FOR COUPLES AND THOSE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED By Tobe Eze

FOR COUPLES AND THOSE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED

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FOR OUR MEN:

Carry your wife to the bed when she sleeps off in the sitting room, make her feel like a baby at times. The truth is, every woman wants to be treated like a 2yrs old girl at times, that's why women behave childish or silly at times. You may have an argument with your wife and the next thing is that you will see her putting her bags outside the house, it doesn't mean she is asking for a divorce, she is just being childish, she simply wants you to hold her, look her in the eyes and say "I am sorry for the argument". That's women for you. Every brother needs to study in the University of Women before getting married, read books about them, learn what the Bible says about them and you will hardly have a problem with them. Continue Reading

New Year Day. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God By Tobe Eze

New Year Day.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

FIRST READING
Numbers 6:22—27

SECOND READING
Galatians 4:4—7

GOSPEL
Luke 2:16—21

THEME: THIS IS NEW YEAR, THANK YOU LORD.

It is not all those we started last year with are present now witnessing the New Year. It not also all those who were healthy last year are healthy now in this year. Many have died and many are seriously sick. But we are here some alive and sound and some alive just little unsound. PRAISE BE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BOTH NOW AND FOREVER AMEN! We are to sing, jump, clap and dance onto the Lord for his goodness to us. Where shall we start? (Ebee ka anyị ga ebido ma ebee ka anyị ga akwụsị?) The Lord is good. In the first reading because of his love for us, he gave format for blessing us. The LORD said to Moses: "Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." His love for us is too much to be counted. In the second reading, he also in the appointed time gave us the Son through her mother to also make us his own sons and heirs to his kingdom. Continue Reading

Christmas Mass During the Day By Tobe Eze

Mass During the Day

FIRST READING
Isaiah 52:7—10

SECOND READING
Hebrews 1:1—6

GOSPEL
Longer Form John 1:1—18

THEME: CHRISTMAS OF JOY.

This is Christmas, let us shout Alleluia, this is Christmas, let us shout Hosanna. Christmas is back again. Since four weeks we have been preparing for this very day. This day is a great day to the Church and the whole world. Christ is born to us, Glory be to God. Christmas is for all, not for only Christians. Those who say it is not for them also notice it and also obey it. I went to the market to buy wrist watch. When I approached an Hausa man popularly called ABOKI to bargain for it, he told me #1200. I asked him why and he answered. “This is season, Christmas is at the corner. When you also meet those practicing African Traditional Religion (ATR) they also repeat the same thing. Which means it is for all. But all these are physical things. This Christmas of Joy, how joyful is it when many around us are in agony and we can liberate them from it? How joyful is it, when the one who offended us since last year, we are yet to forgive them and not even ready to forgive? (Ikpe mụ na gị bụzị n’ eligwu) How joyful is it, when our neighbours, friends, blood brothers or sisters and relations etc have nothing to use in this Christmas and we have more than required and still we don’t want to help out in this situation? Christ brings Joy to the world. Continue Reading

4th Sunday of Advent Year A By Tobe Eze

4th Sunday of Advent Year A

FIRST READING
Isaiah 7:10—14

SECOND READING
Romans 1:1—7

GOSPEL
Matthew 1:18—24

THEME: DO NOT FEAR, HE IS WITH US.

In the first reading Ahaz noticed that the Lord is with him and he said "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" DO WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT THE LORD IS WITH US THESE DAYS? In the second reading St. Paul also recognized that the Lord is with him and he said “Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God”. He made himself a slave because he knew that one with God is majority. In the Gospel, Joseph also noticed the presence of God through the Angel that came to him in his dream, and he acted according to the words of the Angel for he knows it is the word of God. Joseph passed through hardship provided he protects the child and mother. A righteous man like him passed through those hardships. As children of God, are we to encounter any disturbing thing in life as Joseph did? Some of our Christians today say that in Matthew 11:28-30 the Bible said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  That Jesus did not plane for his people to pass through any disturbing thing in life. Jesus in this chapter and verses of the Bible did not mean that we are going to enjoy painless life. Continue Reading

3rd Sunday of Advent Year A Gaudate Sunday. By Tobe Eze

3rd Sunday of Advent Year A Gaudate Sunday.

FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1—6a, 10

SECOND READING
James 5:7—10

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:2—11

THEME: BE PATIENT, HE IS COMING WITH JOY.

Because of the joy he will bring to us, the Holy Mother Church named today GAUDATE SUNDAY. The name "Gaudete Sunday" is taken from the words of the introit, Gaudete in Domino semper, "rejoice in the Lord always." The Scriptural basis for this Sunday comes from Philippians 4:4,5. Similar to Laetare Sunday during Lent, Gaudete Sunday is a minor "break" from the more penitential nature of the Advent season, and signals a shift from a penitential style of waiting to a more joyful tone. In the past, when organs and flowers were forbidden during the Advent Season, they were permitted during Gaudete Sunday. Because of the more joyful tone of Gaudete Sunday, rose colored (pink) vestments may be used instead of the normal violet ones. Also, the rose colored Advent candle is lit. Continue Reading

How the Catholic Church could help the crisis in the DRC

How the Catholic Church could help the crisis in the DRC

In late September, Pope Francis met with the controversial president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila.

But instead of greeting him in the same room where he usually meets other visiting leaders, a “glum looking Francis” waited for President Kabila in his library. Many interpreted the breach of protocol with Kabila as a subtle Vatican snub. 

During the brief exchange, translated through interpreters, the Pope raised his concerns over the recent violent protests in the country, due to delayed elections. 

Political unrest in Congo under Kabila has been increasing since January 2015, after a bill proposed that Kabila could remain in power while a national census was conducted, potentially delaying presidential and parliamentary elections. Continue Reading

How one young Ethiopian made 300 Christian converts

How one young Ethiopian made 300 Christian converts

A distant part of Ethiopia last week celebrated the baptisms of 300 adult catechumens, youth, and infants.

“Today when you receive this great Sacrament of Baptism you become sons and daughters of God, people of God and members of the Church; this brings great joy in heaven and great joy on earth for the entire Church,” Bishop Lesanu-Christos Matheos Semahun of the Bahir Dar-Dessie Ethiopian eparchy said in his Nov. 27 homily.

The newly baptized bore candles and lit them as a sign of Christ’s light, the Catholic News Agency for Africa reports.

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This cloistered nun got her doctorate in aerospace engineering

This cloistered nun got her doctorate in aerospace engineering

A cloistered nun in India came out of her convent for an extraordinary reason: to attend a graduation ceremony for her doctorate in Aerospace Engineering.

“I had joined the religious order after my final oral exam last year, and this was the first time I came out after that. The rules of our order forbid us from going out of the convent, but I was given special permission to attend the convocation,” Sister Benedicta of the Holy Face told Matters India over the summer.

The 32-year-old nun lives in a cloistered convent of the Benedictine Sisters of the Reparation of the Holy Face. Continue Reading

Terrorist threats may suspend Masses in Philippines capital

Terrorist threats may suspend Masses in Philippines capital

An uptick in terrorist activity may cause Masses and other liturgical celebrations to be suspended in the capital city of Manila, Philippines, the country’s bishop’s conference has announced. 

“The church, for practical purposes, will be more than willing to suspend any liturgical activity if there are threats to the safety of churchgoers,” said Father Jerome Secillano of the bishop conference's public affairs committee, according to reports from UCANews. 

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Three ways to obtain an indulgence for the 100-year Fatima anniversary By Maria Ximena Rondon

Three ways to obtain an indulgence for the 100-year Fatima anniversary
By Maria Ximena Rondon

For the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, Pope Francis has decided to grant a plenary indulgence opportunity throughout the entire anniversary year, which began Nov. 27, 2016, and will end Nov. 26, 2017.

The rector of the Fatima Shrine in Portugal, André Pereira, explained to EWTN News that the plenary indulgence can be obtained during the entire Jubilee Year. There are three ways of obtaining the indulgence, detailed in a statement on the shrine's website.

To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful must also fulfill the ordinary conditions: go to Confession and Communion, be interiorly detached from sin, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. Continue Reading

Nigerian Catholics reflect on mercy: God never fails to forgive

Nigerian Catholics reflect on mercy: God never fails to forgive

As the Catholic Church’s Year of Mercy came to a close, a gathering of Nigerians took the time to reflect on God’s mercy and prayed to be more merciful towards others in their lives.

“All who are suffering and who feel that God is distant should have recourse to the mercy of God who forgives and who cannot abandon his children,” the Catholic Biblical Association of Nigeria said in a statement. “God does not give up on anyone; and we should not give up on God.”

The association issued the statement at the close of its four-day annual convention, which took inspiration from the Year of Mercy that concluded Nov. 20. Continue Reading

Doctors warn Australian state against legalizing euthanasia

Doctors warn Australian state against legalizing euthanasia

The government of the Australian state of Victoria is looking to legalize euthanasia in 2017, but physicians have warned of the risk of diminishing palliative care, already underutilized and underfunded.

A committee of Victorian Members of Parliament recommended in June legalizing voluntary euthansia under limited circumstances, after looking at similar laws elsewhere. A panel was then established to advise the government on an appropriate model, and the government's deadline to respond is Dec. 9. Continue Reading

South Africa says assisted suicide will remain illegal

South Africa says assisted suicide will remain illegal

While countries around the world such as Canada, Germany and Japan have passed legislation to legalize physician assisted suicide, one has ruled to reject it: South Africa. 

The country's Supreme Court of Appeals overturned a high court ruling on Tuesday that would have allowed Robin Stransham-Ford, a 65-year-old retiree who had prostate cancer, to kill himself with the help of a doctor. 

“A court addressing these issues needs to be aware of differing cultural values and attitudes within our diverse population,” the Supreme Court stated, according to the Daily Mail. Continue Reading

Immaculate Conception By Catholic Encyclopedia

Immaculate Conception

Help support New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99...

The doctrine

In the Constitution Ineffabilis Deus of 8 December, 1854, Pius IX pronounced and defined that the Blessed Virgin Mary "in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."

"The Blessed Virgin Mary..."

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What is the Immaculate Conception?

Question: "What is the Immaculate Conception?"

Answer: Many people mistakenly believe that the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ conception was most assuredly immaculate—that is, without the stain of sin—but the Immaculate Conception does not refer to Jesus at all. The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in regards to Mary, Jesus’ mother. The official statement of the doctrine reads, “The blessed Virgin Mary to have been, from the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus the Savior of Mankind, preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, December 1854). Essentially, the Immaculate Conception is the belief that Mary was protected from original sin, that Mary did not have a sin nature and was, in fact, sinless.

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Mary's Immaculate Conception by Father William G. Most

Mary's Immaculate Conception

by Father William G. Most

In teaching that Mary was conceived immaculate, the Catholic Church teaches that from the very moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from all stain of original sin. This simply means that from the beginning, she was in a state of grace, sharing in God's own life, and that she was free from the sinful inclinations which have beset human nature after the fall.

History of the Doctrine

There are two passages in Scripture which point us to this truth. We look first at Genesis 3.15, in which we see the parallel between Mary and Eve of which the early Church Fathers already spoke: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed: he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." The Jews saw this passage as referring to the struggle between Christ and Satan, and so the Church see in "the woman" a prophetic foreshadowing of the Virgin Mary (Vatican II, Lumen gentium, # 55). Continue Reading

2nd Sunday of Advent Year A By Tobe Eze

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A

FIRST READING

Isaiah 11:1—10

SECOND READING

Romans 15:4—9

GOSPEL

Matthew 3:1—12

THEME: HE IS COMING FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE.

He is the Prince of peace. He comes to give peace, peace that last. In the Communion Rite of the Eucharistic celebration the Church recognized Jesus as the Prince of peace with his words “Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever. (Udo ka mụ n' ahapụrụ unu, udo nkem ka mụ n' enye unu, elekwala anya na njọ anyị kama lekwasa anya n' okwukwe nke nzụkọ gị, nye ya udo na ịdịkọ n' otu mgbe nile dịka Uche gị siri chọọ. Gị bụ onye dị ndụ na achị ebebe ebebe”.) In the first reading, we can see the peace that will come on that day. Peace even among animals. Coming to us the people of God, some of us are more deadly than those animals mentioned in the first reading. But this coming of Christ can change many things. Some individuals are even dangerous to themselves talk more to others. Some Families are fighting more than those animals mentioned in the first reading. Coming to communities, it will be worse. In the first reading, despite how dangerous all those animals mentioned are, when the day comes, Continue Reading

Pope Emeritus Benedict breaks silence: speaks of ‘deep crisis’ facing Church post-Vatican II

Pope Emeritus Benedict breaks silence: speaks of ‘deep crisis’ facing Church post-Vatican II 

catholic , pope benedict xvi

March 16, 2016 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- On March 16, speaking publicly on a rare occasion, Pope Benedict XVI gave an interview (English translation) to Avvenire, the daily newspaper of the Italian Bishops' Conference, in which he spoke of a “two-sided deep crisis” the Church is facing in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. The report has already hit Germany courtesy of Vaticanist Guiseppe Nardi, of the German Catholic news website Katholisches.info. 

Pope Benedict reminds us of the formerly indispensable Catholic conviction of the possibility of the loss of eternal salvation, or that people go to hell: 

The missionaries of the 16th century were convinced that the unbaptized person is lost forever. After the [Second Vatican] Council, this conviction was definitely abandoned. The result was a two-sided, deep crisis. Without this attentiveness to the salvation, the Faith loses its foundation. 

He also speaks of a “profound evolution of Dogma” with respect to the Dogma that there is no salvation outside the Church. This purported change of dogma has led, in the pope's eyes, to a loss of the missionary zeal in the Church – “any motivation for a future missionary commitment was removed.”  Continue Reading

Cardinal Wuerl calls Cardinal Burke a ‘dissenter’: pot calls the kettle black

Cardinal Wuerl calls Cardinal Burke a ‘dissenter’: pot calls the kettle black 

catholic , communion to pro-abortion politicians , donald wuerl , raymond burke

February 18, 2015 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- On his official blog, Washington, D.C., Cardinal Donald Wuerl made a rather obvious reference to Cardinal Raymond Burke, calling him a “dissenter.” Referring to “an interview and an article by brother bishops who are less than enthusiastic about Pope Francis,” Cardinal Wuerl was unmistakably pointing to Cardinal Burke, whose interview with France2 days earlier was making the rounds on the Internet. 

While newsworthy, the interview with Cardinal Burke was rather mundane in that he merely said he would be willing to “resist” Pope Francis, if the pontiff were to attempt to change the Church's practice of denying Communion to those in “second marriages.” Pope Francis has never said he would change the current Church practice, even though powerful cardinals surrounding him have suggested the move. 

After introducing the unnamed bishop who was critical of Pope Francis in an interview, Cardinal Wuerl runs through dissenters from papal teaching in recent history, noting, “a common thread that runs through all of these dissenters” is that “they disagree with the Pope because he does not agree with them and therefore follow their position.” 

Cardinal Wuerl is here on new ground. For years he was, by his own definition, the “dissenter” under Popes John Paul II and Pope Benedict. The issue also revolved around Holy Communion. However, rather than giving Communion to divorced and remarried, the previous popes were asking that Communion be denied to pro-abortion Catholic politicians. Continue Reading

Pope Emeritus Benedict considers Cardinal Burke among ‘great Cardinals’

Pope Emeritus Benedict considers Cardinal Burke among ‘great Cardinals’ 

cardinal raymond burke , catholic , pope benedict xvi

Vatican watchers are pointing to a letter written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this week as an indication of his approval of Vatican Cardinal Raymond Burke who is soon to be ousted from his Vatican post and given a mere honorary position. 

The pope’s letter came in response to an invitation to attend a traditional Latin Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Burke. He had to decline the invitation because he lives as a “cloistered monk,” leaving the cloister only when “personally invited by the Pope.”  Continue Reading

Priest tells Fox News he was ‘upset’ Clinton cited Pope Francis to justify some of her positions

Priest tells Fox News he was ‘upset’ Clinton cited Pope Francis to justify some of her positions 

2016 presidential election , al smith dinner , anti-catholic bigotry , hillary clinton , pope francis

October 23, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – Once again a leading opponent of Catholic moral teachings, this time Hillary Clinton, has cited Pope Francis to give credibility to her actions. In a Fox news interview, Fr. Gerald Murray gives clear reasons why some of Clinton's remarks at the Al Smith dinner were highly inappropriate and that she should have used the event to publicly disown the anti-Catholic bigotry in her staff emails revealed by Wikileaks. Continue Reading

Germany’s youngest bishop takes bold stand for marriage

Germany’s youngest bishop takes bold stand for marriage 

bishop stefan oster , catholic , communion for remarried , synod on the family

April 29, 2015 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- In preparation of the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome, more voices can be gathered that bring up very valuable arguments in defense of the Catholic Church's moral teaching. 

The youngest Catholic bishop in Germany at 49, Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau, who came into his current office only in May 2014, chose as his motto: "Victoria Veritatis Caritas" ("The victory of truth is love"). Fittingly, he has soon after his consecration as bishop taken up the task of speaking the truth in charity. In the context of the last Synod of Bishops of October 2014, and since then, he has come out with some very differentiated and calm, as well as refreshingly original, argumentations against the professedly progressive forces within the Church. Continue Reading

Cardinal Burke destroys Cupich’s claim that pope’s exhortation is a ‘game changer’

Cardinal Burke destroys Cupich’s claim that pope’s exhortation is a ‘game changer’ 

blase cupich , catholic , pope francis , raymond burke , synod on the family

April 11, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinal Burke’s first reaction to Pope Francis’ controversial post-synodal exhortation Amoris Laetitia takes aim at those who claim it is a “revolution” in the Church’s practices. 

The most notable advocate of that view in the U.S. is Chicago’s Archbishop Blase Cupich, who called the exhortation a “game changer” that could relax the Church’s approach to Holy Communion for the divorced and remarried and those in same-sex relationships. Continue Reading

Top Vatican judge doubles down against four Cardinals: ‘They gave the Pope a slap in the face’

Top Vatican judge doubles down against four Cardinals: ‘They gave the Pope a slap in the face’ 

amoris laetitia , catholic , dubia , four cardinals letter , pope francis , vito pinto

ROME, December 2, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – The head of the Vatican’s highest appeals court has doubled down on his criticism of the four Cardinals calling for clarification of Amoris Laetitia, telling another news agency that their act amounted to a "slap in the face." 

Msgr. Vito Pinto had called the dubia a “very serious scandal” only days ago, in comments reported by Spanish news agency Religión Confidencial. Continue Reading

POPE FRANCIS PERMANENTLY GRANTS ALL PRIESTS POWER TO FORGIVE ABORTION

POPE FRANCIS PERMANENTLY GRANTS ALL PRIESTS POWER TO FORGIVE ABORTION

In his Apostolic Letter “Misericordia et Misera“, marking the end of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis permanently granted the power to forgive abortions to all Priests. Previously and traditionally, only the Pope himself could forgive the sin of procuring an abortion.
Francis, as part of the Year of Mercy, had temporarily granted the faculty to all priests but has decided to make the change permanent.
In his letter, he wrote “Given this need, lest any obstacle arise between the request for reconciliation and God’s forgiveness, I henceforth grant to all priests, in virtue of their ministry, the faculty to absolve those who have committed the sin of procured abortion. The provision I had made in this regard, limited to the duration of the Extraordinary Holy Year, is hereby extended, notwithstanding anything to the contrary.” Continue Reading

Francis appeals to the martyrs in ecumenical message to Patriarch

Francis appeals to the martyrs in ecumenical message to Patriarch

The Bishop of Rome sent a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on Wednesday, continuing a recent tradition of ecumenism between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

“The exchange of delegations between Rome and Constantinople on the occasion of the respective feast days honouring the brother apostles Peter and Andrew is a visible sign of the profound bonds that already unite us,” Pope Francis said Nov. 30 in his message to Bartholomew I, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.

“So too, it is an expression of our yearning for ever deeper communion, until that day when, God willing, we may witness to our love for one another by sharing the same eucharistic table. In this journey towards the restoration of eucharistic communion between us, we are sustained by the intercession not only of our patron saints, but by the array of martyrs from every age, who 'despite the tragedy of our divisions… have preserved an attachment to Christ and to the Father so radical and absolute as to lead even to the shedding of blood'.” Continue Reading

Society needs priests 'enamored' with the Gospel, Pope Francis says by Elise Harris

Society needs priests 'enamored' with the Gospel, Pope Francis says 

by Elise Harris

In his message for the 2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis focused on the need to be “missionary disciples” who first fall in love with God, and are then propelled into action, zealously spreading the Good News they have heard.

“The People of God need to be guided by pastors whose lives are spent in service to the Gospel,” the Pope said in his message, published Nov. 30.

He asked parish communities, associations and various prayer groups within the Church not to get discouraged by an apparent lack of vocations, but to continue praying fervently “that the Lord will send workers to his harvest.” Continue Reading

Pope Francis offers prayer, condolences after Colombia plane crash by Elise Harris

Pope Francis offers prayer, condolences after Colombia plane crash

by Elise Harris

After a plane crash in Colombia claimed the lives of 71 people, including the majority of Brazil’s up and coming Brazil's Chapecoense soccer team, Pope Francis has offered his prayer and solidarity for the victims and their families.

“Deeply distressed to learn of the sad news of the serious plane accident which has caused many victims,” Pope Francis “raises his prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased,” a Nov. 30 telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin read. 

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Vatican foundation exploring pros, cons of new technologies By Elise Harris

Vatican foundation exploring pros, cons of new technologies

By Elise Harris

Alongside the various technological advances booming throughout the world, the digital age has also brought with it questions as to exactly what effect these new technologies are having on the global market, particularly when it comes to jobs.

Pope Francis himself has brought up both the benefits as well as the concerns of technology on several occasions, including in his 2015 environmental encyclical, Laudato si'.

Weighing these pros and cons is one of tasks he has given particularly to the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, which will discuss the issue in a series of conferences to be held throughout the coming year. Continue Reading

We have to pray for both the living and the dead, Pope Francis says by Elise Harris

We have to pray for both the living and the dead, Pope Francis says

by Elise Harris

In his last set of catechesis on mercy, Pope Francis focused on the works of praying for the living and the dead, as well as burying the dead, insisting that since we are all part of one family in Christ, we must remember to pray constantly for one another.

When we say “I believe in the communion of Saints” while reciting the Nicene Creed, “it’s a mystery that expresses the beauty of the mercy that Jesus revealed to us...all, living and dead, we are in communion.”

This communion is “like a union: united in the community of the many who have received baptism,” he said, noting that since all of us by virtue of our same baptism “are the same family, united,” we must “pray for each other.”

Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall for his general audience, concluding his catechesis on mercy. He began the series last fall as a lead-in to the Jubilee of Mercy, which closed Nov. 20. Continue Reading

Pope Francis meets Martin Scorsese, director of 'Silence,' at Vatican by Elise Harris

Pope Francis meets Martin Scorsese, director of 'Silence,' at Vatican

by Elise Harris

On Wednesday, Pope Francis added world famous director Martin Scorsese to the list of Hollywood stars he has welcomed for a private meeting in the Vatican, following an official Rome preview of Scorsese’s new film “Silence.”

Based on a Japanese historical fiction novel recounting Christian persecution in Japan during the 17th century, “Silence” will hit theaters in December and recounts the story of two Jesuit priests who travel to Japan in the midst of the violence to search for the missing mentor, played by Liam Neeson.

According to a Nov. 30 communique from the Vatican, Scorsese, his wife and their two children were present for the meeting with Pope Francis, alongside the film’s producer and his wife. Msgr. Dario Edoardo Vigano, Prefect of the Secretariat for Communications, accompanied the group.

Described in the communique as “very cordial,” the meeting lasted about 15 minutes. The Pope told his guests that he had read the 1966 novel “Silence,” written by Japanese author Shusaku Endo and which served as the inspiration for Scorsese’s new movie. Continue Reading

Here's what Pope Francis is doing for Christmas By Elise Harris

Here's what Pope Francis is doing for Christmas

By Elise Harris

While signs of bustling pilgrims who came for the Jubilee of Mercy are mostly gone, new signs of Christmas are springing up around St. Peter’s Basilica, including the construction of the large Nativity scene in the middle of the square, and the placement of a Christmas tree alongside it.

On Nov. 24, a massive 82-foot tree from the Dolomites arrived in St. Peter’s Square next to the large Nativity scene currently being built, which was donated to the Vatican by the Archdiocese of Malta and designed by local artists. Continue Reading

Pope mourns death of Fr Kolvenbach, former head of Jesuits By Elise Harris

Pope mourns death of Fr Kolvenbach, former head of Jesuits

By Elise Harris

After the death of Jesuit Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, former head of the order, over the weekend, Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Society praising the priest’s fidelity and offering prayers for the repose of his soul.

“Learning of the news of the holy death of Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach S.J., former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, I wish to express to you and to the entire Jesuit family my most sincere condolences,” the Pope said in a Nov. 28 letter.

Addressed to the current head of the Society, Fr. Arturo Sosa, the letter recalled the “integral fidelity” with which Fr. Kolvenbach served Christ and the Gospel, as well as his “generous commitment to exercising his ministry for the good of the Church.”

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What do we mean when we say Mary was “ever virgin”?

We as Catholics firmly believe that Mary is “ever virgin.”  The Catechism asserts, “The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary’s real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man” (#499).  Given this teaching, the perpetual virginity of Mary has traditionally been defended and examined in three parts:  Mary’s conception of Christ (virginitas ante partum); her giving birth to Christ (virginitas in partu); and her remaining a virgin after the birth of Christ (virginitas post partum).  This formulation was used by many of the early Church Fathers–  St. Augustine, St. Peter Chrysologus, Pope St. Leo the Great, St. Gregory Nazianzus, and St. Gregory Nyssa.  For example, the Catechism quotes St. Augustine’s elaboration:  Mary “remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to Him, a virgin in carrying Him, a virgin in nursing Him at her breast, always a virgin” (#510).Continue Reading

Mary: Ever Virgin

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Most Protestants claim that Mary bore children other than Jesus. To support their claim, these Protestants refer to the biblical passages which mention the "brethren of the Lord." As explained in the Catholic Answers tract Brethren of the Lord, neither the Gospel accounts nor the early Christians attest to the notion that Mary bore other children besides Jesus. The faithful knew, through the witness of Scripture and Tradition, that Jesus was Mary’s only child and that she remained a lifelong virgin. 

An important historical document which supports the teaching of Mary’s perpetual virginity is the Protoevangelium of James, which was written probably less than sixty years after the conclusion of Mary’s earthly life (around A.D. 120), when memories of her life were still vivid in the minds of many. Continue Reading

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary by Dr. Robert Schihl Fathers of the Church Church Fathers from at least the fourth century spoke of Mary as having remained a virgin throughout her life: Athanasius (Alexandria, 293-373); Epiphanius (Palestine, 315?-403); Jerome (Stridon, present day Yugoslavia, 345?-419); Augustine (Numidia, now Algeria, 354-430); Cyril (Alexandria, 376-444); and others. Continue Reading

1st Sunday of Advent Year A By Tobe Eze

1st Sunday of Advent Year A

FIRST READING

Isaiah 2:1—5

SECOND READING

Romans 13:11—14

GOSPEL

Matthew 24:37—44

THEME: IT WILL BE A SURPRISE TO US.

Advent as we all know is the preparation of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The three readings are telling us about the coming of the Son of Man. The first reading tells us “In days to come, the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills”. The days of the Son of Man will glorify God. Coming of the Son of Man is no more coming in flesh but coming into our hearts, into our Spirits. When a recognized personnel wants to visit us, we prepare in a very big way. We try to please the person through what we prepare for the person. Let in the same way or even more than that prepare for the day of the Son of Man. Last Sunday we were shouting in the top of our voices proclaiming Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Continue Reading

PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

In Freudian psychology, psychosexual development is a central element of the psychoanalytic sexual drive theory, that human beings, from birth, possess an instinctual libido (sexual energy) that develops in five stages. Each stage – the oral, the anal, the phallic, the latent, and the genital – is characterized by the erogenous zone that is the source of the libidinal drive. Sigmund Freud proposed that if the child experienced sexual frustration in relation to any psychosexual developmental stage, he or she would experience anxiety that would persist into adulthood as a neurosis, a functional mental disorder.

Contents

 •1 Background

•2 Freudian psychosexual development ◦2.1 Oral stage

◦2.2 Anal stage

◦2.3 Phallic stage

◦2.4 Latency stage

◦2.5 Genital stage

•3 Criticisms ◦3.1 Scientific

◦3.2 Feminist

◦3.3 Anthropologic

•4 Medical sexological model

•5 See also

•6 References

Background

The neurologist Sigmund Freud, c. 1921.

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) observed that during the predictable stages of early childhood development, the child's behavior is oriented towards certain parts of his or her body, e.g. the mouth during breast-feeding, the anus during toilet-training. He argued that adult neurosis (functional mental disorder) often is rooted in childhood sexuality, and consequently suggested that neurotic adult behaviors are manifestations of childhood sexual fantasy and desire. That is because human beings are born "polymorphously perverse", infants can derive sexual pleasure from any part of their bodies, and that socialization directs the instinctual libidinal drives into adult heterosexuality.[3] Given the predictable timeline of childhood behavior, he proposed "libido development" as a model of normal childhood sexual development, wherein the child progresses through five psychosexual stages – the oral; the anal; the phallic; the latent; and the genital – in which the source pleasure is in a different erogenous zone. Continue Reading

Solemnity of Christ the King Year C By Tobe Eze

Solemnity of Christ the King Year C

FIRST READING
2 Samuel 5:1—3

SECOND READING
Colossians 1:12—20

GOSPEL
Luke 23:35—43

THEME: CARING KING (IT IS NOT OUR FAULT THAT HE IS OUR KING)

Today we celebrate CHRIST as the universal KING. It did not end that he is the UNIVERSAL KING but also a CARING KING. In the first reading, the people of Israel went to David in humility, and anointed him their king. David ruled his people with caring heart and that was a typical example of how the son of David (Christ) has been ruling his own chosen generation. In the second reading, St. Paul tells us who the king of glory is. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven. He is like the pelican bird that uses its blood to feed its young. A STORY: There was a community that suffered death, they meet their Oracle who told them that the only way out is to sacrifice seven male heads. And they must be from that community. The community gathered for meeting to know those that will be sacrificed. Co

Hillary Clinton's Speech after Election

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C By Tobe Eze

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

FIRST READING
Malachi 3:19—20a

SECOND READING
2 Thessalonians 3:7—12

GOSPEL
Luke 21:5—19

THEME: HORRIBLE TO HOREB.

Today’s readings are telling us about the day that all are waiting for. The day of taking stocks is fast approaching, what will you give in return? Year of Mercy is on its close, what did you achieve? Did you experience the Mercy of God or condemnation? Any positive thing at all from it?

First reading tells us how it will look like when the day comes. And also God gives hope for all who fear him, “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” Are we fearing the Lord or the Lord fearing us? (Egwu Chukwu ọna atụ anyị ka ọ bụ Chukwu na atụzị anyị egwu?) Let us watch it. A man once died in a place. When the elders were meeting to see how the burial will be, the youth have already buried him. (Anyị eligo ya maka ikulite n' ọnwụ). “We have buried him should in case he rises from the death.” They concluded that even God is afraid of the man for his evil deeds. (Ọ bụkwa onye ụka anyị) He was our own Christian. What a shameful Christianity we practice these days. Will the son of man find faith in the world when he returns? St. Paul in the second reading is telling us about the need to work. (Aka aja aja n’ ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ ọzọ Aka n’ aga n’ akụkụ ọkụ na agakwa n’ akụkụ ọnụ). It is only the hand that worked that should eat. Today, people are becoming lazier than ever existed. Anyone who do not have a white collar job makes him or herself man or woman of God. Continue Reading

UPDATE: I’m destroying my Green Card the day Trump is sworn in – Wole Soyinka Copied from Naij.com By Tobe Eze

UPDATE: I’m destroying my Green Card the day Trump is sworn in – Wole Soyinka

Omotayo Yusuf Yesterday 42280

– Professor Wole Soyinka expressed concern about Donald Trump’s presidency
– The Nobel Laureate said he would not destroy his Green Card yet
– He said the US support in the fight against terrorism may be withdrawn
Professor Wole Soyinka has said that he will not destroy his Green card yet even after Donald Trump has won the US election but will do so as he is sworn in.
The Nobel Laureate said on Wednesday, November 2 while giving a speech to students of Oxford University in England that he would destroy his Green card in the eventuality of a Trump presidency but that decision will have to wait. Continue Reading

National assembly orders arrest of MMM promoters Copied from Naij.com By Tobe Eze

National assembly orders arrest of MMM promoters

Akinyemi Akinrujomu Yesterday 249703 Continue Reading

Hillary Clinton speaks after losing election Copied from Naij.com By Tobe Eze

Hillary Clinton speaks after losing election

Omotayo Yusuf Yesterday 181363

Senator Hillary Clinton lost the presidential election to Donald Trump in the US election help on Tuesday, November 8.

In what has been described as an upset, Trump won the electoral vote to defeat Clinton even though she won the popular vote.

In a speech she gave on Wednesday, November 9, Clinton reacted to her loss and spoke to Americans on how she felt about her loss.

Continue Reading

CRITICAL MOMENT OF LIFE AND OUR COUNTRY. By Tobe Eze

CRITICAL MOMENT OF LIFE AND OUR COUNTRY.

Please take your time to read and digest this counsel and candid advice might be what we did at this critical period of our nation building.  In view of the present economic situation around the world and Nigeria in particular, adequate cautions must be taking by us all.

Be prepared to let go of some things and spend only when absolutely necessary. If you have saved money, try not to touch it quickly.

Avoid capital projects until you are certain of replenishing your bank accounts.

Avoid social travels that bring no added income.

If attending a burial, wedding, naming ceremony, marriage anniversary will eat into your savings, avoid them. You would be called names, accept the name calling but understand that these same

People will call you worse names if you have to borrow from them to feed your family. Continue Reading

Catholic Doctrines in the Bible By Tobe Eze

*CATHOLIC DOCTRINES ARE IN THE BIBLE*

_Catholics are always intimidated into believing that we do things contrary to the Bible just because we are ignorant of what we do, the following will help you locate *WHERE* what we do in the Bible._

*1) PRAYING FOR THE DEAD*

2 Mac. 12:38-45

Wisdom 3:1

Tobit 4:17

*2) USE OF IMAGES AND SACRAMENTS _(these reminds us of what they stand for)_*

2 kings 3:20-21

Num. 21:8-9

Ex 25:17-22

Col 1:20, 2:14

John 12:32

Acts 19:11-12

*3) AUTHENTICITY OF CATHOLIC TRADITION AS A SOURCE OF REVEALED TRUTH*

2 Thes 2:15

2 cor 10:10-11

John 21:25

2 John 1:12

3 John 1:13

*4) THE SHIFT OF SUNDAY INSTEAD OF SATURDAY (SABBATH)*

Rev 1:10

Acts 20:7

1 cor 16:1-2

John 20:1-22

*5) THE POPE'S AUTHORITY AS THE SUCCESSOR OF ST. PETER*

John 21:15-17

Matt 16: 18-19

Acts 2:1-14

*6) THE REFERENCE OF CATHOLIC PRIESTS AS _'FATHER'_ WHEN THERE IS ONLY ONE FATHER IN HEAVEN*

Gen 17:4

Jer 7:7

Num 12:14

Jn. 6:49

Mtt. 23:30

Lk. 1:73

*7) IS THE BIBLE IN SUPPORT OF THE HIERARCHY IN THE CHURCH? YES*

Eph 4:11-13

1 Tim 5:17-25

1 Tim 3:1-7, 8-13 Continue Reading

A Partial History and Idol Worshiping (Culture) of Agbamere People By Tobe Eze

NDỊNAYA.

NDỊNAYA……………………………………………….i

Mmalite…………………………………………………….1

1.1.          Ka obodo m bụ Agbamere si bido.

1.2.          Nlọta Agbamere.

1.3.          Ndi Agbamere Na Ihe Ha N’ Eme.

ISI NKE ABỤỌ………………………………………………………2

2.1. Ọtụtụ ihe eji mara Agbamere.

2.2. Emume ọzọ ndị Agbamere n’ eme bụ: ITI AKATAKPA.

2.3. Ọzọ bụ, emume maa.

2.4. Ekala

ISI NKE ATỌ………………………………………………..8

3.1. Oriri Ezemkpume

3.2. Oriri Ugwube

3.3. Ịgọ Okike

ISI NKE ANỌ………………………………………………………..10

4.1. Ihe ọzọ eji mara Agbamere

4.2. MMECHI.

EBE ỌRỤA SI…………………………………………….11

Malite Okwu.

N’ ime ihe odidea enwere ọtụtụ ihe dị gasi n’ ime ya. Nke mbụ bụ, KA OBODO M BỤ AGBAMERE siri bido. Nkea n’ akọwa etu Alụmọna bụ onye Ịgala si lọta n’ Eha-Alumona mụbawa wee mụta ụmụ ya atọ, bụ Eha, Agbamere na Ụmabọ, ndị mụtara ndị bụ zị ndị Eha-Alụmọna kịta. Otu n’ ime ụmụ atọ ndịa bụ Agbamere were laa, mụbawa nke ya wee mụta ụmụ atọ bụ Ọlụ, Owere-Ala na Okwe, ndị nke mụtara ndị Agbamere nile. Ha bụ ndị ewere dịka ndị nna Agbamere nile.

Agaba kwa n’ ihu ị ga ahụ kwa ọtụtụ ihe ndi Agbamere eme. Dịka etu ha siri gọọ mụọ ọfụma tupu ụka abịa. Ọtụtụ ihe eji mara Agbamere bụ ụdị mmeme mụọ ha n’ emechaa. Ya na ihe ọma na ihe ọjọọ ndị ọzọ eji mara ha. Etu ha si eti mụọnwụ na ọtụtụ ọrụ ndị ọzọ ha n’ arụgasị, na kwa ekwe ekwe ha. Continue Reading

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C By Tobe Eze

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

FIRST READING

2 Maccabees 7:1—2, 9—14

SECOND READING

2 Thessalonians 2:16—3:5

GOSPEL
Luke 20:27—38

THEME: LIFE AND LIFE.

The readings are pointing towards Life and Life. The life on earth and life after now. In the first reading, the seven sons and their mother were killed in this life to enjoy the other life, which we all are working towards to gain. There are still everlasting joyful life after and total damnation after this life. So which one are you preparing for? Martyrdom started with this family, they should be our models in faith. If we are asked to defend our faith these days like this family, can we do it? Or are we going to use one Igbo adage which says, Onye dị ndụ na efe Chineke to defend our life here and forget about life after this one? There were two lives for them and they made their choice. Choice of one life to the other. If we are to choose today, what type of life are we going to choose? Their choices glorified the Lord. Do choices we make daily glorify God or bring shame to him? In the second reading St. Paul encourages us to also make choices that take us to the other life which we are running race to get. Continue Reading

GIRLS: ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CHURCH AND WORLD? By Tobe Eze @ St. Anthony's Parish Umu-Alor

GIRLS: ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CHURCH AND WORLD?

INTRODUCTUON:

What is CYWO? It is Catholic Young Women Organization. This is the fourth arm in the Holy Roman Catholic Church. This particular arm makes the Church a full Church and it helps to make the different stages in life complete in the Church. The group came out from CMO and CWO; that is Catholic Men Organization and Catholic Women Organization. This is the fruit of wedding in the Church. For one to be qualified to join this group, you have to receive the sacrament of baptism. Either adult baptism or infant baptism and first Holy Communion. This particular organization has two group in them, which are the junior and senior groups. The senior in most cases pay more than the junior (that is on things about money). One continues to be a member till one weds. It helps to keep young women closer to the church. Continue Reading

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C By Tobe Eze

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

FIRST READING
Wisdom 11:22—12:2

SECOND READING
2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2

GOSPEL
Luke 19:1—10

THEME: REPENTANCE AND EFFORT

Today’s readings are pointing towards chances God gives his children to repent and come back to him And to see our efforts in life. In the first reading, God gives teaches us how to live our lives. He shows example how we should treat our so called enemies. Through our sins we are automatically enemies of God but he still gives us chances to come back to him. HOW MANY TIMES DO WE GIVE OUR ENEMIES CHANCE TO COME BACK TO US? It continues to be, pay back is not sin. In Igbo, onye mere onye mere ya na obughi njo. In Christianity and Christ's teaching, paying back evil with evil is sin. In the gospel Zaccheaus who was dwarf both physical and spiritual made effort which in turn made him very tall spiritually. From Zaccheaus we should know that heaven helps those who help themselves. He made effort, what is expected of us now is our efforts. If God enters your house (your heart) salvation will not leave their again. Effort is too necessary in our lives. A STORY: Emperor Akbar was in the habit of putting riddles and puzzles to his courtiers. He often asked questions which were strange and witty. It took much wisdom to answer these questions.
Once he asked a very strange question. The courtiers were dumb folded by his question.
Akbar glanced at his courtiers. As he looked, one by one the heads began to hang low in search of an answer. It was at this moment that Birbal entered the courtyard. Birbal who knew the nature of the emperor quickly grasped the situation and asked, "May I know the question so that I can try for an answer". Continue Reading

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. By Tobe Eze

October 16, 2016

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
Exodus 17:8—13

SECOND READING
2 Timothy 3:14—4:2

GOSPEL
Luke 18:1—8

The first reading teaches us to be persistent in prayer. Moses kept his hands up for the glory of his people. If we have a steadfast faith in our God, if we trust him with all our hearts he will give us victory as he gave the Israelites today. Always look for people who will give you positive support as Joshua and Hur did to Moses today. The second reading tells us that the word of God which is the scripture should be our reference point. It is inspired by God which means it is God and God cannot desive us. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of a Judge who do not fear anything including God, but he granted the wish of the widow who was disturbing him. Our heavenly father will give us what we ask of him if we keep to our faith in him. PUSH Pray Until Something Happens. A story = One day a local evangelist bragged during a crusade that his God was more able than all the other gods in the town and the powers of the universe that the villagers worshiped put together. Just then, rainstorm sounds started sounding overhead, threatening the progress of the crusade. The evangelist lifted up his voice and declared with confidence that if the rains fell, then he wasn't a man of God; he would stop preaching! Continue Reading