer to God. He died in 1968, a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of receiving the stigmata, and more than 100,000 people attended his funeral.
Saint Pio is especially invoked as a patron and spiritual intercessor for those seeking conversion, reconciliation, healing and strength in suffering. His life reminds us of the power of prayer, the mercy of God and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ even in the midst of suffering.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us. 🙏🏽
Good morning ☀️
Today, remember that God has given you everything you need for the journey ahead. Do not allow fear, rejection or yesterday’s disappointments to hold you back. Walk confidently, trusting that God is going before you, guiding your steps and providing what you need at the right time.
Keep doing good, keep believing and keep moving forward. Wherever you go today, be a source of hope, kindness and encouragement. May God bless the work of your hands, strengthen you when you are weary and make your day fruitful and peaceful. Have a blessed day. ✨