By Chikezie Ogbonna
In a solemn and reflective homily delivered during the Newe Year Crossover Mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, urged the faithful to embrace renewal, make meaningful resolutions, and entrust the year 2025 to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
The Mass, which marked the transition into the New Year, was dedicated to Mary under the theme, “Mother Mary Deserves Every Honour.” Bishop Onaga emphasized the special role of Mary in the divine mystery of salvation, describing her as the chosen vessel through whom God brought His Son into the world.
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, the Bishop said, “When God chooses someone for a particular role, He renders him or her fit for it.” He elaborated that God, in choosing Mary, endowed her with the grace and dignity necessary to become the Theotokos—the Mother of God.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, including the removal of fuel subsidies, currency scarcity, and the forex crisis, Bishop Onaga acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians amidst these difficulties. He decried the pervasive greed, artificial inflation, and growing consumerism, urging all to cultivate a change of heart and seek contentment.
“Despite the hardships, we navigated through the year because God was with us,” he said. “It is through His grace that we were able to manage ourselves and survive.”
The Bishop highlighted the importance of devotion to Mary, noting her unique role in the history of salvation. “Mary did not make herself worthy but preserved herself to become the tabernacle of God. Through her, the promise of salvation became a reality,” he stated.
He encouraged the faithful to embrace the rosary as a powerful spiritual tool, describing it as a “battle weapon” that helps solve problems. “When you pray the rosary, your problem is half-solved,” he said, urging continued intercession through Mary, who listens to the cries of the faithful.
Bishop Onaga called on everyone to make thoughtful New Year resolutions, emphasizing the need for self-assessment and personal growth. “Resolutions are good because they give us targets. Let us give ourselves goals that will make us better people, bringing glory to God,” he said.
He concluded by urging the congregation to follow Mary’s example of faith and humility, praying for her intercession to make the world a better place. “Let us chaplet our problems, entrust our lives to God, and work towards becoming instruments of His glory,” he said.
As the congregation joyfully welcomed the New Year, Bishop Onaga’s homily served as a call to deeper reflection, spiritual renewal, and unwavering faith in God’s providence.
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