Every human being is worthy by the mere fact of having been willed, created, and loved by God. There is no situation that causes the Lord to turn His gaze away from us. It is a consoling truth that accompanies us at all times and reminds us that His merciful love always outweighs whatever good or evil we may have done. #ApostolicJourney
https://t.co/W0PUAtuB92
Sad: Our Children Are Now Pawns in a Deadly Ransom Economy
It’s heartbreaking to report yet another bandit attack on a school, barely three weeks after over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted and are still languishing in the forest.
The security situation in Kogi State has taken another tragic turn with a brutal bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu LGA. Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms invaded the school during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted a mass abduction of students.
Reports from the scene indicate that local security personnel and vigilantes actively resisted the attackers and frustrated their abduction attempt.
Making educational institutions soft targets is a direct assault on the nation’s future. It creates a psychological barrier to school enrolment and worsens Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, disproportionately forcing young girls out of formal education due to fear. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than being unable to protect its children.
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life while gallantly defending the children entrusted to his care. May God grant his soul eternal repose.-PO
Every truly just society is built upon the recognition of the inviolable dignity of the human person. Such dignity precedes any concession by the State and cannot be subordinated to shifting social consensus. It belongs to every human being by the very fact of their existence, and for this reason, it must guide every positive legal system. When this conviction remains alive, the law becomes a safeguard for all and a guarantee against the imposition of particular interests and agendas. #ApostolicJourney
https://t.co/FaELbiAnPk
We must fight ethnic profiling in the interest of a united Nigeria. Only through unity, justice, fairness, and equal opportunities for all citizens can we build a stronger and more prosperous nation. Together, we can promote national cohesion and ensure that every Nigerian is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or region. 🇳🇬
A New Nigeria is Possible.
The human heart is not filled by accumulating experiences, possibilities, or temporary guarantees; it is filled when it discovers a call, when it understands that life reaches fullness only if it is given. Following Christ does not impoverish existence, but expands it. #ApostolicJourney
When the PDP was destroying Nigeria, fuel was N87, gas was 150, rice 8k/bag, dollars N190.
Today that Tinubu is fixing Nigeria, fuel is N1400, gas 2k, rice 65k, dollars N1400.
Tonight’s prayer vigil with Pope Leo XIV turned Madrid into a giant chapel under the open sky: 600,000 young people, absolute silence, and Jesus in the Eucharist at the center. Only Jesus can draw 600,000 people to their knees in silence with the Pope in Spain.
On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and during his first visit to Spain, Pope Leo made history: for the first time ever, the Successor of Peter carried the Eucharist on foot through the streets of Madrid.
Although St. John Paul II visited Spain five times and Benedict XVI made three visits, the country had never witnessed a Eucharistic procession like this led by the Pope himself.
A historic moment for the Church in Spain and the world.
Video: Alvaro de Juana / EWTN News
This is the view of 1.2 million people from above. This is happening in Madrid, in the famous Plaza de Cibeles and its surroundings, where Pope Leo XIV will preside over the solemn Corpus Christi Mass, followed by a historic procession.
Friends, we’ve come to the great Solemnity of Corpus Christi—a celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Our first reading mentions the “manna” that fed the Israelites in the desert—a mysterious bread from heaven described in the book of Exodus. This is then correlated to the Eucharist, the bread from heaven that Jesus gives us, in our Gospel from the sixth chapter of John. I want to explore four dimensions of this relationship between manna and the Eucharist: https://t.co/QYEMiHsJen
Jesus made something that seemed completely impossible possible.
Listen to Fr. Mike's full Sunday homily in the Ascension app or wherever you get your podcasts!
Gospel of the Day (Matthew 5,1-12)
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
https://t.co/yJRnPDsUk2
Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive.
As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.
I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.
Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.
Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law.
We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.
Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain.
A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this.
A new Nigeria is within our reach. -PO
Madrid witnessed something extraordinary today: Pope Leo XIV carrying our Eucharistic Lord through its streets on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. As thousands followed in prayer and adoration, the scene reflected the beauty of this ancient feast.
But Madrid was not alone. Across the world, Catholics gathered to carry Jesus in the Eucharist through their streets, publicly proclaiming their faith in His Real Presence.
Corpus Christi is more than a tradition—it is living faith made visible. Wherever the Eucharistic Lord was carried in procession today, in Madrid, throughout Spain, throughout the world, there beat the heart of the Church.
I invite you to be new threads to weave new networks that harmonize every aspect of life for a renewed society in which time is imbued with eternity, culture preserves memory and fosters dialogue, education promotes the search for truth with a critical spirit, art awakens wonder and gives rise to noble emotions, business recognizes the dignity of each person, and work continues to be a driving force for hope. #ApostolicJourney https://t.co/2IeHrzWmSb
Gospel of the Day (Matthew 9:9-13)
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
https://t.co/EOp9xqVRv2
A Faithful Father in the Faith at 85
On behalf of my family, I join millions of believers and well-wishers across the world in celebrating your 85th birthday, Papa Kumuyi.
For decades, you have exemplified integrity, humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Through your teachings, leadership, and personal example, you have inspired and transformed countless lives across generations and nations.
As you mark this milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, renewed strength, and greater wisdom to keep impacting lives and advancing His Kingdom.
Happy 85th Birthday, Papa Kumuyi. May your light continue to shine brightly. -PO