DiocesanTopical News

“Allow the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in You” – Bishop Onaga admonish Confirmation candidates

By Chinwendu Nnamani

In preparation for the celebration of the maiden Edition of the Diocesan Feast Day, the Feast of Pentecost, the Bishop, priests and Lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, gathered together today, 18th May, 2024,to witness the conferment of the sacrament of confirmation on candidates from the different parishes that make up the Diocese.

Welcoming all those gathered, the Bishop of the Diocese, most Rev Dr. Callistus Onaga, said the essence of the celebration is to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostle, which was their helper and comforter throughout their lifetime.

He said that every Catholic Faithful must accept and receive the Holy spirit through the Sacrament of confirmation, for wisdom, to strengthen faith, and to be able to overcome temptations.

In a special way, Bishop Onaga prayed for Enugu Diocese, for security in the State and the entire country at large. He also prayed that God will give all gathered the seven gifts of the Holy spirit which are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God.

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In his homily, while examining the candidates for confirmation to certain their readiness, he reminded the candidates and everyone present, that every human is created in the image and likeness of God, therefore they should not be any form of division or segregation.

And as people of God, who are baptized and now being confirmed, they should do away with the attitude of snapping pictures in the scene of accident, rather, to endeavour to see that victim receive the sacrament of baptism, if necessary, while giving other forms of first aid.

In his closing remark, Bishop Onaga thanked the Priests present, stating that their presence made the confirmation exercise faster, as there were over 800 candidates present.

He equally appreciated the effort of all those who taught and prepared the candidates as they were prepared very well, seeing as they answered all his questions very brilliantly.

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Admonishing the candidates, he reminded them the need to live out the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit which they have received. He implored the males and females among them who are 12 years and above, to register and become members of Catholic Young Men Organization and Catholic Young Women Organization respectively and avoid the worship of “Chukwu Okike Abiama” and Initiation into Ezenwanyi which is prevalent in the society today, reminding them that there is a clear difference between idol worshiping and the promotion of culture, the former being what is practiced today in the guise of culture.

In conclusion, Bishop Onaga reminded the recipients to endeavour to attend Morning or evening Mass, at least for 9 days and for them not to deviate from the teachings of the Church and allow the gift of the Holy Spirit, which they received today to manifest and bear fruit in them.

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The Choice Flame Newspaper is geared towards blazing the trail in modern journalism, committed to smart, truth-centered, in-depth and objective reporting on the Church and society through quality contents that empower and elevate the human spirit. It is the publication of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu with the aim to dispel darkness.
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Admin Administrator
The Choice Flame Newspaper is geared towards blazing the trail in modern journalism, committed to smart, truth-centered, in-depth and objective reporting on the Church and society through quality contents that empower and elevate the human spirit. It is the publication of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu with the aim to dispel darkness.

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