The Christian Outlook: Goodwill Message of Bishop's Okeke 70th Birthday

Miss Nkiru Joe-Martins Uzodike’s Wedding Quakes Anambra State

It was the traditional wedding of the year, Decenber 26 as Miss Nkiru Joe- Martins Uzodike,daughter of Chief Barr (Sir) Joe- Martins Uzodike, Aka-na-eme Eze of Igboland, tied the traditional nuptial knot with her heartthrob, Prince Basil Chidi Nwanonyere.
The traditional wedding, which many described as epochal was a social crowd-puller and trail brazer that proved a veritable conglomeration for major political actors in the state and well beyond.
It was a fitting political epilogue for the year 2016 as it witnessed a forum for the meeting of the greatest political heavy weights in Anambra, Governor Willie Obiano and his mentor, former Governor Peter Obi, both of who shook hands and exchanged pleasantries in a rare gesture of bonhomie and camaraderie.
The palatial country mansion of Barr Joe Martins Uzodike, KSJI, could hardly contain the enthusiastic guests who came from the four corners of the compass  for the historic event cascaded into adjoining school fields and outlying meadows.
Among the other high profile personalities at the occasion were the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, Senators Uche Ekwunife, Andy Ubah; Annie Okonkwo; Barr Obinna Uzoh;Rep Obinna Chidoka; Sir Callistus Ilozumba; Mr Oseloka Obaze; Sir Nick Obi; Rep Dozie Nwankwo; Barr (Mrs) Uju Nwogu; Prof Ken Nwogu; High Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, Ogirisi Igbo; and Chief Ben- Collins Obi, Owelle Mbaukwu, just to mention a few.
Also present were Knights of St John International and their Lady Auxiliaries, as well as traditional rulers, captains of industry and the crème de la crème of the society.
Governor Willie Obiano, who fielded questions from reporters expressed his profound best wishes for the couple and prayed God to sustain the marriage.
While praying for the couple, the father of the bride, Chief Barr Joe Martins Uzodike invoked God's blessing on them, and wished them a happy, and fruitful married life.
Chief Uzodike, who is also the Dike Udo of Awka Etiti admonished the couple to love each other and shun negative extraneous influences that could mar their union.
Highlights of the events were the bridal dance and other traditional dances.
It will be recalled that Chief Barr Sir Joe Martins Uzodike was the campaign manager of Governor Willie Obiano, both of who have parted ways few months after the Governor assumed office. Chief Uzodike was the Commissioner for information, Culture and Tourism during Governor Peter Obi's time.

The Christian Outlook Vol 16 No 1: EDITORIAL; Welcome 2017: New Year, New Hope

Nigerians rose in unison, for once, again, and joined the rest of the universe to usher in the New Year, 2017, on that eventful midnight of Saturday, December 31, 2016 – the last day of an unforgettable year in the annals of Nigeria in recent times – as they remained awake to witness a momentary fascinating phase of nature's weaving of time and history through a graciously seamless transition from 2016 to 2017, by a split second.
Remarkably, and true to an age-tested tradition, especially in Igbo-speaking areas of the country, frenzied shouting by visibly happy crowds in all nooks and crannies of even the remotest hinterlands of the country by the populace; booming of canons, colourful fireworks flashing across the sky, accompanied by a staccato of bangers (popularly called 'knockout') and even real gunshots, were all significant mode of the people's expression of gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty God for sparing their lives to witness the arrival of the New Year. Indeed, everybody had cause to shout “hurray!” for having survived, outlived and be alive to bid farewell to the gone Year 2016!
The reasons for the frenzied celebration of that turning point in human history obviously revolve around the incontrovertible facts that Nigerians had experienced an unprecedented downturn in their collective fortunes as the unfolding events further exacerbated the bad and ugly situation in the country, socio-politically, economically and in other spheres during that year of our Lord, 2016. They saw senseless massacres of innocent Nigerians in their natural habitats inherited from their forefathers by fellow human beings for various inexplicable reasons and purposes; the masses saw dog-eat-dog scenario whereby members of the same ruling party and occupants of top echelons of government were horrendously gagged, humiliated and demystified by law-enforcement agencies for one reason or another, bordering on the anti-graft campaign by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at the centre, climaxing in the mid-night invasion of the abodes of some Supreme and High Court judges, etc.
Since the dawn of the New Year, 2017, the atmosphere has been saturated with boundless joy and reinvigorated spirit (amongst the populace) in anticipation of a brighter phase and greater goodies to accompany it! Yes, Nigerians are looking forward to the long-awaited POSITIVE CHANGE and rosier living standards without the usual hiccups of persistent power failures/outages by the national electicity grid. They expect constant availability of cheap and affordable staple commodities and quick solution to the exorbitant costs of goods in the local markets. They wish for more balanced diets on their dining tables and urgent reversal of the present ugly and excruciating economic situation, in order to mellow its abrasive effects which have continued to make life very unbearable for the common man.
The Nigerian workers, whose take-home pay no longer takes them home, envisage an upward adjustment of their salaries in form of reviewed national minimum wage structure which they perceive to be long overdue, in view of the prevailing situation in the country. As what is good for the goose is also palatable sauce to the gander, organised labour agitates for wage adjustment in line with or comparable to the jumbo remunerations paid to political officer-holders and members of the two arms of government at all levels in the country. After all, workers are the geese that lay the golden eggs and deserve commensurate reward, as tenaciously contested by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which are the apex bodies of legally recognised, functional industrial unions in the nation.
It is also generally expected that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration will translate all the enticing electioneering campaign promises encapsulated in his much-vaunted 'Change' manifesto into real visible, tangible and verifiable reality. In other words, Nigerians will be delighted with more action by the FG and less sloganeering, propaganda and political jingoism which the ruling party so far, abundantly seems to have in stock.
Looking back at the previous year that was heavily laden with lots of controversies, uncertainties, serious security challenges posed by Boko Haram Islamist insurgents, Niger Delta militants and Pro-Biafra agitation groups in the South-East as well as the Shi'ite Muslim Movement hostilities in Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and elsewhere in the Northern states of the federation, worsened by spiraling cost of living occasioned by ongoing economic recession. Indeed, the citizenry has genuine reason to demand for more action by their democratically-elected leaders to take immediate drastic measures for possible lasting panacea to all these myriads of national challenges besetting the unity, progress and stability of the country, especially since the restoration of civilian rule in May 1999.
Youths and jobless school-leavers look forward in anticipation of employment opportunities to become self-subsistence. Peasant farmers in the hinterlands desire a year devoid of undue harassment, intimidation, molestation and violent attacks by armed nomadic herdsmen but a positive change by way of timely provision of necessary agricultural inputs, like fertilizers, hybrid seed crops, herbicides, insecticides and other essential requirements for bumper local food production, owing to the stiff FG ban on imported rice, etc. Nigeria has no alternative at this point in time, than to encourage the peasant farmers through mechanized agriculture with deployment of tractors, harrowers and modern machinery to boost large-scale food production in the country.
FG, State and Local Governments should settle all debts owed contractors to inject money into circulation as a way of cushioning the vagaries of the economic depression, particularly the reimbursement of funds spent by state governments to rehabilitate dilapidated FG roads, such as the over N43 billion owed Anambra State government by the FG in that regard. Industrialists and businessmen want an urgent policy initiative to nip the free falling of the Nigerian currency (naira) in the foreign exchange market, which invariably, catapulted prices of imported raw materials, plants and equipmentsbeyond imaginable astronomical proportions. Ditto, the teaming jobless Nigerians on the streets are looking forward to the enforcement of the FG's social benefits to accommodate more and wider spectrum of downtrodden citizens in 2017, through effective and efficient implementation of the national budget, and without the hitherto antagonism and confrontation amongst the tiers of government that tended to retard the pace of national development, generally.
We ask God to touch the hearts of our leaders to use the abundant natural and human resources He has given us for the benefit of all Nigerians. We wish you a New Year filled with peace, hope, joy and love!

An Invitation to the 70th Birthday of His Lordship Most Rev Hilary Paul Odili Okeke

President Obama delivered his Farewell Address in Chicago on January 10, 2017.

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Chicago! (Applause.) It's good to be home! (Applause.) Thank you, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you. (Applause.) All right, everybody sit down. (Applause.) We're on live TV here. I've got to move. (Applause.) You can tell that I'm a lame duck because nobody is following instructions. (Laughter.) Everybody have a seat. (Applause.)
My fellow Americans — (applause) — Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well wishes that we've received over the past few weeks. But tonight, it's my turn to say thanks. (Applause.) Whether we have seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners and on distant military outposts — those conversations are what have kept me honest, and kept me inspired, and kept me going. And every day, I have learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man. (Applause.)
So I first came to Chicago when I was in my early 20s. And I was still trying to figure out who I was, still searching for a purpose in my life. And it was a neighborhood not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: I can't do that.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it.
After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it's not just my belief. It's the beating heart of our American idea — our bold experiment in self-government. It's the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing; that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union.
What a radical idea. A great gift that our Founders gave to us: The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat and toil and imagination, and the imperative to strive together, as well, to achieve a common good, a greater good.
For 240 years, our nation's call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation. It's what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom. It's what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande. (Applause.) It's what pushed women to reach for the ballot. It's what powered workers to organize. It's why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima, Iraq and Afghanistan. And why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs, as well. (Applause.)
So that's what we mean when we say America is exceptional — not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change and make life better for those who follow. Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard. It's always been contentious. Sometimes it's been bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all and not just some. (Applause.)
If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history — (applause) — if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, take out the mastermind of 9/11 — (applause) — if I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens — (applause) — if I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that's what we did. (Applause.) That's what you did.
You were the change. You answered people's hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started. (Applause.)
In 10 days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy.
AUDIENCE: Nooo —
THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no, no — the peaceful transfer of power from one freely elected President to the next. (Applause.) I committed to President-elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me. (Applause.) Because it's up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.
We have what we need to do so. We have everything we need to meet those challenges. After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth. Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours. But that potential will only be realized if our democracy works. Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people. (Applause.) Only if all of us, regardless of party affiliation or particular interests, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now.
That's what I want to focus on tonight: The state of our democracy. Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders argued. They quarreled. Eventually they compromised. They expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we're all in this together; that we rise or fall as one. (Applause.)
There have been moments throughout our history that threatens that solidarity. And the beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the specter of terrorism — these forces haven't just tested our security and our prosperity, but are testing our democracy, as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland. In other words, it will determine our future.
To begin with, our democracy won't work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity. And the good news is that today the economy is growing again. Wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are all rising again. Poverty is falling again. (Applause.) The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records. The unemployment rate is near a 10-year low. The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower. (Applause.) Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in 50 years. And I've said and I mean it — if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we've made to our health care system and that covers as many people at less cost, I will publicly support it. (Applause.)
Because that, after all, is why we serve. Not to score points or take credit, but to make people's lives better. (Applause.)
But for all the real progress that we've made, we know it's not enough. Our economy doesn't work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class and ladders for folks who want to get into the middle class. (Applause.) That's the economic argument. But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic ideal. While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and in rural counties, have been left behind — the laid-off factory worker; the waitress or health care worker who's just barely getting by and struggling to pay the bills — convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful — that's a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics.
But there are no quick fixes to this long-term trend. I agree, our trade should be fair and not just free. But the next wave of economic dislocations won't come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes a lot of good, middle-class jobs obsolete.
And so we're going to have to forge a new social compact to guarantee all our kids the education they need — (applause) — to give workers the power to unionize for better wages; to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now, and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from this new economy don't avoid their obligations to the country that's made their very success possible. (Applause.)
We can argue about how to best achieve these goals. But we can't be complacent about the goals themselves. For if we don't create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come.
There's a second threat to our democracy — and this one is as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. Now, I've lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 10, or 20, or 30 years ago, no matter what some folks say. (Applause.) You can see it not just in statistics, you see it in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.
But we're not where we need to be. And all of us have more work to do. (Applause.) If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and an undeserving minority, then workers of all shades are going to be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. (Applause.) If we're unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don't look like us, we will diminish the prospects of our own children — because those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America's workforce. (Applause.) And we have shown that our economy doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
So if we're going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination — in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. (Applause.) That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require. (Applause.)
But laws alone won't be enough. Hearts must change. It won't change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction — Atticus Finch — (applause) — who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
For blacks and other minority groups, it means tying our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face — not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he's got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen. (Applause.)
For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn't suddenly vanish in the '60s — (applause) — that when minority groups voice discontent, they're not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they're not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised. (Applause.)
For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles — who it was said we're going to destroy the fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn't weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation's creed, and this nation was strengthened. (Applause.)
So regardless of the station that we occupy, we all have to try harder. We all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family just like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own. (Applause.)
And that's not easy to do. For too many of us, it's become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or on college campuses, or places of worship, or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, and increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste — all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it's true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there. (Applause.)
And this trend represents a third threat to our democracy. But politics is a battle of ideas. That's how our democracy was designed. In the course of a healthy debate, we prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point, and that science and reason matter — (applause) — then we're going to keep talking past each other, and we'll make common ground and compromise impossible. (Applause.)
And isn't that part of what so often makes politics dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we're cutting taxes for corporations? (Applause.) How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It's not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts; it's self-defeating. Because, as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you. (Applause.)
Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we've halved our dependence on foreign oil; we've doubled our renewable energy; we've led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. (Applause.) But without bolder action, our children won't have time to debate the existence of climate change. They'll be busy dealing with its effects: more environmental disasters, more economic disruptions, waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary.
Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to solve the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations, it betrays the essential spirit of this country — the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders. (Applause.)
It is that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse — the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.
It's that spirit — a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might — that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression; that allowed us to build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but built on principles — the rule of law, human rights, freedom of religion, and speech, and assembly, and an independent press. (Applause.)
That order is now being challenged — first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets and open democracies and and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently; a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or the propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what's true and what's right.
Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, because of our intelligence officers, and law enforcement, and diplomats who support our troops — (applause) — no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years. (Applause.) And although Boston and Orlando and San Bernardino and Fort Hood remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We have taken out tens of thousands of terrorists — including bin Laden. (Applause.) The global coalition we're leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe. (Applause.)
And to all who serve or have served, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief. And we all owe you a deep debt of gratitude. (Applause.)
But protecting our way of life, that's not just the job of our military. Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. So, just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are. (Applause.)
And that's why, for the past eight years, I've worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firmer legal footing. That's why we've ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, reformed our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties. (Applause.) That's why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic as we are. (Applause.)
That's why we cannot withdraw from big global fights — to expand democracy, and human rights, and women's rights, and LGBT rights. No matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem, that's part of defending America. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism and chauvinism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.
So let's be vigilant, but not afraid. (Applause.) ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. (Applause.) Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world — unless we give up what we stand for — (applause) — and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.
Which brings me to my final point: Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. (Applause.) All of us, regardless of party, should be throwing ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. (Applause.) When voting rates in America are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should be making it easier, not harder, to vote. (Applause.) When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. (Applause.) When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our congressional districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes. (Applause.)
But remember, none of this happens on its own. All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power happens to be swinging.
Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it's really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. (Applause.) We, the people, give it meaning. With our participation, and with the choices that we make, and the alliances that we forge. (Applause.) Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. That's up to us. America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.
In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but “from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth.” And so we have to preserve this truth with “jealous anxiety;” that we should reject “the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties” that make us one. (Applause.)
America, we weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character aren't even willing to enter into public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are seen not just as misguided but as malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others; when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and when we sit back and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them. (Applause.)
It falls to each of us to be those those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we've been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen. (Applause.) Citizen.
So, you see, that's what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there's an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life. (Applause.) If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. (Applause.) If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. (Applause.) Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.
Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America — and in Americans — will be confirmed. (Applause.)
Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, I've seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in a Charleston church. I've seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch. I've seen wounded warriors who at points were given up for dead walk again. I've seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I've seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other. (Applause.)
So that faith that I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change — that faith has been rewarded in ways I could not have possibly imagined. And I hope your faith has, too. Some of you here tonight or watching at home, you were there with us in 2004, in 2008, 2012 — (applause) — maybe you still can't believe we pulled this whole thing off. Let me tell you, you're not the only ones. (Laughter.)
Michelle — (applause) — Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, girl of the South Side — (applause) — for the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. (Applause.) You took on a role you didn't ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humor. (Applause.) You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. (Applause.) And the new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. (Applause.) So you have made me proud. And you have made the country proud. (Applause.)
Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women. You are smart and you are beautiful, but more importantly, you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion. (Applause.) You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I've done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad. (Applause.)
To Joe Biden — (applause) — the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son — you were the first decision I made as a nominee, and it was the best. (Applause.) Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. And we love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives. (Applause.)
To my remarkable staff: For eight years — and for some of you, a whole lot more — I have drawn from your energy, and every day I tried to reflect back what you displayed — heart, and character, and idealism. I've watched you grow up, get married, have kids, start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. You guarded against cynicism. And the only thing that makes me prouder than all the good that we've done is the thought of all the amazing things that you're going to achieve from here. (Applause.)
And to all of you out there — every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town, every kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change — you are the best supporters and organizers anybody could ever hope for, and I will be forever grateful. (Applause.) Because you did change the world. (Applause.) You did.
And that's why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans, it has inspired so many Americans — especially so many young people out there — to believe that you can make a difference — (applause) — to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.
Let me tell you, this generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic — I've seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America. (Applause.) You know that constant change has been America's hallmark; that it's not something to fear but something to embrace. You are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You'll soon outnumber all of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands. (Applause.)
My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. (Applause.) I won't stop. In fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days. But for now, whether you are young or whether you're young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President — the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I'm asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours.
I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes, we can. (Applause.)
Yes, we did. Yes, we can. (Applause.)
Thank you. God bless you. May God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

FAMILY MATTERS:The Perfect Home With Mrs. Ogechukwu IGBELINA, 08067670740

The home is one of the three most important institutions ordained by God for man. The two others include the government and the church. The home remains the most fundamental with its root on the marriage institution.
    The word “Home” means a person's dwelling place of origin. A home serves as a base for life. It makes living conducive, since it is an abode of care, protection, provision, training and mutual love.
    A home is made up of a family such as man, his wife and children. These three constitute what is called “the nuclear family,” while the constitution of the parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, step-brothers and sisters of the couples, forms the extended family members.
    The supposed order that should prevail in any home is such the man is the head and controller, also the breadwinner. He is assisted by his wife, and supported by the children. Originally, God evolved the first perfect home in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve as the first couple ever recorded in the scripture of Genesis 1 and 2.
    The man and his wife existed fundamentally as suitable and compatible entities from a common source, then become united as one flesh and living together as one entity, sharing everything jointly without concealing any issue whatsoever from each other.
The root of perfection in marriage is development, love, peace, joy harmony, good understanding and communication.
In perfect Godly home, the woman is not only the part of the man but helpmate fashioned out of the will of God. Both couples are actually detached from one common interest referred to as “one flesh.” The man is expected to plan very well towards marriage, if a perfect home must be achieved. Qualities that must apply in a home include: gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control. Domineering attitude should be dropped at this point in time.
    The home is said to be perfect only when these fundamental conditions are met among other protruding virtues of life that are bound to elope with time. But, it is unfortunate that most homes on the contemporary world of mankind had in many ways, missed the fundamental objectives of the past and are only struggling on the peripheral to realize the impossible.  
    No man can be a good leader if his home is not organized; the roles of fathers in the church are quite immense which include the pillars of the church and as well as the family. The fathers own the church, the Christian mothers and the youths which explain that hardly can the women and youths take up a financial task without going back to their roots, that is the father. Such great responsibility was being placed on men by God. 
A home is the most sensitive and responsive component of the church and society which had to be taken proper care of and its entities should be trained to be responsible, disciplined and progressively fruitful to the family, church and society at large. It is the nucleus human of the society and habitation to build a good foundation and also nurture it into perfection.
I wish to conclude with the saying that there is no place like home and charity, they say, begins at home.  

Prolife Issues With Rev Fr Ofordum JohnPaul:Prolife Quotations By Mother Theresa Of Calcutta

“That special power of loving that belongs to a woman is seen most clearly when she becomes a mother. Motherhood is the gift of God to women. How grateful we must be to God for this wonderful gift that brings such joy to the whole world, women and men alike! Yet we can destroy this gift of motherhood, especially by the evil of abortion, but also by thinking that other things like jobs or positions are more important than loving, than giving oneself to others. No job, no plans, no possessions, no idea of "freedom" can take the place of love. So anything that destroys God's gift of motherhood destroys His most precious gift to women-- the ability to love as a woman." (Mother Theresa's Letter to the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 1995 ).
"We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of wars, of hatred. If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other."
"Once that living love is destroyed by contraception, abortion follows very easily."
"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
"Abortion kills twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of the mother. Abortion is profoundly anti-women. Three quarters of its victims are women: Half the babies and all the mothers."
"America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has shown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts a child as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters. And in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." (Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, "Notable and Quotable", Wall Street Journal, 2/25/94 , p. A14 )
The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. The mother does not learn to love, but kills to solve her own problems. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want."
"The way to plan the family is natural family planning, not contraception. Use of contraceptives turns the attention to self and so it destroys the gift of love in him or her. In loving, the husband and wife must turn the attention to each other as happens in natural family planning, and not to self, as happens in contraception. Once that living love is destroyed by contraception, abortion follows easily . . . And abortion, which often follows from contraception, brings a people to be spiritually poor, and that is the worst poverty and the most difficult to overcome."
Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion"
"Many people are concerned with children of India, with the children of Africa where quite a few die of hunger, and so on. Many people are also concerned about the violence in this great country of the United States. These concerns are very good. But often these same people are not concerned with the millions being killed by the deliberate decision of their own mothers. And this is the greatest destroyer of peace today- abortion which brings people to such blindness."
"We must remember that life begins at home and we must also remember that the future of humanity passes through the family"

Meditation of the Week:The Nativity Of The Lord Is Near: Repent From The Depths Of Your Heart,St Maximus of Turin

Even without my needing to speak to you about it, my brethren, the season is enough to tell us that the anniversary of the Nativity of Christ our Lord draws near. Creation itself is expressing the imminence of an event that will restore everything for the better. It, too, looks forward to seeing its darkness illumined by a ray of sun even more bright than usual. This expectancy in creation of a renewal of its annual cycle invites us to wait for the birth of the new sun that is Christ, who lights up the darkness of our sins. The sun of justice (Mal 3,20), which is about to appear in all its strength, will cast out the darkness of our sins, already too long in continuance. He will not allow the course of our life to be stifled by the shadows of existence; he wants to expand it by his power.
So, just as creation sheds its light more widely during this time of solstice, let us also manifest our justice. Just as the light of this day is the common good of both rich and poor, let our gifts be extended to travellers and to the poor without reserve. At this time of the year the world holds back the duration of darkness; so let us, too, withdraw the shadows of our avarice… May all the ice in our hearts melt away; may the seeds of justice grow, warmed by the Saviour's rays.
Therefore, brethren, let us prepare ourselves to welcome the day of the Lord's birth by clothing ourselves in garments of shining whiteness. I am referring to those that clothe the soul, not the body. The garment that clothes our body is only a tunic of no value. But it is the body, that precious object, which clothes the soul. The former is woven by human hands; the latter is the work of the hands of God. This is why we must attend with the greatest care to preserving God's work from any spot… Let us purify our consciences from all their stains before the Nativity of the Lord. Let us come before him, not clothed in silk, but rather in works of merit… Let us begin, then, by decorating our interior sanctuary.

St Maximus of Turin (?-c.420), was bishop of Turin, Italy

The Phenomenon Of Pentecostalism In Nigeria Today And Its Effect On The Catholic Faithful.. Prof. Michael Ogunu

Conversion of Catholics to Protestantism
One of the most tragic effects of Pentecostalism on the Catholic faithful is its silent conversion of Catholics to become Protestants. Some Catholic Charismatic Communities are indeed Protestants who under the guise of “Catholic Charismatics” are working hard within the Church to turn Catholics away from their Catholic faith.
Writing in the Leader (a Catholic paper) of Sunday, May 4, 1997, Declan Biadue of St. Thomas Parish, Eziedu, Mbaise (Eastern Nigeria) complains as follows:
“I wish to use this medium to bring it to the attention of our spiritual leaders that Protestants have infiltrated into the Catholic Church.
The infiltrators will be found mostly among Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) communities. Visit some of these charismatic communities and you will easily spot the infiltrators. They will never make the sign of the cross; they are anti-clerical; they will prefer their prayer meeting to the Holy Mass; they will never bring their rosaries to prayer meeting. They don't have any. The way they pray is absolutely un-Catholic. There is a world of difference between the way a Catholic prays and the way a Protestant prays. At many CCR prayer meetings you see many so-called Catholics praying like Protestants. They command God; they shout and babble.
Honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary is a remarkable characteristic of Catholics. Catholics compose hymns and prayers in her honour. But in many CCR prayer meetings, you hardly see members giving reverence to Mary. The unfortunate thing is that these infiltrators usually wangle their way into leadership positions. And when they get there, they use their position to turn a charismatic community that should be Catholic into a Protestant community.
I am therefore appealing to the leaders of the holy Catholic Church to please look into this. Let them be careful in assigning chaplains to Charismatic communities. A Charismatic chaplain should be someone who has the courage to go against the current.
My appeal also goes to parish priests since every Charismatic community has roots in some parish. Every parish priest should be an active member of a Charismatic group in his parish so that he can know what is happening and be able to direct members spiritually”.
The inter-denominational, Protestant stance of the Catholic Charismatic renewal movement in Nigeria is further confirmed by Rev. Dr. Taddeo Onoyima in the following statement from his paper titled “The Catholic Charismatic Movement and the Church” delivered at the Institute of Manage­ment and Technology, Enugu, 1984:
It is not surprising to see some of the members, Catholic and non-Catholic of our movement mount opposition against the Catholic Church. It could be because of the basic Protestant doctrinal stance which probably and consistently remain within the movement after its inception in Nigeria.
It is clear from the above that most of the Catholic Charismatic prayer groups in different Parishes and Mass Centres in Nigeria are inter-denominational prayer groups. Little wonder that Catholic teachings are either watered down or totally rejected to make the non-Catholics happy and comfortable.
Recommendations
What to do to stop the Exodus of Catholics to Pentecostal Churches
It seems obvious from the foregoing that Pentecostalism poses real danger to the Catholic faithful in our country who are exposed to the various devices aimed at winning them over to pentecosta­lism. The following measures are recommended to stop the drift:
1. There should be greater involvement of priests in the lives of the faithful. Efforts should be made to reach out to Church members and help fill the void in the various areas of their lives. To this end, counselling centres should be set up in each parish and a sound counselling programme installed to enable priests attend to the spiritual and other needs of parishioners. The Church should show more concern for the needs of its members. To this end, time should be created for counselling and prayers. There are many Catholics who flock to prayer houses and prophets for counselling and prayers. Some of the conditions they are given is that they should change their faith. As part of the concern, there should be visitation teams and the basic Christian Communities should be made more active.
2. The Church should make it mandatory for all parishes to have bible classes for children and adults outside the Scripture reading periods at Mass. Only Catholics of unquestionable orthodoxy should be in charge of such classes. The bible classes should be used as avenues of explaining the Mass and Catholic faith and doctrine. There should be a continuous study of the Catholic doctrines especially during the Mass and other Church celebrations. Emphasis should be placed on those controversial aspects of the doctrine. Also, seminars and workshops on the Catholic faith should be encouraged in Churches. Priests and Church leaders should spend more time in talking about the Word of God, especially at Mass than on other things like money, tithes and seed-sowing. The Sunday-Sunday Word of God which Catholics hear when they attend Mass is grossly inadequate. Bible reading/study should be a mandatory part of all zonal meetings and Church Societies. Church bulletins should carry out not just Bible readings but also explanations of the readings.
3. Effective guidance should be given to Catholic Charismatic Renewal groups. Only those Charismatic groups which are willing to abide by the directives and guidelines laid down by the Conferences of Catholic Bishops for the movement and are seen to be actually obeying the guidelines should be allowed to exist.
4.Bishops should not hesitate to discipline any erring charismatic priest who fails to observe the laid down guidelines however great his financial contribution to the Chancery may be. The salvation of souls should be the utmost consideration. 5. The faithful should be given adequate education on the teachings of the Church. Short-term  (ranging from 3 months to a year) designed to give theological education to the Laity should be set up.
6. Outreach programmes – Rosary Crusades/Carnivals, Seminars, Workshops, and so on aimed at the spiritual enrichment of Catholics should be organised at parish, Deanery and diocesan levels.
7.  There should be greater integration of youths in the life of the Church, especially at the parish level.
8.   Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary should be intensified. More positive encouragement should be given to the daily recitation of the Rosary, while spiritual and material support should be given to Marian Societies, especially the Legion of Mary. Rosary walks, Rosary Crusades and Carnivals should be regular features in the programme of Parishes and Deaneries.

Prof. Michael Ogunu is the Supreme Chancellor of the Order of  the Knights of St. Mulumba in Nigeria.

Before You Condemn, Think Twice:Homily For The Fourth Sunday Of Advent (year A) By Rev Fr Kenneth Ahanonu

First Reading    : Isaiah 7:10-14
Second Reading    : Romans 1:1-7
Gospel : Mathew 1:18-24
Since I came across this didactic story it has never ceased amazing me. I just want to bring it across to you. I hope you wouldn't mind?
“A king had a male servant who, in all circumstances always said to the king, “Do not be discouraged because everything God does is perfect, he makes no mistakes.”
One day, they went hunting and a wild animal attacked the king, the servant managed to kill the animal but couldn't prevent his majesty from losing a finger. Furious and without showing gratitude, the king said; “If God was good, I would not have been attacked and lost one finger.” The servant replied 'despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good and everything He does is perfect, He is never wrong.' Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his servant. While being taken to prison, he told the king again, God is good and perfect. He is never wrong.
     Another day, the king left alone for another hunt and was captured by savages who use human beings for sacrifice. On the altar, the savages found out that the king did not have one finger in place; he was released because he was considered not “complete” to be offered to their god.
On his return to the palace, he ordered the release of his servant and said: “my friend, God was really good to me, I was almost killed but for lack of a single finger, I was let go.” But I have a question, “if God is so good, why did He allow me to put you in prison?” His servant replied; “my king, if I had not been put in prison, I would have gone with you, and would have been sacrificed, because I have no missing finger.”
In today's Gospel reading, Joseph was faced with a challenging situation. He had been engaged to Mary but before they lived together, he found out that she was already pregnant. Being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, he planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt. 1:20-21).
My interest here is what Joseph did when he discovered that Mary was with a child not of his own seed ever before the revelation by the angel came. The word of God said that Joseph was unwilling to expose Mary to the public disgrace. He decided to dismiss her privately. There is this notion from the law that such a woman should be condemned to death. The law is however clear as stated in Deuteronomy 22:23 - “If there is a young woman, a virgin already engaged to be married, and a man meets her in the town and lies with her, you shall bring both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death.”
Remember that Joseph did not initially know that Mary's conception was not of any man. What did he do? He showed compassion though he did not want to thwart the justice. In the face of such incidence, we are most often inclined to quick justice without giving room to compassion. This is why a boy, some said seven years old, was murdered in a broad daylight in Lagos in the presence of a crowd because they said he stole garri. Jungle justice always turns out to be a mistake because; there is no compassion in the justice.
To avoid such grave mistakes, we must be careful not to make hasty judgments with quick conclusions. In other words, we must think twice before we condemn. Joseph taught twice and in the process, the Holy Spirit revealed to him the exact nature of things: that Mary was actually pregnant but not by any man. She conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Appearance, they say, is deceptive. Things are not always the way they appear. There may be some hidden circumstances that we do not readily see. If we base our judgment on the outward appearance alone, it lands us into grave and regrettable mistakes. Just imagine what would have happened if Mary had been stoned to death for conceiving the Savior of the world. Salvation for all of us not only Joseph's own would be at stake.
Hasty judgment has a lot of implications and this accounts for greater percentage of problems we have in marriage and family life, work places, schools, market places etc. For instance, a man suspects that his wife is flirting and starts mistreating her without knowing exactly what happens. Guess what! Hot trouble in the family. A leader in an organization perceives that his vice is becoming more popular, what happens? A war is declared. One reads betrayal from the action of a friend and quickly concludes that the friend is not trustworthy. Guess the outcome. The list is quite endless. Such story is always chaotic.
Here are some of the causes of hasty and rash judgments:
1.    When stressed up, one may be prone to rash judgments because one does not see reality as truly as it is.
2.    Being tensed up and hot temperedness, diminish reasoning because one is already high. Actions taken in such moments tantamount to rash judgment.
3.    Repeated incidence is another cause. If it is proven for instance that one normally steals, such a person may be held to ransom when a theft is reported around his area.
4.    Deceptive appearance: we should always bear in mind that appearance is deceptive. Circumstances may bring someone into the spot of a crime he knows nothing about.
What are the ways out? To avoid hasty and rash judgment, it is necessary we take the following steps:
1.    Give it time: Take some time to think about it. When possible, make some consultations.
2.    Ask questions: Try to hear from the accusers and most importantly from the accused.
3.    Take the matter bit by bit: By so doing, the truth or something near to the truth will start unveiling.
4.    Place yourself in their shoes: Assume yourself to have fallen the victim. It will help you to judge with compassion.
5.    Find if the crime is excusable: When you have exhausted all the excusable avenues and it still becomes clear that the crime is committed, the full justice must take place inevitably.

The way Jesus handled the issue of the woman caught in adultery (cf John 8:1-11) remains a classical example of justice and compassion in judgment. This is also seen in Joseph's decision in handling his family problem as seen in today's Gospel reading. Always bear in mind that in whatever circumstance you find yourself that God does not make a mistake as we heard in the story of the king and his slave. As we await the Messiah, always remember the lesson of this last Sunday of advent that before you condemn, think twice.

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Be Like Mary – Say Yes To God, But Not Halfway, Pope Francis Says

When Mary says “I am the handmaid of the Lord” in response to the news that she will become the Mother of God, she doesn't say: “this time I will do the will of God, I am available, then I'll see,” the Pope said Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
“Hers is a full yes, without conditions,” he said, noting that at times, instead of imitating this attitude, “we are experts in the 'half-yes:' we are good at pretending not to understand what God wants and consciousness suggests.”
We can also be “cunning” and avoid saying “a true and firm 'no' to God” by making excuses, such as “I can't,” or “'not today, but tomorrow...tomorrow I will be better, tomorrow I will pray, I will do good, tomorrow.”
However, by doing this “we close the door to good and evil profits from these missing 'yeses,'” Francis said, noting that each one of us has “a collection” of these missing yeses inside.
Each full and unreserved “yes” we say to God is the beginning of a new story, he said. Saying yes to God “is truly original, not sin, which makes us old inside.”
“Have you thought about this? That sin makes you age inside? It makes you age right away!” he said, adding that “every yes to God begins a story of salvation for us and for others.”
Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for his Angelus address marking the feast in which the Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mary, honoring the Catholic dogma that she was conceived without sin.
In his Angelus address, the Pope said the day's readings from Genesis and the Gospel of Luke point to two “critical passages” in salvation history which point to “the origins of good and evil.”
Man's “no” to God at the very beginning is recounted in the passage from the Book of Genesis, which shows how “man preferred to look at himself rather than his Creator, he wanted to do his own thing, he chose to suffice with himself.”
By doing this, man left his communion with God behind, “lost himself and began to fear, to hide himself and to accuse those around him,” the Pope observed, explaining that once someone begins to accuse others like this, it means “you are distancing yourself from God” and “this makes sin.”
However, instead of leaving man at the mercy of the evil done, he steps in and immediately looks for him, asking “where are you?”
This question, Francis said, is “the question of a father or mother who looks for their lost child...and this God does it with so much patience, up to the point of bridging the gap that has arisen at the beginning.”
Pointing to the day's Gospel reading from Luke, which recounted the story of the Annunciation, the Pope said that Mary's “great yes” is what made it possible for God to come and live among us.
“Thanks to this 'yes,' Jesus began his journey on the path of humanity; he started it in Mary, spending the first months of life in the womb of his mother.”
Jesus didn't come as an adult, already strong and full grown, but decided to follow the exact same path of the human being, doing everything in exactly the same way “except for one thing: sin.”
Because of this, “he chose Mary, the only creature without sin, immaculate,” he said, noting that when the angel refers to Mary with the title “Full of Grace,” it means that from the beginning there was “no space for sin” inside of her.
“Also we, when we turn to her, we recognize this beauty: we invoke her as 'full of grace,' without the shadow of evil.”
While the “no” of man at the beginning closed the passage from man to God, Mary's “yes” opened the path for God to be among us, Pope Francis said, explaining that Mary's response “is “the most important 'yes' in history.”
“It's the faithful 'yes' that heals disobedience, the available 'yes' that flips the selfishness of sin,” he said, encouraging attendees to use Advent as an opportunity to renew their own “yeses” to God, telling him “I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you; accomplish in me your good will.”
“With generosity and confidence, like Mary, let us say today, each one of us, this personal yes to God,” he said, and led pilgrims in praying the traditional Marian prayer.

$30bn Loan: FG Turns To IMF, World Bank

The Federal Government has said it was looking the way of the International Monetary Fund, (IMF), and the World Bank for some of its external borrowings to bail the nation's economy out of recession.
This came as the Debt Management Office, (DMO) said, it had raised the N1.18 trillion, which is the domestic component of the 2016 budgeted borrowing.
 According to the government, both institutions have some “concessionary terms” attached to borrowing packages.
 A statement signed by Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, James Akpandem, quoted the Minister, Senator Udo Udoma, as stating this at a meeting with the Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Trade and Policy Department at the French Treasury, Mr Guillaume Chabert, in Abuja.
Udoma re-emphasised that Nigeria's borrowings were solely to fund infrastructure projects, adding that “the stimulative effect of investing in infrastructure was enormous and was the surest way of setting the country on the path of growth and sustainable development.”
 The minister told the Assistant Secretary, who was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Denys Gauer, that the Federal Government was working on a National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which was tailored to move the country's economy out of recession and set it on a growth path.
“Our plan is that we should be able, within that plan period (2017– 2020), to achieve not less than 7% growth. For one to get out of economic recession, we will need to harness resources by plugging revenue leakages and by looking at new revenue sources in order to generate the resources required to spend our way out of recession, particularly focused on infrastructure,” he added.
The minister explained that while government was exploring other means of generating revenue internally, “we will need to borrow, part of which has to be sourced internationally from sources that can give concessionary terms, like the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and World Bank.
“We know we need to look at upgrading our oil revenue in order to generate the resources to spend our way out of dependence on oil; which means we have to focus our attention on reducing the disruptions in the Niger Delta, so that we can get our production back to a minimum of 2.2 million barrels per day. That is the fastest way to generate resources.”
He pointed out that government alone could not do it, saying that was the reason government emphasised on creation of an enabling environment for effective private sector participation in growing the economy. He said the government was also going into partnership with the private sector in critical areas of infrastructural provision and concessioning. He said:  “Our intention is to make the private sector to lead the way in social housing.
 “We will kick-start the process and intend to make some provision for it in the 2017 Budget. Then we are also looking at manufacturing. One of the ways is by developing export processing zones where we will have all the required infrastructure including power, rail and security, to encourage manufacturers to relocate to Nigeria. We want to make sure that the growth will be an inclusive one.
“ In the past, we used to have growth that was not inclusive. We were growing but poverty was increasing. We want to make sure that the growth is inclusive. One of the ways is to give preference to labour-intensive activities to create jobs, which is the fastest way to reduce poverty. In addition to that, we will continue with our social intervention projects.”
The Assistant Secretary, Mr Chabert, while appreciating the economic challenges the country was currently facing, said the French government would be willing to support Nigeria surmount the challenges. “It is in our interest that Nigeria succeeds,'' Chabert said, promising to make some input into the country's economic plan once the framework was made available.
Meanwhile, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has raised the N1.18 trillion which is the domestic component of the 2016 budgeted borrowing. Director-General of the DMO,   Dr Abraham Nwankwo, disclosed this while receiving some senators on oversight visit to his office in Abuja on Thursday. He said that the balance of N635 billion in the 2016 borrowing plan would   come from the African Development Bank, AfDB, which had pledged $1 billion out of which $600 million had been released, as well as other sources.
 Nwankwo admitted that in spite of the effort of the   federal government to secure the rest, it was having challenges in that regard. He said government “can fall back on domestic borrowing”, adding that the “DMO is working to see that the $1 billion Eurobond is mobilised by second quarter of 2017.” The federal government, he said, had been servicing   its debt as at when due and that it had paid N1. 09 trillion of the debt service obligation for the year.

Obama Makes Farewell Calls To World Leaders

Outgoing United States (US) President, Barack Obama, has commenced farewell phone calls to world leaders who are U.S. allies during his eight-year presidency.
The White House said on Wednesday, in New York, that Obama made farewell telephone calls to President François Hollande of France and Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand.
In readout of Obama's call to Hollande, the White House said that the U.S. leader thanked his French counterpart for his support to him during his presidency.
 “President Obama spoke today by phone with President Francois Hollande of France, to offer his appreciation for their close partnership since President Hollande took office in 2012.
“President Obama thanked President Hollande for his leadership and expressed his appreciation for France's steady contributions to the strength and unity of the trans-Atlantic alliance.” Similarly, the readout of Obama's call to the New Zealand leader said the U.S. president thanked him for their close friendship and partnership during his two-term presidency.
 “President Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand, to thank him for the close friendship and partnership the two leaders have enjoyed over the last eight years. “During that time, U.S.-New Zealand cooperation reached unprecedented level.
“The President underscored that New Zealand would remain one of the United States' closest partners as we continue to work together on a wide array of issues. These include contributing to global peace and security, encouraging sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and addressing climate change and conservation challenges.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obama, a Democrat, was inaugurated as the 44th U.S. President on Jan. 20, 2009, the first Black man to be elected president in the history of U.S. NAN also reports that Obama's tenure will end on Jan. 20, 2017 when Republican President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be inaugurated as the 45th U.S. President.

Archbishop Valerian Okeke Marks Day With Students

At the Centenary Field of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha, on Saturday, December 3, 2016, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, rallied schools under the Archdiocese of Onitsha for a get-together.
    The ceremony tagged, 'Archbishop Valerian Okeke Day with Students', attracted all mission schools within the Onitsha Archdiocese, as well as education secretaries, managers, principals and teachers from different schools.
    The event started with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Archbishop himself and concelebrated by many priests.
    In his homily during the Holy Mass, the prelate said that the event was the first of its kind in the archdiocese and that it would be an annual ceremony, henceforth.
    The objective of the new initiative, according to the archbishop, is to inspire healthy competition among the young ones, build them up to work hard and also to reward those that excel in hard work and good values.
    “This newly introduced ceremony, is meant to inspire healthy competition among students and build them up in the virture of hard work. This kind of initiative will expose the students to different healthy competitions that will make them better and more inspired citizens.
    “I will urge all the students and pupils to make the best use of opportunities being offered to them. With this new development, very soon, people will come from different states and different parts of the world to emulate and learn the secrets behind the great transformation going on in our schools. I want you to be the best in your academic endeavours,” he said.
    He commended teachers and managers of schools in Onitsha Archdiocese, saying  that their efforts and sacrifices had continued to bring out the best in the students.
     The event featured march pasts among secondary schools, cultural displays and musical renditions, among other activities.
    In the march past, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, came first; St. Anthony of Padua Secondary School, Nkpor, came 2nd, while the Queen of Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, took the 3rd position.
    Students that excelled in the Archbishop's Science Competition held among secondary schools under the Archdiocese, were also rewarded with cash prizes, gifts and certificates.
    Ezeani Oluebube, student of Dominican Girls' Secondary School, Abatete, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, came first in the junior category of the science competition; while Abodike Chimdindu Rejoice, a student of Maria Foundation Secondary School, Oraukwu, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, came first at the senior secondary category.
Each of the two went home with cash prize of N50,000, together with brandbrand new laptop and certificate. Their science teachers got N40,000 each, while their schools got a brand new white board. Other participating schools and students also got consolation prizes.
    In an interview with our reporter, the first prize winner in the senior category of the science competition, Abodike Rejoice, said that persistency in studying her books helped her to excel. She commended Archbishop Valerian Okeke for the initiative and further urged government at all levels to cooperate with him, so that the Archbishop would achieve his set goal.

St Peter Clavers Nnewich Nnewi Celebrates Her Elders

The clergy and the faithful of St. Peter Clavers Catholic Church, ,  Nnewi on Sunday,  December 11, rolled out the drums to celebrate their elders who have attained the ages of 80 years and above.
The octogenarians who were 44 in number; comprising 30 women and 14 men, were all radiating with smiles and happiness in the occasion which was started with a Mass officatiated by Rev Fr Johnpaul Okonkwo and concelebrated by the parish priest of the parish Rev Fr. Edmund Nwagbala and Rev Fr Peter Onwuka.
        Also the parishioners used the occasion to send off  Fr. Okonkwo who was with them for two years before, he was posted to St. Michael Catholic Church Eziora Ozubulu.
In his homily, Fr. Onwuka, noted that the Church was in the third Sunday in  Advent which was a special time for all to prepare for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ in the same way that celebrating the elders of the parish that day would be a fitting prelude to the celebration of the birth of Christ in a few weeks ahead and congratulated the elders on the event.
He further noted that the reading of the day were all referring to the coming of the birth of Christ adding that his coming was for all especially the poor in our midst.
  Fr. Onwuka urged all to endure whatever they are undergoing now knowing that Christ was coming to take care of all our problems, this he said was the reason which explains why God told us to be happy because Jesus Christ was coming.
The homilist noted that as we were about to celebrate the birth of our saviour , that our encounter with him would make us special as no one encounters Christ and remains the same again and called on all to be happy on the great event of the celebration of the birth of Christ.
  He also reminded all that God fulfils His promises to all and as such, we should be rest assured that He would meet up with all His promises in our lives saying that even if He did not do that here on earth that He would fulfill it in the next world as He never failed in any promise He made to His people.
  In his prayer at the reception for the elders the parish priest, Fr. Nwagbala thanked God for the longevity He gave to the celebrants noting that they were grateful for their lives and prayed that He would grant them more good health and more blessings.
  The chairman of the planning , Sir Pius Onwuka in an interview said that the parish decided to celebrate them because of the regard they have for them noting that it was note easy for one to attain such an age in this hard time in the country. He congratulated them and wished them more good health.
The occasion was chaired by Chief Christopher Osuojukwu, Chairman Agboedo Market Traders Association who commended the parish for celebrating their elders and congratulated the celebrants.
One of the highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the cake by some of the octogenarians who were present and the giving of gift items to all of the 44 celebrants or their representatives.

Walk In The Light Of God -Fr Ibegbunam Urges As Cathcom Staff Marks day of prayer at Ozubulu Monastery

Saturday, December 10, 2016 was a memorable day for the staff of Catholic Communications, Nnewi, as they marked a day of prayer at Queen of Peace, Benedictine Monastery, Ozubulu.
The event kicked off with recitation of the Rosary after which there was reflection by Rev Fr Anthony Ibegbunam. In his teaching titled, “Are you in the light or in the darkness'', Fr. Ibegbunam urged the Cathcom staff to allow themselves to be influenced by God, bearing in mind that any moment of their lives either glorifies God or Satan. He advised the participants to sincerely examine themselves always so as to ascertain if they are living in the  light of God or in  darkness. He encouraged all to live and walk In the light of God, and ask themselves always, 'Who am I before God?
Making references to the life and times of St. Catherine of Bologna (1413-1463), an Italian nun who died at the age of 49 and is one of the saints called the incorruptibles because her body has not decayed after over 500 years of her death, he admonished the audience to make use of the seven spiritual weapons of the saint in the fight against evil. According to Fr. Ibegbunam, who is a hagiographer, “In her autobiographical and didactic treatise, Treatise on the Seven Spiritual Weapons Necessary for Spiritual Warfare, Catherine identifies seven weapons in the fight against evil, against the devil. She said, “Whoever wishes to carry the cross for His sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here: (1) to be careful always to do good; (2) to believe that we can never achieve anything truly good by ourselves; (3) to trust in God and, for His love, never to fear the battle against evil, either in the world or in ourselves; (4) to meditate frequently on the events and words of Jesus' life, especially His passion and death; (5) to remember that we must die; (6) to keep the benefits of heaven firmly in our minds, (7) to be familiar with Holy Scripture, keeping it in our hearts to guide all our thoughts and actions.” This programme of spiritual life is relevant today for each one of us, he said.
The occasion also featured Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Ibegbunam, Fr. Johnpaul Offordum  stressed   on the need  show love to one another and  to leave a positive impression of ourselves to anyone we encounter in our journey of life, for the person you meet today can help you tomorrow.
Advising the congregation to trust in God at the moments of trail, Fr. Ofordum warned the participants to be cautious of prosperity gospel preachers noting that there a many false prophets today moving about and deceiving people. He encouraged the people to do the will of God always. The day of prayer concluded with the Mass and refreshment.

Beheaded Enugu Woman: Police On Trail Of Perpetrators

The Nigeria Police, Enugu State Command, Thursday, confirmed the beheading of an unidentified woman, at Abakpa Nike Area of the State.
It was reported that residents of the Coal City state were overwhelmed with grief in the early hours of Wednesday, following discovery of the headless body of a middle-aged woman in the area.
Policemen from the Abakpa Police Division later arrived the scene of the incident and took the body away, and the shocking discovery had dominated public discourse in the state, with many speculating that it was a ritual murder.
“Christmas is around the corner; so this kind of heartless things was usually carried out by some greedy and wicked persons who want to make money at all costs.
“They want to be at the village and flaunt stupendous wealth, which they have made with human blood,” a resident quipped at the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Police spokesman in Enugu State, SP Ebere Amaraizu, told the press that the police had commenced investigation to ascertain the identity of the victim.
 “What the command is doing right now is to ascertain the identity of the victim. You know, nobody made a report to the command over the incident; we have also not received report of any missing person. So, we have to establish the identity of the victim.
“Secondly, we have also launched investigation to ascertain the actual place the dastardly act was carried out. Our suspicion is that they killed her somewhere and brought the corpse to the place it was dumped. This is because there is no trace of fresh blood there.
“I can assure you that the police shall indeed get to the root of this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Amaraizu stated.

Operation Python Dance Not Against Pro-Biafra Agitators – Obiano

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has said that neither him nor the state government has any issue against pro-Biafra agitators.
The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, denied the allegation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that he instigated the military exercise code-named  'Exercise Python Dance' to diminish the struggle of pro-Biafra agitators.
IPOB had, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, at the launch of the Army exercise said: “We are going to hold the South East governors responsible, if anything happens to anybody in the zone because the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army cannot afford to deploy its weapons in all parts of the South East without the consent of state governors.
“The governors of Anambra, Imo and Abia are now together with their counterparts in Enugu and Ebonyi states to kill their kith and kin.”
But Obiano insisted that Anambra State had no agenda against IPOB, MASSOB or anybody else.
Nnacheta, who addressed newsmen, said: “The on-going Exercise Python Dance by the Nigerian Army in the  South-East has been misinterpreted  by some  persons as an exercise designed to inconvenience the Igbo and in particular, Ndi-Anambra.
“It is mischievously propagated in some quarters as a terrible Christmas gift to our people. Governor Obiano's statement on the exercise has been distorted by malicious persons in the social media.
“The government and people of Anambra State are appalled at these nefarious efforts and condemn them emphatically. It is incorrect for some persons to suggest that Anambra State is at war or loggerheads with any sect, persons or organisations on account of the ongoing military training exercise.
He assured that the state government would at all times ensure that the rights and comfort of the people were respected by all and sundry.
According to the commissioner, “Anambra State is today the safest state in not just Nigeria but West Africa. This is a long leap since the assumption of office of Governor Obiano 33 months ago.
“Before this era, kidnappers and other extremely violent criminals were almost overrunning the state, forcing businesses and families to relocate from our state and move to places like Lagos and Abuja.
“Our people also began to perform odd things, like conducting traditional marriage rites in such places. It is sadly true that some traditional rulers in our state kidnapped during the dark days are yet to be found. We cannot, therefore, forget in a hurry our recent past.
“The task of restoring peace and order in our state and ensuring that Anambra State does not become what some people may call a failed state, marked by lawlessness, was a cardinal and early task of the Willie Obiano administration.
“The state government worked closely with security agencies to achieve the sustained success in Anambra.
“Cooperation has been the key to the security of lives and property in our state. Members of these organisations discharge their duties professionally.
“Exercise Python Dance is a routine military exercise by the Nigerian Army in the South-East of Nigeria, not only Anambra State. Similar exercises have taken place in other geographical zones of the country without incidents or controversy; Niger Delta and North-West being the most recent weeks ago.
Moreover, Nnacheta said it was incorrect for some persons to suggest that Anambra State is at war or at loggerheads with any sect, persons or organisations on account of the ongoing military training exercise.
“Rather, the officers and men of the Nigerian Army are enjoined to discharge their duties with courtesy, thereby earning the respect of our people in the entire South- East. We are informed that an elaborate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Line of Operation has been planned during the exercise, such as medical outreach, repairs of roads, schools and other infrastructure across the South-East Region.
“The Anambra State Government will at all times ensure that the rights and comfort of our people which are non-negotiable, are respected by all and sundry. The government and Ndi Anambra shall together continue to assure that our state remains the safest part of Nigeria and West Africa and eager to welcome our kith and kin to a redoubtable holiday season.

LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD:Turn To Christ In The Face Of The Challenges To Faith

We have seen that faith is the essential ingredient in our lives as Christians.  Without faith we cannot please God (see Hebrew 11:6).  That is why we must always turn to Jesus Christ, the author of our faith and the person who will bring our faith to its completion and fulfilment (see Hebrews 12:2).  We have to turn to Jesus Christ due to the many challenges to our faith in the present age which can still be described as “wicked age” (see Ephesians 5:16). 
If we are to be careful about the sort of lives we lead, like intelligent and not like senseless people, we need to strengthen our faith.  The challenges include gross and rank immorality which sees life with the spirit of self-indulgence. No wonder the evil and corruption that are reigning in our society.  We need to have increase of faith so as not to do like Esau who sold his birthright for a plate of food (see Hebrews 12:16-17). We must turn to Christ in the face of widespread neo-paganism, the tendency of baptised person who claimed to have rejected Satan and all his works and pomp going back to idol worshipping and superstitious activities, sometimes in the name of culture. 
Indeed, we must turn to Jesus Christ to lead us through the myriad of prophets, teachers, pastors, men and women of God who parade themselves, often with mighty signs and wonders to deceive even the elect (see Matthew 24:24). Finally, we must turn to Jesus Christ to save us from “spiritual worldliness” which leads to religiosity bereft of God (see Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 93-95).
Cooperate with Christ for increase of Faith
While we turn to Jesus Christ for the gift of faith, we must be ready to do our own part to hold on to our faith and to increase our faith.  Our responsibility is to increase our faith by learning about our faith.  We have to learn about our faith by opening our eyes and mind to the word of God, the word of God in Sacred Scriptures and in the Sacred Tradition. 
We are called to study the Bible, which is one of the major sources of our knowledge of our faith.  St. Paul urges us to “keep to what you have been taught and how to be true; remember who your teachers were; and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).  The holy scriptures are the source of the wisdom from God before which the wisdom of the world becomes folly.  Indeed, the teachers, the apostles lead us to the complete truth.
Emphasis on Bible Study for increase of Faith
The reading and study of the Bible is paramount and fundamental to our faith.  We are invited to study the Scripture because all “scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be upright.  This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We must do all possible to study the scriptures in order to be filled with divine wisdom and not with the wisdom of the world. 
Priests should undertake Bible study so as to be better equipped to teach the people the Bible.  Bible study classes should complement the reading of the Bible and the homily which is based on the Bible.  Fellow Catholics, we love the Bible; we read the Bible.  Let us study the Bible so as to be enriched with the word of God. 
Sacred Tradition is also the Word of God – Verbum Domini
While emphasising the centrality and importance of the Holy Scriptures in the lives of Christians, we must be aware that the Bible is not the only source of the word of God.  We must also turn to the teaching of the apostles (see Acts 2:42).  We must remain faithful to the teaching of the apostles whether written or by word of mouth.  St. Paul rightly admonished the Christians in Thessalonica: “Stand firm, then, brothers, and keep the traditions that we taught you, whether by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). 
The Sacred Tradition is the teaching from the apostles and we are bound to accept that as God's word.  Jesus Christ had mandated the apostles to go and teach all nations.  He did not hand the Bible over to them to hand on to all nations.  He taught them and they in turn carried on the message of eternal life.  This message is available in the Holy Scriptures and in the teaching that comes down to us from the apostles whether written or not.
Listen to the Magisterium and grow in Faith
The Church empowered by Christ continues to teach the message of Christ with the power given to her by Christ.  The power of the Church to teach is called the magisterium, which can be solemn or extraordinary as well as ordinary.  We must accept with faith and respect the teaching of the Church using the power given to her by Jesus Christ who gave Peter the keys of the kingdom of Heaven with these words, “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). 
We have to listen to the Church for the abiding word of God.  The Church teaches in writing and in preaching.  We must listen to the preaching of the Church.  We must accept the catechetical instructions of the Church in order to grow in the faith.  How can we grow in faith if we do not listen to the preachers and teachers of the Church (see Romans 10:14-15). The teaching of the Church through homilies, catechetical instructions and in our area, Sunday Evening Instructions is necessary to grow in faith.
With Catechesis, we grow in Faith
Let us be more committed to these means of increasing our knowledge of God and of his will for us.  Priests, catechists and other teachers of faith are enjoined to “proclaim the message and welcome or unwelcome, insist on it.  Refute falsehood, correct error, give encouragement – do all with patience and with care to instruct” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). You are to devote your time, talents and treasure to proclaim the message of eternal life and to instruct people in the way of truth and life. 
Catechetical instruction for the young and old, for those preparing to receive sacraments and those who have received the major sacraments must engage priests, catechists and others.  Similarly, moral religious instructions in primary and secondary schools must occupy the attention and time of priests, teachers and catechists.  Catholics are urged to take their catechetical formation more seriously in order to increase their faith.
Take heed that False Teachers and Prophets do not lead you astray 
We must be careful.  There are many false teachers and prophets.  Many of them teach what they do not understand (see 1 Timothy 1:7). Many teach what they should not teach for the sole purpose of sordid gain (see Titus 1:11).  Some are only interested in making personal gains (see 1 Timothy 6:4).  The number of teachers is increasing daily.  Their powerful sound systems, television advertisements and other technological means of spreading information are invading the atmosphere and capturing the attention of people. 
But the Lord continues to warn the faithful to be careful.  We must resist their misleading teachings and attractive ways of leading people astray, either with interesting words or with attractive powerful signs and wonders.  St. Paul tells us that “the time is sure to come when people will not accept sound teaching, but their ears will be itching for anything new and they will collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then they will shut their ears to the truth and turn to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 
My sisters and brothers, the time has come and we are suffused with the false teachings by self-centred and avaricious people who claim to be men or women of God (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5).  The advice of St. Paul is apposite and timely: “You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were...” (2 Timothy 3:14).  Do not allow yourselves to be led astray by anybody! St. Paul tells us: “Make sure that no one captivates you with the empty lure of a 'philosophy' of the kind that human beings hand on, based on the principles of this world and not on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). 
And I would add, do not be led astray by those who shout 'Lord, Lord' and claim to speak in and perform miracles in the name of Jesus Christ but are false prophets and false Christ even with their extraordinary signs and wonders (see Matthew 7:15, 21-23; 24:24-25)! Remain faithful to the Catholic faith in all its richness!
Spread the Good News to increase your Faith
My dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive the word of God and transmit to others in order to increase your faith and the faith of others.  Be like Andrew, one of the early disciples of Christ.  After encountering Jesus Christ went to his brother Simon Peter and said to him: “We have found the Messiah – which means the Christ and he took his brother Simon to Jesus Christ. 
In doing that he transmitted the faith to his brother whom Jesus Christ named Cephas, which means Rock (see John 1:40-42). Andrew's faith was strengthened by his bringing his brother to Jesus!  Similarly, we are called to act like the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus Christ, the Word of God and went off to invite her fellow Samaritans to come and see the person who told her the truth about herself (see John 4:1-42).  Let us all be Spirit-filled evangelizers, spreading the word of God which we receive in every place and time. 
Indeed, we can imitate St. Paul in proclaiming Christ, in admonishing and instructing everyone in all wisdom, to make everyone perfect in Christ (see Colossians 1:28).
Utilizing the Social Media for Evangelization
Communication has greatly improved. Modern means of communication offer us the opportunity and means to spread not only news but also good news to our friends and contacts.  Electronic media opens the whole world to our communication.  Indeed, we can reach every part of the world and every segment of humanity connected to those media, especially the social media. The various forms of social media provide believers of the opportunities to give and receive the good news of salvation. His Holiness, Pope Francis is leading the way.
He can be reached in Twitter and other social media.  Write about Christ and circulate to your friends and contacts and the word of life will spread more and more to the ends of the earth.  Do not be afraid or ashamed to present the correct and authentic Christian moral principles and norms to a world that is being dominated by false and distorted morality and ways of life.  Be the salt of the earth and the life of the world as you spread the light of faith and good moral life.
Living the Faith to increase our Faith
Finally, we can increase our faith by living the faith.  St. Paul gives us the advice: “So then, as you received Jesus as Lord and Christ, now live your lives in him, be rooted in him and built up on him, held firm by the faith you have been taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Practise your faith! Practice makes perfect.  Faith without works is dead (see James 2:17, 26).
We must put our faith into practice so that our faith will become firmer and more stable.  I have tried in my Pastoral Letters to teach and instruct on how to live the faith.  In my 14 years as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, I have tried to bring down the faith into every situation and circumstance in our diocese.  In our Diocesan Newspaper, I write in every publication “LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD” on page 6 of the THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK. Please read and study the pieces of information, instruction and applications of faith to your daily life and circumstances. 
My annual pastoral letters carry the faith into every area of life – social, political, economic, family, culture and so on.  Study the pastoral letters to see how to live your faith! 
Synods of Faith
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has celebrated two diocesan synods as Synods of Faith. In our two diocesan synods we have also tried to put our faith into practice.  In the First Diocesan Synod from 3rd to 10th April 2005, we reflected on “Living the Faith in the Family of God in the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi 'so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith' (Ephesians 3:17).  We reflected on how we were to live our faith in evangelisation, in proclamation, inculturation, Justice, Peace, and Social Communication. 
After reflecting on the propositiones (proposals)  from the synod delegates, I issued the Post Synodal Exhortation Message of Eternal Life in which I gave practical ways of living the faith. In our Second Diocesan Synod from 7th to 14th November 2015, the diocese reflected on “Living the Faith in Justice, Peace and Reconciliation in the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi 'You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world' '(Matthew 5:13, 14).  The synod delegates in their Nuntius (Message) after the synod called on all Christians and men and women of goodwill to embrace justice and reconciliation as the solid and authentic road to peace.
I am still to reflect on the propositiones (proposals) of the synod delegates.  I am certain that we cannot live the faith without giving up injustice, bitterness, conflicts and disagreement and working seriously for peace through truth, justice and reconciliation.