Introduction – The Question of Greatness Who is the greatest? This question echoes through politics, societies, and even churches. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 18:1–5, 10), the disciples ask Jesus the same. His answer breaks every cultural expectation: He places a child in their midst. The Call to Greatness Matthew 18:1–5, 10 is not about power or prestige, but humility and hospitality. Biblical Context – Children in First-Century Palestine In Jesus’ time, children were not...
Biblical Context – Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem The Gospel of Luke tells us that “when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem”(Lk 9:51). This moment is decisive. Jesus knows what awaits him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, and the cross—yet he does not avoid the path. To set his face toward Jerusalem is to embrace his mission of love without compromise. On the way,...
In our journey exploring First Indigenous Ceremonies, we begin with the Anishinaabe breathing ceremony, beautifully described by Ojibwe storyteller Richard Wagamese. Breath is more than biological—it is spiritual. This sacred ceremony connects us to the Creator, to all of creation, and the sacred rhythm of the universe. It is the first ceremony because breath is the first gift we receive. It reminds us of our time in the womb, hearing the steady breath of our mother and...
Can someone be both deeply Christian and deeply rooted in Indigenous spiritual traditions? This article explores how these two spiritual paths can coexist — not through compromise, but through relationship, ceremony, and mutual respect. This question still resonates: Can Indigenous spirituality and Christianity live side by side? Some say yes, others no. But I believe they can — and more than that, they can mutually enrich one another. This isn’t about erasing differences. It’s about...
A call to challenge the ongoing presence of Christ’s crucifixion in today’s world, challenging silent spirituality and calling for an active, living memorial that confronts injustice and suffering.
“NA” is one of the most essential words in the Igbo language. Despite its apparent simplicity, “NA” plays a vital role in Igbo Grammar. It is written in different ways depending on its role in the sentence. NA bu otu n’ime mkpụrụ okwu di ezigbo mkpa n’asụsụ Igbo. Ọ na-arụ nnukwu ọrụ n’ụtọ asụsụ Igbo. Ọ di ụzọ di iche a na-ede ya n’ahiriokwu. Ọrụ na na-arụ n’ahiriokwu gosiri etu a na-ede ya n’ime ahiriokwu....
The caste system is an artificial construction, a fixed and embedded ranking of human value that sets the presumed supremacy of one group against the presumed inferiority of other groups on the basis of ancestry and often immutable traits, traits that would be neutral in the abstract but are ascribed life-and-death meaning in a hierarchy favouring the dominant caste whose forebears designed it. I’ve watched countless historical films and documentaries, yet not...
At the recent graduation ceremony for the Digital Faith Influencers Program, Bishop Godfrey Onah of the Nsukka Diocese delivered a powerful message to the young leaders present. He urged the African Catholic youth to take up a new kind of mission—one that embraces both the challenges and opportunities of the digital world. In his address, Bishop Onah highlighted a paradox: while the digital world is central to modern life, it remains on the outskirts of the Church’s...
Ecumenism and Synodality are about more than structures; they’re about relationships. In today’s diverse Christian landscape, collaboration and unity are essential to promote evangelization and foster a deeper sense of shared mission within the Church. Ecumenism and Synodality are about more than structures; they’re about relationships. As the African Palaver Conversation series wraps up, African Catholics are seeking to broaden their connections with other Christian communities. Today’s final synodal conversation brings us Professor...
Dans une époque marquée par la division et les conflits, l’Église se dresse comme un phare d’espoir, une famille où l’unité peut se réaliser par la force de la responsabilité partagée, une co-responsabilité. Lors de la 13e série des Conversations Synodales Africaines, un appel retentissant a été lancé : la co-responsabilité est la clé pour unir l’Église dans sa mission pastorale et synodale. Le vendredi 30 août 2024, près de 200 participants...
