On 28th July, 2024, the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu celebrated a holy mass to honor the elderly at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
The catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga in his homily, addressed the current hardships faced by the country and emphasized the importance of faith in God’s provision.
His Lordship began by acknowledging the struggles and worries that many people face daily. He reassured the congregation that God provides, especially in critical moments. Drawing from the first reading, he underscored this message with the example of Elisha feeding a hundred followers with twenty loaves of bread, illustrating God’s revelation and provision even in times of scarcity.
Bishop Onaga reminded the congregation that the practice of sharing and feeding others has deep roots in biblical history, preceding even the miracles of Christ. He cited the gospel of the day where Jesus fed over 5000 people with five loaves of bread, he emphasized the importance of not wasting food and adopting responsible practices. He condemned food wastage, particularly at parties, and urged everyone to be like the boy who shared his five loaves and Andrew, who took a leap of faith to provide for the multitude.
Amid the country’s worsening conditions, His Lordship noted that while the government has failed to provide adequately for its citizens, the Church continues to support the poor through scholarships and financial aid. He lamented the impact of actions like the Monday sit-at-home protests, urging the community to seek change through prayer rather than destructive behaviors.
In celebrating the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Rev. Onaga honored the elderly in the congregation, reminding them that old age is a blessing and a privilege. He encouraged everyone to support and cherish their elders, highlighting the significance of their contributions to society.
Finally, His Lordship urged the congregation to remember that God is a provider and to maintain their trust in Him, even amid challenging times. His message was one of hope, faith, and the enduring power of divine providence
The Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor in his brief address celebrated the elderly with gifts and special prayers. He reiterated the importance of recognizing and valuing the elderly within the community.
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