- Bishop Onaga calls for Deeper Faith in God
Aguobowa Deanery witnessed a remarkable display of faith and unity as the 2024 Cathedraticum train rolled through, bringing together priests and the faithful in support of the church and a deeper connection with God.
Welcoming the Bishop, The Dean of Aguobowa Deanry, Very Rev. Fr. Victor Ogbogu Ubaka expressed with delight the excitement that pervades amongst the faithful in the deanery as they gathered once again for the yearly event.
In His Homily, The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, being greetings from the rest of diocese noted that, this is a feast we use in supporting and help ourselves.
“We gather in one faith to proclaim the very core tenet of evangelisation and what has kept us together in faith even amidst the difficulties on ground”, His Lordship said.
Speaking on the topic; ‘Deeper Faith’, Bishop Onaga remarked that deeper faith has shown itself much more amongst the people of Aguobowa. This he noted came into play as regards to the recent miracle the diocese recorded over the recent kidnap attempt on a priest and the eventual miraculous way he escaped.
According to His Lordship, our existence is the very citadel of faith that amidst the very difficulties that abound, we still have the strong will and faith to gather and give in the support of the work of God.
On the current depressing state of affairs in Nigeria, cutting across all spheres of the society, His Lordship decried the very evil in substandard products leading to avoidable illness and widespread death amongst the people due to the dwindling social economic cohesion and lack of leadership in the land.
His Lordship also urged the people to as a matter of importance lookout for themselves and each other. He urged them to take their health seriously and be disciplined in their living.
His Lordship further decried the rising cost of living and debilitating effect it’s having on the basic standard of living for people.
He however expressed confidence that, yes, amidst all, God has been strong and have continued to be faithful to the people.
In a special way, His Lordship Thanked the Dean of Aguobowa deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Victor Ogbogu Ubaka . He appreciated him for the sacrifices he is doing to see that the Gospel is being proclaimed in Aguobowa deanery.
His Lordship also thanked Priests who came out in their numbers for the Cathedraticum. He praised them for their sacrifices as well as their unwavering commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel.
His Lordship further thanked the faithful and the various organs in the deanery for the continuous prayer, support and sacrifices so far.
In a special way he thanked the speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu for his support, in particular for sponsoring the just concluded football competition amongst Catholic secondary schools in Enugu Diocese.
His Lordship further condemned the seeming growing level of idolatry and adherence to fetish things in Aguobowa.
Not condemning culture in any way, however, his Lordship in calling out the wide spread ignorance leading to the seeming growing return to the abandoned idolatrous practice that kept the society in the dark, urged them to seek God in its trueness.
Making reference to his 2024 Lenten pastoral letter titled, ‘Telling Lies and Christianity’, His Lordship urged for a critical self introspection to turn a new leaf.
On the need to be productive as a people, His Lordship reaffirmed his instruction for all to go back to farm to stay productive and help the society.
His Lordship further urged for discernment, self purge contents, especially the many things flying on social media and to be positive builders of our society. He prayed for stronger faith and committed disposition to their faith.
In conclusion, he urged all to be strong in faith, avoid distractions and stay firm in their prayer, supplication and belief that God can do it.
Indeed, being the second amongst many more cathedraticums that will be obeserved across deaneires in the diocese, the faithful in Aguobowa deanery according to various parishes and led by their priests gave with all their heart, showing once again firmly built commitment to the work of God as well as a testament of the growing unwavering faith of the people.
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