Religion

Cleric Tasks Christians on Perseverance

By Web News 156

By Fasilat Lawal

Christians are urged to imbibe the spirit of perseverance, sacrifice and harmony as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Reverend Father Emmanuel Adebisi of St.Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke Are, gave the charge while delivering a homily at St. Ignatius of Loyola, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Old Ife Road, Agodi Ibadan, Oyo State, at the mass to celebrate Palm Sunday.

The Reverend Father said Palm Sunday was a day when Christians reflect on their lives and strengthen their faith in the Lord.

He maintained that Jesus Christ did not enter Jerusalem on a horse as a warrior, but on a donkey, which was a symbol of peace and humility. 

The cleric enjoined the congregants to believe in hope, which the day also signifies, assuring the people that challenges confronting the country would be overcome. 

He appealed to the political office holders not to betray the trust and confidence imposed on them by citizens who elected them into power, but to work for their well-being.

Earlier, during a procession, the worshippers held palm leaves to symbolise Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. 

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Communication

Clergy, Professionals Rub Minds on Challenges of Media at Parley

By Web News 452

By Rotimi Famakin

Overcoming some of the challenges confronting media sector in Nigeria as well as the current dwindling economic took centre stage at a media parley organized by the Directorate of Social Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ibadan.

The event which climaxed the communication week of the church held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Oke Padre was preceded by the church mass and presentation of Pope Francis message on the Communication Day.

Addressing the participants, the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Ibadan zonal Station, Mr Dominic Mokikan represented by the Deputy Director News and Current Affairs, FRCN, Ibadan, Mr Adewunmi Faniran said  Radio Nigeria had not lagged in the responsibilities of presenting both positive and negative public opinions to government.

Mr Mokikan, who said that FRCN would continue to maintain professionalism in informing and educating government and members of the public noted that FRCN possesses the institution and instincts for personnel career development.

Representatives of veteran journalists, General manager, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Mr Goke Adelokun and Director of Social Communication of the church, Reverend Father Anthony Akiwowo harped on the danger of unemployment posed by Artificial Intelligence for the active sector of Nigerian population, it’s dynamics in human relationship  and the need to harness the opportunities that comes with the new inventions for survival.

Earlier at a holy mass where Pope Francis message on 2024 Communication Day was presented to the church by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, The Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin said God instituted communication from creation, saying modern technology had simplified human communication system.

The Most Reverend  Abegunrin urged Nigerians to be guided by wisdom and engage Artificial Intelligence responsibly for human development rather than for destruction.

Addressing newsmen, the cleric condemned inadequacies of government that are currently reflected in the lack of infrastructure in all sectors of the country.

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan while bemoaning the current labour wage also expressed displeasure over obsolete media gadgets still in use in some media establishments.

The cleric, however, urged professionals in the media industry not to be daunted but relentlessly present public aspirations to government without intimidation.

Aside special prayers for journalists, the event also featured thanksgiving for the church media men and executives, holy Communion and Bible reading.

Security

No Priest Was Abducted – Ondo Catholic Church

By Web News 710

Ondo Catholic Church says no priest was adopted in attack which rocked St. Francis Catholic, Owo.
This was stated in a Press Release Signed by the Director, Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Augustine IK WU.

The statement says that while the Holy Mass was going on, unknown Gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, leaving many dead and scores injured and the Church violated.

It adds that the identity of the perpetrators remains unknow while the situation has left the community devastated.

The statement further states that security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation.

It urges everyone to continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.

The Bishop appeals to people to remain calm, be law abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to the community, state and country.

Dupe Isename / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Religion

Pope’s choice of Nigerian cardinal, a good omen – PMB

By Web News 531

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness with Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese, Anambra State, as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church.

Bishop Okpaleke becomes the fourth Cardinal from Nigeria after Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie, and John Onaiyekan.

He is among the 21 new Cardinals Pope Francis announced on 29 May.

President Buhari commended the Pope for finding a capable Nigerian to be one of the two nominees  from the African Continent, and congratulated the Nigerian Christian Community on the Pope’s choice, describing the Cardinal-designate as ably qualified, stressing that having him in that position will benefit the country.

The President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigerian.

He also highlighted the effort of the Church in combatting the Covid-19  pandemic, as well as its support and commitment in favour of the poor and most vulnerable members of the society.

Abdullah Bello

Crime

We won’t pay ransom for kidnapped priests – Catholic Church

By Web News 575

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has berated the persistent incidents of kidnap in the country.

The Church posited that the kidnap of priests was a reflection of the degenerated state of the country’s system.

The Director, Social Communication Commission, Reverend Anthony Omodunbi who represented the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Osun State, Most Reverend John Oyebola gave the disclosure, while fielding questions from members of Osun NUJ Correspondents’Chapel journalists in Osogbo.

Reverend Oyebola insisted that the position of the church not to pay ransom for kidnappers to secure release for any of its priests and official is still intact. 

While reacting to the kidnap of two priests and two others at the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, located in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, he said, “the church authority has not changed the position that we won’t pay ransom for freedom of priests and any of its personnel.” 

He further explained that, “when clerics are being kidnapped, it shows how degenerated we have become as a country, when you hear that a priest has been kidnapped, you should be sure that 20 other Nigerians have been kidnapped without us knowing.” 

Reverend Oyebola added that, “the church will continue to sensitize the congregation that everybody should be security conscious and avoid anything that could attract kidnappers to them.

“We shall continue to speak to the state that they are failing in their responsibilities of security and welfare, Clerics should continue to ensure security for themselves as long as it is lawful.”

Adenitan Akinola

Religion

Catholic Church Suspends Father Mbaka

By Web News 848

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has suspended Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka from church activities for one month due to the priest’s engagement in political matters as against his theological calling.

Mbaka was asked to proceed on suspension with effect from May 3 after being summoned by the diocesan bishop, Callistus Valentine Onaga.

Bishop Onaga had warned that his conduct was smearing the church’s image, the largest of any Christian organization worldwide.

Reverend Mbaka’s has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari administration over the widespread of killings across the nation.

Speaking at the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Mbaka said it is wrong for the president to maintain grave silence despite the incessant killings in the country.

He accused the government of being behind several killings across the country.

The cleric also spoke about the activities of herders that destroy the farmland of people without any repercussion.

FRCN Abuja