Silent Painless Giving

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“Ask and it will be given; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” Mt 7:7-8

I have actually been preoccupied regarding how my Christmas celebration would be like and my heart is heavy knowing that, like many other families, Christmas might just come and go without any meaningful reflection and celebration. Plus, the moment we are in, the world over, calls for concern. The Coronavirus has, like the locust, eating deep into the purses of the average Nigerian. The people cannot boast of their next meal; no longer do they have a timetable of 1-1-1. The people now live only on available meal, regardless of whether it is morning or afternoon or evening meal; meal is meal now in Nigeria and it is to be eating whenever available.

The Nigerian government cares less if the Nigerian people have something to eat or not; the political elites fights not for the people but solely for their pockets. Personal aggrandisement defines politics in present day Nigeria; whether at the presidency or at the legislative arm, the Nigerian people are at the mercy of their political elites. Unfortunately, the judiciary meant to be the last hope of the common man is now the first hope of political thugs and criminals who have milked dry the treasury, either of State or the agency of State which they represent.

Yet, the story of the widow of Zarephath in the Bible (1Kg 17:7-16) oftentimes gives me hope. It baffles me each time it is read or I come across any silent painless giving of self in blind obedience, profound humility and heroic patience; totally depending on God to be sufficient. Our people now live by faith, no longer on spirituality without holiness; they depend on their faith in God to carry them through. Yes, our God is a God of sustenance. He will supply all our needs according to His reaches in glory (Phil 4:19); a part of the Bible called “Spiritual 419”.

This is why I appeal to well meaning individuals and the charitable to spare a thought for the next person next to them. I mean, you never can tell who needs what at what particular time. In fact, I have come to realise that just #500 or #1,000 given to a man could go a long way in meeting his immediate need and want. Since the Holy Season of Lent earlier in the year, I have had to actually go out of my way to give the little I could in this regard. What amazes me the most is the way they come to show appreciation for handing them #500 or #1,000.

I am not one who speaks for politicians, particular the elected criminals who think only of themselves and their immediate family members’ welfare. Nevertheless, I must confess that Hon. Bolaji Ayinla Yusuf stands out. Hon. BYA, as he is fondly called, has used his good office to empower a lot of people within his constituency, Mushin Federal Constituency II. Call it “Constituency Allowance”, if you want. Hon. BYA uses it judiciously to empower and alleviate the poverty of his people; the real purpose the allowance is meant to serve.

In November 2020, Hon. BYA empowered over 260 youths of Mushin Federal Constituency II by training them on tailoring and presented them with sowing machines, pressing iron, scissors, clothing and other tailoring equipments/materials; with a take-off grant of #10,000 per person. This is to improve the economic status of the people of his Constituency. Just last week, Hon. BYA facilitated six sets of hospital equipments and have same delivered to Igbo-Owu Primary Health Centre, Ilasamaja-Mushin; a suburb of Mushin Local Government, under his Constituency. This will serve and cater to the health needs of the people of Majekodunmi, Abolaji-Taofeek, Sadiku, Amusa, and the entire Ilasamaja environ.

Unlike those who horded palliatives during the lockdown, Hon. BYA distributed food items and made cash donations to the people of Mushin Constituency II. He personally ensured that the palliatives were distributed across the streets of his Constituency; moving from one street to another with the team. He has shown himself to be a friend of the people and he is loved and appreciated. No doubt, he may not have done this to the satisfaction of many people or even reach enough members of the Constituency; however, it is on record that he has done his bit. He has left a mark for anyone coming behind him in Mushin Constituency II.

Therefore, I appeal to you reading this now. Kindly see what you can do to make this wonderful year 2020 Christmas a memorable one for any family around you. Do not assume that no one needs help or that only you need to be helped. You will be surprised what ordinary #500 or #1,000 can do in a family. You can be the reason why someone or a family will be happy this Christmas; do not horde what God has blessed you with. You can protect and defend their dignity by silently and painlessly give whatever you can.

God bless you as you do so.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance!

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade

Writer/Biographer/Profiler

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The of Fatherhood St. Joseph: Joy of Good Parentage

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The of Fatherhood St. Joseph: Joy of Good Parentage

It is easier to talk about one’s mother. And, because society places premium on mothers and their role in the home (albeit, feminism is a different ballgame altogether), mothers are seen and are oftentimes celebrated over and above the father. In fact, many children can be heard professing undying and unconditional love for their mothers, with no affection whatsoever for their fathers. This is the society in which we find ourselves. Yet, many women will say it is a man’s world that we live in.

Many irresponsible, unavailable and nonchalant fathers abound just as there are numerous uncaring and non-affective mothers, who care less about their homes. From time immemorial, the Nigerian society has been a patriarchal society, yet women owned the home-front. Today, this still holds true. However, many women are the breadwinners of their homes; just as many are the backbones of their husbands. The economic reality of the last eight years has ensured that they must cooperate to cater to their families.

Today, many fathers have abdicated their roles and more have traded places, unintendedly intentionally, with their wives as the head of the home. And, this is not peculiar to Nigeria alone; it abounds the world over. But the little we know about the life of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Foster Father of Jesus, is a great contrast to this present reality of what fatherhood has amounted to in our own time. Fathers, how did we get here?

Beginning from when his betrothal came home pregnant (when he had not known her in the ‘bedmatics’ semantics), he demonstrated that he was wise, just and compassionate; he did not want her disgraced (Mt 1: 18-25). Yet again, nine months after Angel Gabriel had told him that his wife carries the Son of the Most-High God, there was no inn for them to bring Him into the world; what they could afford to get was a mere manger, ‘ibujẹ ẹran’ in Yoruba language. He patiently went through it all.

Imagine losing your child without trace for a year long. As a Catholic, imagine your Parish Priest brings the Monstrance to your house and expose Jesus therein for a few days. Only for you to wake up the following morning (after the first night) and discover that the Monstrance with Jesus in it was missing, without proof of burglary? Can God go missing? Is it possible to lose God? “Ọmọ ẹni kú san jú ọmọ ẹni nu lọ: One’s son is dead is better than one’s son is missing.” For the Yorùbás, it would be better one’s son is dead rather than he is missing without traces of his being found.

Imagine what Joseph and our Mother Mary must have felt, knowing that Jesus is God, yet, He went missing under their watchful care? Unimaginable, right? They were in great pain and were sorrowful in heart. What will they tell God if He came looking for His Son in their house? Still, when they found the missing twelve years old God-Son, He simply told them: “And He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2: 49).”

Again, Joseph demonstrated humility; he bore with the Child and took Him home with his mother. I remember my first daughter asking me “Daddy, what is the surname of Jesus?”; during the evening Mass of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Tuesday, 15th August, 2023. I was dazed. And, when she started to offer suggestions for her own questions, I had to restrain myself not to shut her down. I was practically unprepared for her line of reasoning.

Children are a gift from God. They bring joy to both old and young, friend and foe, irrespective of ethnicity and creed. To their parents, children are bundles of joy. Their arrival heralds an indescribable joy known only to the discerning. This is why they are always pampered and tenderly cared for. “Joseph was the man chosen by God to guide the beginnings of the history of redemption. He was the true “miracle” by which God saves the child and his mother. God acted by trusting in Joseph’s creative courage,” Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde: With A Father’s Heart.”

His Holiness began the Apostolic Letter with these words of factual reality: “WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph.”” With these words, Pope Francis demonstrates to us all the greater responsibility, albeit with spiritual connotation, saddled upon the father’s shoulders. “Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel,” Pope Francis stated further. Implicitly, it can be said, like in social parlance, that being a “responsible father” is not a child’s play.

Beloved Fathers, rest assured that the living God Whom we serve is the God of restoration. He will restore our lost glory in the name of His only Begotten Son of Joseph. Remember that Joseph loved our Lord Jesus Christ with a father’s heart; so should you love your families. Despite the trying times that we are in, you must be resolute in providing for your families. May St. Joseph, the Defender of the Holy Family provide, protect and sustain our families, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Let us continually rely on St. Joseph -Head of the Holy Family, to assist, support and enable us to meet up with our responsibilities as heads of our respective families. Caring for the Son of God the Most High bequeathed a special role on Joseph; just as we have the special task of fending for our families. Through the examples of Joseph, God has given us a model, after His Own Heart to fashion our respective families. We must, therefore, constantly look up to our sure advocate and greatest example to care for our families.

Doing so is what will give us the joy which comes with being a father. St. Joseph never relented; he never faltered in his role as the Head of the Holy Family. “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all,” (ibid.).

Happy Feast Day to all who bear the name Joseph and Josephine, especially my wife -Mrs. Omolara Josephine Onifade. God bless you all.

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Ònífáde

Writer

+2347034573233

“I Want…”

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“If you want something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”

Unknown Author

Scarcity of want is impossible! Humanity, from time immemorial, has desired so many things ranging from what one needs to what one wants, and from the mundane to the ephemeral. However, knowing what one wants is the beginning of finding it with the attendant solace attached to having it. It is apposite, therefore, to inquire as to what modern man wants; because, unlike the early man who just wanted food, clothing and shelter, modern man has moved beyond the basic human wants.

This insatiable desire of modern man has thus far led us where humanity is at a crossroad. Tell a man “We need to see” or “I will tell you something when next we see”, et al, and he becomes disturbed, agitated, perturbed, worried, concern and sometimes unreasonably unstable. He just wants you to tell him immediately what you intended keeping till the next meeting. The element of surprise no longer holds water in and around us anymore. Where is our humanity?

Today, the Holy Mother Church asks all her children to commence the ‘40-Day Journeying with the Lord’; fasting, praying and doing charitable works. Every year, the Church calls on her children to recall their humanity with ashes (made out of our palm fronds from the Palm Sunday of the previous year) imposed on our foreheads to remind us that: “You are dust, and unto dust you shall return”; even, as she asks us to return to the Lord: “Repent and believe the Gospel”.

In his 2024 Message for Lent, titled “Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom”, His Holiness, Pope Francis, brings us hope out of the present myriads of malaise and quagmire our beloved Nigeria is embroiled in. Despite the ceaseless skyrocketing prices of foodstuff and commodities in the markets, with attendant hysteria resulting from kidnappings and killings on a daily-constant basis; His Holiness invites us to “open our eyes to reality” if our Lenten observances is to be meaningful this year.

Recalling God’s call of Moses in the burning bush (Ex 3: 7-8), Pope Francis asks us to examine our consciences, to look deep into ourselves if our humanity still desires good and offers same to our neighbours. “Today too, the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us? All too many things keep us apart from each other, denying the fraternity that, from the beginning, binds us to one another” (Message of His Holiness, Pope Francis for Lent 2024).

In the Gospel of Mark, a Leper approached Jesus and asked to be cleansed if Jesus wants to. “Moved with pity, He stretched out His hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean” (Mk 1:41)”. Pope Francis reminds us that, our God is the One Who brings freedom to His People, even when they would not ask for it: “In the Exodus account, there is a significant detail: it is God who sees, is moved and brings freedom; Israel does not ask for this” (ibid.).

“The globalisation of indifference makes us all “unnamed,” leaders without names and without faces” (Pope Francis, sermon at an open-air Mass during his visit to Lampedusa, Monday, 8th July, 2023). Opening our eyes to reality, therefore, means for us to leave behind the globalisation of indifference which makes us turn lackadaisical towards the sufferings and pains of our brothers and sisters. “It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister” (Message of His Holiness, Pope Francis for Lent 2024).

It is imperative, then, to understand that the Lenten Season offers us another opportunity to return to Bethel, our place of encounter (Gen 35:1). It affords us the opportunity to turn the globalisation of indifference into the globalisation of care and affection for our needy brothers and sisters. Like Jesus, let us reach out to those needy members of our families, communities and environs, and let them feel the touch of God through us: ‘I want to share this gift with you.’ ‘I want you to have this for your self and your family.’ ‘I want you to be happy always.’

A quick reminder for all Catholics: Penance: “The days and times of penance for the Universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.” Abstinence: “Abstinence from meat, or other food as determined by the Bishops’ Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a Solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.”

#Penance #Abstinence #Hope #AshWednesday #GoodFriday #Valentine #Confession #Penance #Globalisation #Want #Desire #Brotherhood #GlobalisationofIndifference #Desert #DesertExperience #Freedom #Love #Wagbemiga #God

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Ònífáde

Chairman/CEO,

Wagbemiga Media Services (7150468)

+2347034573233

Drumrolls: It’s The Year 2024!!!

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Monday, 1st January, 2024

Happy New Year 2024!

I believe it is fitting to share the excitements, the indescribable joy and the happiness radiating the whole world as we begin a new calendar year today. Yes! For so has it been ordained that this unbreakable bond between us and the Creator of the world, Whose Son -Our Lord Jesus Christ- was born for us at Christmas, be strengthened. Then, if you are a Practising Catholic this celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos) today, would make more meaning to you.

This Great Solemnity culminates the Octave (8 Days) of Christmas celebrations on the Holy Mother Church’s Liturgical Calendar. Yes! We spend an entire 8 days celebrating Christmas in the Catholic Church; just as we also do celebrating Easter (Octave of Easter), every year. It was initially the Circumcision of Christ that the Church celebrated every 1st January up until 1973 when St. (Pope) Paul VI changed it to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Are we not so blessed to have so Great a Mother!

In the early 5th Century, there arose a heresy in the Church as to the true nature of Our Lord Jesus Christ. At the forefront of this campaign was Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople; who taught that Mary was only the Mother of Jesus as Man, and not His Mother as God -Christotokos. It was this heresy that led to the Church convening the great Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. It was at the Council that Nestorius and his disciples were silenced with the great pronouncement of Mary being the Mother of both the human and divine Nature of Christ — Theotokos.

The Motherhood of Mary Ever Virgin is an everlasting one which is not subject to human scrutiny, ordained from time immemorial. The Heavenly Father made it so whence in the book of Genesis 3:15, He shamed the devil, letting him realise that his downfall shall happen by the obedience of a Woman -The New Eve- which the first Eve lost in the Garden of Eden. It was to Mary that the vision of John the Beloved Apostle refers to in Revelations 12: 1–6; when Herod thought he could kill the Baby Jesus by ordering the massacre of the Holy Innocents (Mt 2: 13–18).

Indeed, Mary is the Mother of God, the Queen of Peace. Yes, that is why we also celebrate the World Day of Peace alongside the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on every 1st January. It can only be a peaceful year for us as we begin it with the Prince of Peace, honouring His Great Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary -Queen of Peace. Remember, the wisdom of God is not subjected to human scrutiny; however, we are able to understand because in Christ Jesus, God revealed Himself to us and has blessed us with Mary, His Mother.

Therefore, as we go about this year, let us remember that we do not go at it alone; the Holy Mother of God -Queen of Peace- goes with us. When at the foot of the Cross, Christ handed Her over to us (Jn 19: 25–27), He chose Her to be our Mediatrix of His graces to us. It was why the Archangel Gabriel said to Her when God chose Her to be the Mother of His Son: ‘Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with You’ (Lk 1:28). She Who is full of the grace of God is ever ready to assist us in life so as to attain Eternal Kingdom of Her Son -Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Memorare:

Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known, that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or sought Thy intercession was ever abandoned. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to Thee I come, before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate despite not my petitions but in Thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen!

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Ònífáde

Chairman/CEO,

Wagbemiga Media Services (7150468)

+2347034573233

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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DEEP WITHIN: A MOMENT WITH JESUS
Solemnity of the Immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Rd. Gen 3: 9-15,20; Ps 98; 2nd Rd. Eph 1: 3-6,11-12; Gosp. Lk 1: 26-38.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, the Feast of the Immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an invitation for us all to hail God’s plan of redemption for humanity and to pray Him, through the help of Mary, for grace to be able to live pure and holy in His sight.

Immaculate Conception means conceived without sin. This position which was dogmatically proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854 affirms that Mary is total purity before her conception. The Psalm 51: 5 holds that ‘we were all conceived in sin’. But was it God’s plan for us to be conceived in sin? St. Paul answered in the second reading that “before the world was made, He (God) chose us to be holy and spotless”. So, it is God’s plan, ab initio, that we are made immaculate from our conception. But Satan’s envy made him lure man to sin, as the first reading narrated, and shattered this plan. The fall of man, therefore, necessitated God’s divine intervention of redemption, so that man may not be entirely condemned to death, but that he may have the privilege of eating of the tree of life, which by disobedience he had lost, and thus come holy and spotless again into God’s divine presence. Hence, God promised to set enmity between the serpent and the women and assured that her offspring will crush the head of the serpent, as seen in the first reading.

The offspring that will become victorious over satan is, no doubt, the person of Jesus, the God made man, and the woman in whom the Prophecy is fulfilled is Mary. Not out of any merit of her own but purely out of God’s own grace. That the brokenness of man may be healed from the root, the same subject of the fall, a woman, had to be fortified to resist every assault of the evil one and thus bring forth a man without sin. For this singular purpose, God preserved Mary from the stain of original sin and thus made her immaculate at her conception. If she were to be with sin then she cannot be the enemy of the evil one. So, to fulfil the divine promise, she had to be freed from the touch of Satan.

This hidden mystery, unknown to man, was made manifest when the Angel Gabriel, sent by God, came to announce the fulfilment of the prophecy of Gen 3:15. The Angel Gabriel greeted Mary, not by her name but by her singular favour: “Hail Full of Grace”. To be full of grace is to possess the attributes of the divine presence, which St. Paul identifies as being “holy and spotless”. The truth Solemnly announced by the Angel, definitely does not lie within the purview of scientific investigation or mere philosophical analysis. Thus, the attempt to understand this article of the faith, closely tied to human redemption generated a long theological discussion which lasted for centuries. In fact, it seemed impossible to affirm that Mary was “Full of Grace” from her Conception because of the contradiction the teaching seem to pose to the scriptures that “all of creation groans, longing for redemption” (cf. Rom. 8: 19-23).

In a nutshell, to affirm the teaching would be to say that Mary had no need of redemption. For this reason, many great minds and great Saints of the Middle Ages argued against the teaching on the Immaculate Conception. Solution, however, came when John Duns Scotus, a 14th century Franciscan monk and theologian, showed that affirming the Immaculate Conception of Mary did not go against the truth that everyone needed redemption. Our Lady also needed it, in the most perfect way, not in the sense of being freed from original sin, but in that of being preserved from this sin of our progenitors. In a nutshell, Our Lady was “Full of Grace” from her Conception in view of Jesus’ merits on the cross. Therefore, contemplating Mary Immaculate, we admire the most perfect redemption, the most exalted fruit of the tree of the Cross. This explanation convinced many and from it came the dogmatic proclamation of the Immaculate Conception that teaches the absolute truth of this doctrine and which was also confirmed by Mary herself, when she revealed her name to Bernadette (Lourdes) as the Immaculate Conception.

From the exposition, so far, it is clear that God loves us and really wants us to come pure and immaculate into His Presence. One thing, however, is the obstacle we must surmount – sin – that comes from disobedience to God’s command. If, therefore, we wish to come into God’s presence then we need to stand against Satan ourselves and become enemies of sin. This, however, may prove impossible by our own power, so we need the help and prayer of Our Lady who stands as the eternal enemy of Satan, so that by her help we also may obtain grace’s and like her Son crush the head of the numerous sins striking our heels. May the Lord give us strength and grace. Amen!

I wish you a Grace filled celebration of the Immaculate Conception of Mary!
Peace be with you. Amen!

Fr. Michael Odubela, OSJ

Happy 16th Priestly Ordination Anniversary to Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Onaivi Mayaki and his Classmates: Rev. Frs. Peter Abatan, Stephen Akinsowon, Ale John-Paul, Hyginus Nwanze, Eric Onyeoziri, Damian Alozie, Raymond Anoliefo and Philip Sosu-Mobee.

Ad Multos Centissiamus Annos!!!

El Classico: The Mother of All Churches

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I was never a sports person, save only for physical exercises to stay fit. As such, I never shared the fanatism and passion of many Nigerians who end up at viewing centres just to hurl insults, assault one another, abuse each other’s parents and do all sorts just to catch fun while watching European football matches. Incidentally, what I was gaining in my physical fitness by burning calories, they were gaining much more by insulting each other with the energies they dissipate at the viewing centres.

Do not get me wrong at all. Because, curiosity as to what they were gaining (was not thinking of the health benefits) led me to subscribed to FC Barcelona in the early 2000s, before Lionel Messi gained prominence. Low and behold, I derived indescribable joy from the very first day at the viewing centre. And, I fell in love with my Team. Then came in Lionel Messi with his dribbling skills and was winning virtually every football match for Barcelona. My motivation increased alongside my physical fitness.

El Classico is a Spanish word literarily translated to mean ‘The Grandfather of them All’. This is the name of matches which takes place between Real Madrid FC, The Blaugrana and FC Barcelona, More than A Club. The football matches are testaments to the long political rivalry between the two largest cities of Spain. Since the President of Barcelona was executed without trial in 1936, the embers of rivalry between the clubs have continued to be fanned into flame.

The two clubs have the largest following on social media; they are among the most successful and the wealthiest global football clubs. According to Wikipedia:

“Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results in competitive matches with 103 wins to Barcelona’s 100 with 52 draws; Barcelona leads in exhibition matches with 24 victories to Madrid’s 6 with 12 draws and in total matches with 124 wins to Madrid’s 109 with 64 draws as of the match played on 28 October 2023. Along with Athletic Bilbao, they are the only clubs in La Liga to have never been relegated.”

The Arch-Basilica Cathedral of The Most Holy Saviour

In mid-July, 64AD, when Emperor Nero held sway as the Head of the Roman Empire, there was a fire outbreak which lasted for almost a week. Some historians blamed the fire outbreak on Nero himself, with the claim that Nero was to use it to pave way for the building of his planned palatial complex, the “Domus Aurea: Golden House” (Suetonius, 69-122AD). As posited by Emmanuel Rahm, a modern politician: “Never let a crisis go to waste”.

Nero took advantage of the fire outbreak, in a bid to escape being blamed for it, and blamed it in lieu on the budding Christians who refused to worship him. This led to the persecution and execution of Christians, chief among whom were the greatest Apostles Peter and Paul. And so began the more than two and half centuries of persecution and killings of Christians for sport. The following year, 65 AD, after a failed conspiracy to kill Nero, he executed his Counsel-designate Plautius Lateranus (Lateran); because, he was part of the conspiracy to kill Nero in 65AD.

Then came in Emperor Constantine of Western Roman Empire who was friendly to the unyielding and fastest growing group at the time –the Catholic Church. In union with his counterpart in Eastern Roman Empire, Emperor Licinius, Constantine signed and ratified the popular Edict of Milan in 313AD; allowing the Christians freedom of worship and making Catholicism official State religion, among others. He then donated the Lateran Palace to Pope Miltiades which Nero had confiscated from his executed Counsel-designate Plautius Lateranus (Lateran).

The Lateran’s first used was for a Synod of Bishops by Pope Miltiades before beginning the construction of Christianity’s first Basilica in Rome, opposite the Lateran Palace. Emperor Constantine ensured that the Arch-Basilica Cathedral was well decorated with gold and silver. It was completed in the year 324AD, and was dedicated on 9th November by Pope Sylvester and given the name the “House of God,” with a special designation to Christ the Savior. With that, the first cathedral in the most important diocese was established.

According to mycatholic.life “Though the Basilica was first dedicated to Christ the Savior, in the tenth century Pope Sergius III added a new baptistry and rededicated the Basilica to Saint John the Baptist. In the twelfth century, Pope Lucius II dedicated the Basilica to Saint John the Evangelist. The Basilica, therefore, honours Christ the Savior first and the two Saint Johns as the co-Patrons. Though the Lateran Basilica has remained the Pope’s Cathedral from the time of its dedication, the Lateran Palace, next to the Basilica, was the Papal residence from 324–1305.”

When Pope Clement V who was elected Pope in 1305 decided to live outside Rome, “in 1309, he moved the entire Papal court to Avignon, France, where it remained until Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome from Avignon in 1377. Upon the Pope’s return to Rome, the Lateran Palace was in disrepair due to two fires, so the Pope eventually built a new Palace next to Saint Peter’s on Vatican Hill, where every subsequent Pope has resided until today” (ibid.).

St. Paul in 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19 tells all Christians that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit of God, Who dwells in us. In Jn. 2:17, Jesus reminds us all that zeal for His house must be constantly burning in us always. Because, the celebration of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica foreshadows the Heavenly Jerusalem wherein all of us, “washed clean from all defilements”, will be able to behold the beatific vision of God. This is why we must strive at all times to always keep our bodies holy. You Are The Most Grandeur Temple of God!

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Ònífáde

Chairman/CEO,

Wagbemiga Media Services (7150468)

+2347034573233

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa

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When Churches resumed paused activities in August 2020, after the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown, I was the Scribe of the Covid-19 LOC in my local Church –Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Babaolosha-Mushin, Lagos. The LOC was charged with ensuring that the rules and regulations from both the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government were strictly adhered to; and, to collect detailed information of every person entering the Church for contact tracing; should there be covid detection.

As the Media Man for the Church as well, I doubled as the PRO of the LOC. I was then directed to broadcast this development across our social media platforms and ensure that each person is mandated to tell another person, knowing that not all our Parishioners have access to social media. Several messages to this effect were broadcasted on Twitter (now X), Instagram and Facebook; as well as shared on WhatsApp platforms of the Church Councils and societies. Just to ensure that Parishioners got the information prior to resumption in August.

Eventually, on resumption, some individuals came with open objection and rejection, questioning the rationale behind the government asking for their personal details. Some said it is only in Regina Mundi that we ask for their details, saying it is not a requirement elsewhere. Those who appeared calm gave silent consent to the voice of those who objected. In other words, they were tacitly in support of those who openly objected. No man is willing to accept a change of status quo, even if it is for the general good.

Confidently, I can aver that denial/rejection of inconvenience is most certainly second nature to man. No matter the difficulty in life, or the precarious economic situation around the world (Nigeria especially), no man wants his/her pleasure disrupted or his/her comfort zone invaded. Should that be the case, some employ violence, some just spark off, while others recoil in silence; as their own ‘defence mechanism.’

From the foregoing, it is noticeable what led to the war in Ukraine, by Russia. Putin knew that the scheme of USA is to control and have unhindered access to any country around the world; hence, why it championed Ukraine joining NATO. By this, the USA can then have unhindered access to Russia. That war is still raging unabated only for Hamas to begin another preventable war in Israel.

Unfortunately for many naysayers, particularly Nigerian so-called ‘men of God’, they thought that the God of the Christians will ensure that Israel wins this war by destroying the Palestinians; forgetting that Israelis are Jewish, and there are more Muslims than Christians in Israel. Particular Islamic leaders have pitched their tent with Hamas; while others have pitched theirs behind Israel. Yet, innocent citizens are the worst off of these barbaric killings. My prayer is that God, creator of all mankind, will put an end to the wars ravaging our planet.

I Am A Year Older Today

The Confiteor (I Confess) is as old as the Catholic celebrations of the Sacraments –Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony and Holy Order– particularly, the Holy Mass. The Priest was meant to pray it before the Mass in the Sacristy. Today, it is a general examination of conscience allowed all participating at the Table of the Lord, especially Communicants; to have the opportunity to be in a state of grace at receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist, during the Mass.

“Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa: Ìjẹ̀bi Mí Ní, Ìjẹ̀bi Mí Ní, Ìjẹ̀bi Nlá Nlá Mí Ní” The mea culpa is not only an admission or a realisation of guilt, it is more of an acknowledgment of our unworthiness to partake at the Lord’s Table. It is appreciating the fact that the mercy of God, expressed in His love by Christ dying for us, surpasses and supersedes our unworthiness. It is our realisation that only the grace of God can make us stand in His presence, so as to be able to partake at His Table (Ps 130: 3).

Today, the Twentieth Day in the Tenth Month of the Year of Our Lord (2023), I realised is my birthday. After knowing and marking my birthday on 20th February every year for about 40 years of my life, I have come to realise that I was born on this day; 2scores and 3 years ago on Monday, 20th October, 1980. I must confess that I am as bewildered as anyone would over this realisation.

It was a rude shock to me finding out some years after the demise of my loving father, Pa Michael Akande Ònífáde. In fact, my siblings and I were dumbfounded coming across the document amongst our father’s documents, whilst we rummaged through his things. Unfortunately, I did not come to possess the birth certificate stating I was born earlier than 20th February, 1981 until after the demise of my beloved mother, Mrs. Omobolanle Mary Adunni Ònífáde, too.

Incidentally, I have had a discussion with one of my many cousins who mentioned to me that he is surprised I celebrate 20th February, 1981 as my date of birth when in actual fact I was born earlier. He claimed it was not up to a year, or just a little more than a year after my older brother was born that the news reached them in Ekiti that I was born. According to him, the thinking was that, my older brother’s christening ceremony was postponed till his 1st birthday. The birth certificate confirmed his claims.

Therefore, I have chosen this day, the Twentieth Day in the Tenth Month of the Year of Our Lord 1980 as my BIRTHDAY. By this, I am putting the Catholic Church, the Premier and Prestigious University of Ibadan, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the general public on notice as regards my original date of birth. As such, I have kickstarted the process to swear an affidavit and formalise the date of birth. I wish I had known this before the death of my loving father.

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade

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Wagbemiga Media Services

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What Is the Surname of Jesus?

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I know for a certainty that, ab initio, the basis of the relationship between God and man has been one of friendship and fellowship. In fact, after God created Adam and Eve and settled them in the Garden of Eden, oftentimes He would come down to fellowship and interact with them. This explains why the Bible accounts for it in Genesis 3: 8 that, on hearing the voice of God calling in the Garden, Adam and Eve went to hid themselves. Because, they have broken the code of friendship.

Friends dialogue. Friends fellowship and interact to enjoy each other’s company, plan together and act together. Friends celebrate one another. This was the relationship between God and man because, God’s intent was for man to share in the fullness of Himself: “Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” (Gen. 1: 26a). Hence, Christ told His Disciples: “I know longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father,” (Jn 15: 15).

Today, Tuesday, 15th August, ’23, the Holy Mother Church Celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. What this Dogma (an irrevocable adherence of faith as regards truths contained in Divine Revelation (CCC, 88)) teaches is that: After Her earthly sojourn here on earth, the Blessed Virgin Mary had the singular honour of being assumed into Heaven body and soul; so that Her body will not know corruption.

I was on the road throughout the day; as such, I was only able to attend evening Mass in company of my two girls (Mary-Bernadette and Margaret-Mary). Suddenly, my first girl of just 5 and half years of age began her chitchat immediately the Priest began the homily. Trust their inquisitiveness, my daughter began with series of questions that I had to answer between listening to the homily and nursing her sleeping sibling.

Suddenly, Mary-Bernadette asked me: “Dad, is God the surname of Jesus?” I froze immediately and became bewildered. Being myself too (I must always answer her questions so as to build trust and confidence in our relationship), I looked puzzlingly at her. She must have sensed that I was lost as she immediately stated, by way of providing the answer herself, that: “God is the surname of Jesus!”

Really, I have never come across a question this puzzling in all my 42 years of earthly existence. But, come to think of it; could my daughter be right? What is the surname of God? Is God the surname of Jesus? Well, maybe God’s family name is God and we all are members of this family through our adoption by Jesus Who laid down His life for His friends (Jn 15: 14). As such, as co-Heirs with Jesus, we are all sons and daughters of God our heavenly Father.

One thing I took away from this experience with my daughter at Mass this evening is that, as a parent you must befriend your children right from the cradle. Mothers are usually their children’s best friend because the mothers breastfeed the children. However, I have chosen to establish a relationship with my girls that they are comfortable with me as their father and friend. As such, as young as they are, I talk with them and we take a stroll together.

Therefore, parents must be attentive while having a listening hear for their children. I was totally unprepared for my daughter tonight; yet, she needed a guide in her journey of relationship with God which she has begun at such a tender age. Since you cannot give what you do not have, parents must be willing to learn, unlearn and relearn in a bid to stay on top of every situation that the AI 21st Century presents to us all.

Then, one thing I have learnt to do is to never brush aside their queries whenever it appeals to them. Even when it is not convenient for me, I always make myself readily available to hear their plea and their complaints. Helping them to build a relationship with God at this stage of their lives occupies a pivotal place in my heart. By the time they will be taking decisions on their own, they can then decide, like I did, if they want to serve God or not.

Happy 63rd Independence Day, Nigeria!!!

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade

CEO,

Wagbemiga Media Services

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NB:

I wrote this article on the night of Tuesday, 15th August, ’23, after attending evening Mass with my children.

#September2Remember: You Are Greatness

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“Look, I am doing something new, now it emerges; can you not see it?

Yes, I am making a road in the desert and rivers in wastelands,” Is 43: 19

From time immemorial, including from the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humanity has always made mistakes, record failures and disappointed itself. Yet, in all of this, humanity prevailed. The Emefiele monetary policy saga on my mind (you can read my article: Humanity Will Always Prevail: https://medium.com/@Wagbemiga/humanity-will-always-prevail-eb7a213608ec).

That, basically, is because man possessed the innate ability and capability to correct its mistakes and disappointments and record successes. This is why there is always “second chance” -an opportunity to right the wrong recorded and make history. Second chances humanity has always got and the opportunity to prevail available.

This is what the “ember months” presents to us: An opportunity to take stocks and start afresh; a way to take it up from where you left-off; means of proving critics wrong; and, a second chance to achieve success. This is what I behold as I trudge on in this month of September. For me, it is a #September2Remember!

What about you? Where did you leave it off? Where did you resigned to fate? Who are the critics who told you it is over? See, Isaiah 43: 19 is for you. It is not over until it is over. No one can stop your successes and achievements; you are destined for Greatness. Go on and achieve it. It is yours from the beginning.

My name is ‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade and I wish you a resounding New Month of September!

Lord, I Am Not Worthy

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One common mentality/denominator found amongst Christians, regardless of riches or poverty, is the ‘entitlement syndrome’. This mind-set oftentimes leads to a mindlessness of who we are as Christians, making us to resort to a comparism of ourselves and the other people ‘blessed by our God’. We forget in its entire that we “are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own, so that you may announce the praises” of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1Pet 2: 9).

This state of mind is how we end up questioning God and rationalise it by our worthiness and faithfulness in keeping the commandments of God. In fact, we end up saying to God that we are better off than the people He blesses while we suffer and languish in precarious situations as if our sins alone killed Jesus on Calvary. Understandably, forgetfulness is not only a mental disorder but also a psychological problem; because, “If You, Lord, mark our sins, Lord, who can stand?” (Ps 130: 3).

This ‘I deserve this/that’ or ‘I do not deserve this/that’ consciousness for us Christians is as an upshot of the fact that we fail, each time this thought presents itself, to realise that it is not ‘I’ but the Lord Who calls and sanctifies the call. It is God Himself Who chose to bless whomever He chooses to bless: “I will show mercy to whom I will, I will take pity on whom I will,” (Rom. 9: 15). That I am a Christian is not an antidote to problems; I am simply privileged to be called.

When Sarah laughed (Gen. 18: 11-12), it was not because she forgot about God but she thought of herself as an old woman who had gone pass menopause and could not ovulate again or have sexual pleasure; she was already 90 years of age at the material time of the promise by God (Gen. 18:10). Yet, God was determined to fulfil His promise to Abraham: “But the Lord said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I really bear a child, old as I am?’ Is anything too marvellous for the Lord to do? At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son” (Gen. 18: 13-14).

When Lot hesitated to depart from Sodom and Gomorrah, the two Angels who came to destroy the city grabbed him, his wife and his two daughters, and led them out of the city. This is because, God had promised Abraham that He would save Lot and his household from the impending doom of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:16). He is a covenant keeping God; there is no one like Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End; the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

Our unfaithfulness notwithstanding, He is faithful and He never fails His promises. Regardless of whether we keep faith, He never abandons us, rather He searches still for our return home like the prodigal son. Therefore, as faithful followers, we must never waiver in our reliance upon His grace to see us through whatever we may be going through; bearing in mind that He Who did not consider Sarah’s doubt but promised and kept His promise will meet us at the point of our needs.

Our dispositions as Christians, therefore, should be resignation to the will of God; bearing in mind “the Lord’s message to Zerubbabel: Not by an army, nor by might, but by my spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zec. 4: 6). Like the Roman Centurion who approached Jesus as He entered Capernaum, supplicating on behalf of his servant, our prayer should be: “Lord, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt. 8:8).

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade

CEO,

Wagbemiga Media Services

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Virtual Confession

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“A clean confession combined with a promise never to commit the sin again, when offered before one who has the right to receive it, is the purest type of repentance.”

-Mahatma Ghandi

The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation invites the Christian to a personal conversion to, and reconciliation with, God the Merciful/Prodigal Father. Through to His promise, the death of Christ helps to ‘wash away original sin, makes us children of God and members of His Church’, through the Sacrament of Baptism. By this singular honour we become a new being, as the old has passed away; yet, we remain in the mortal body washed free from quilt.

Accordingly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states: “Through the sacraments of Christian initiation, man receives the new life of Christ. Now we carry this life “in earthen vessels,” and it remains “hidden with Christ in God.” We are still in our “earthly tent,” subject to suffering, illness, and death. This new life as a child of God can be weakened and even lost by sin” (CCC, 1420).

Hence, the need for us, like the prodigal son, with a contrite heart to trace our steps back to the Father, confessing our sins to Him Who gave His only Begotten Son to ransom us slaves. “Three conditions are necessary for Penance: contrition, which is sorrow for sin, together with a purpose of amendment; confession of sins without any omission; and satisfaction by means of good works”, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, a mediaeval Doctor of the Church (popularly called “Doctor Communis: The Common Doctor”).

The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation, therefore, affords us the opportunity to recognise the holiness of God (Who abhors sin but loves sinners) and His mercy towards sinful man. Accordingly, Pope (St.) John Paull II says “Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.”

The advent of the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) opened us to new realities. Prior to Covid-19, European and American Churches have pressured Rome to allow for confession via text messages, zoom and other virtual means. No thanks to the pandemic, the Holy Mother Church has been exposed to increased demand for technological advancement in administering this Sacrament of Forgiveness.

While this could be viewed from a conversational angle, it negates Confessional secrecy which goes beyond I (‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade) telling somebody my secrets which I do not wish to be told or shared with someone else. Confessional secrecy is beyond siblings/friends/relations/colleagues/partners/heads of corporations/nations/multi-national institutions entrusting a secret to one another, for what it is worth.

Being physically present at the Confessional offers the penitent the need for the closure arising from the forgiveness and salvation God offers us whenever we approach this Sacrament of Conversion. Closure for the penitent at the Confessional is like what happened to the woman accused of adultery and was brought before Christ. The Bible says Christ was writing on the ground (Biblical Scholars have affirmed that Christ wrote their sins on the ground). But, when they insisted he should condemn the woman, he simply told them that the one without sin should be the first to stone her. They left without uttering a word. And Christ told the woman “Neither do I condemn you” (Jn 8: 3-11).

It is like a friend owing me a N100, 000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) but could not pay back but resorted to hiding from me. Suddenly, another friend brought him to me and there and then, I told my friend to forget about owing me a N100m. Imagine how you will react were you to be the friend? That is exactly what that woman felt when Christ told her “neither do I condemn you.” According to Msgr. Gabriel ‘Kunle Amolegbe in his book, ‘My Reflection’: “The power of mercy in these circumstances” is shown to man.

As such how do we ensure closure when the aura which radiates around you from the Priest to the penitent and vice versa is missing during a visual encounter? The personal encounter cannot be replaced with a virtual experience. I do not know about you, but each I time I rise up from the kneeler at the Confessional, I feel it and I tell myself that the Pope is the second holiest person in the whole world; I am the first. That’s what a true confession does to the penitent.

Because, at the Confessional you come, personally, alone to experience that aura of the “personal encounter” it offers. As such, virtual confession cannot and will not give you the requisite closure you so much desired to be reconciled with God and with His Church. Then, it is no more a confession done in secret between you and God; hence, virtual confession calls to question the potency of confessional secrecy.

For instance, should my followers be online during my virtual confession, they will watch and listen live to the sins I confess to the Priest. Or, if they are not, they can always watch it later Thereby, there would be no Confession at all. Then, it would have just been me telling the Priests what I feel about how I have been living my life not in conformity with Gospel values. That is no Sacramental Confession at all.

‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade

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