Ukachukwu

Talking About Love

2011-12-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

Talking about love. St John quoted Jesus as "loving His Own even to the end". Yes!!! Jesus loved all His Apostles and disciples despite their apparent slowness etc, even to the end. Jesus loves you and I despite our sinfulness and weaknesses and "idiocy" Jesus has an unconditional love for His entire flock. Like Jesus, Mother Mary, also loves all God's children, even to the end. Most especially does she love those who evidently hate her, dishonour, disrespect her, disparage her; even those who have sworn to kill her if they were to set eyes on her. Who understands more than Mother Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word, Mother of The True God and True Man, Jesus Our Saviour. Mother Mary's role as Mother, a loving and forgiving Mother makes her stand out. For instance, She understands and forgives those whose sole duty/business/pre-occupation is none else than to pull down 0ne whom God has exalted so high; one greeted by an Angel of God thus: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you..." Who else have gotten such a heavenly greeting, but Mary? Be it known, therefore, that Mary loves all God's children, all who claim God as thier Father, no matter their religious persuation, their cultural leaning etc, no matter how much we love or hate her, try to down play her role in our Salvation etc. MOTHER MARY LOVES YOU AS DOES JESUS: "PRAISE BE TO JESUS CHRIST, HONOUR TO MOTHER MARY" Let us all say: AMEN.

Once Upon A Day: THE PERFECT PASTOR

2011-12-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

A Priest Chaplain friend and colleague of mine enclosed this piece in his Christmas card to me:
"The Perfect Pastor preaches exactly ten minutes, He condemns sin roundly, but never hurts anyone's feelings. He works from 6:00 a.m. until midnight, and is also the Church's janitor.

The Perfect Pastor makes $40.00 per week, wears good clothes, drives a good car, buys good books and donates $30.00 a week to the parish. He is 29 years old and has 40 years experience. He is, above all else, handsome....

The Perfect Pastor has a burning desire to work with teen-agers, and he spends most of his time with the senior citizens. He smiles all the time, with a straight face, because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his parish. he makes fifteen calls a day on his people and is always in his office to be handy when needed.

The Perfect Pastor always has time for the Parish Council and all its committees and sub-committees. He never misses a meeting of any parish organization, and he is always busy evangelizing the un-churched....

The Perfect Pastor is always in the next parish over !

(The Priest, December 1977, Represented from Parish Bulletin,
St Francis of Assis Church, Allentown, Penna. Aug. 3rd, 1980)

My dear Priest friend, kindly read and reflect on the article: how "realistic"?

Once Upon A Day

2011-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

I had goose bumps. Thinking loud could generate lots of emotion. I sat quietly one bright morning and began thinking loud. Shortly after, I wondered about one day when some of us who are so greedy, will find themselves alone on this planet. The one will have all the cars, million dollar mansions, trains, aircrafts (big and small) etc; including of course AIR FORCE 1 used on this planet by the most powerful nation's president. I wondered how this person would feel:over-joyed, satisfied, depressed, frustrated or .... Greed is not good, no matter how much we try to rebrand it. Good luck to all who are guided by the spirit of greed; I pray they come to their senses before too long.

Ndi Anya Ukwu

2011-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I stop and begin to think of persons who tend to be greedy, envious, jealous, negatively, crafty and ingenious, cheating etc. Such persons, my Igbo people will call "Ndi Anya Ukwu" - literally (people with big eyes), basically people with avid, monstrous and growling insatiability. Once upon a Day, it may be thought that such a person will find himself/herself alone on this planet - owning all the mansions, cars - just everything there is (endless litany). When my thought fly thus, I get goose bumps and instantly cease this mind wondering. Then the question: why can't we live moderately and as my Igbo people will say: "egbe bere, ugo bere" - let the kite perch, let the eagle perch. Why the hot blood and desire to eliminate your brother/sister so you inherit whatever? Why the idea of exploitation of the weak because you feel you are smarter/stronger etc? Why the desire to dominate others, dictate for them? Why feel your culture is superior to others? Again the questions go endless as long the Godless human condition perdures. May God help us and deliver us all from greed, envy, avarice, jealousy and all negative inclinations: may He gift us with all the virtues that make us more Christlike and Godly. Amen and I seee ee e eh

A New Planet

2011-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

Not long ago we got the news that a Team of Planet Hunters sighted a New Earth-Like Planet. I was thrilled they did not say "they created" another planet, but that "they discovered" a new planet that could be habitable like our earth. A sigh of relief that man this time around did not arrogate to himself that quality and/or capacity "to create" that is the sole reserve of God, The Creator. God gave us wisdom and free will to explore, decide and comment on issues. Steven Vogt, one of the Astronomers of the University of California, Santa Cruz, made leading and valuable remarks that could widen our animal curiosity. How far this brings us closer to our search for the Ultimate is any one's guess. Heaven is a "state" not a "place" or "locus", in re. In love God gave us this planet Earth to inhabit, a planet we can manage. If you prefer to venture to the new found planet that has a good balance between hot and cold, according to Steven Vogt's team of astronomers, good luck. May all things lead man to salvation and Glory To God. Amen.

Vocation To The Priesthood

2011-01-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

Just thinking loud the other day: my thoughts flew back and forth. Suddenly they settled on something quite disturbing to me: call to the Catholic Priesthood in today's world. I had some shivers through my spine, some goose bumps, then some tears. Growing up in my Igbo Nation of Africa (Biafra), some 60 years ago, it was a different story from what one could observe today, back home as well as in the developed nations. The media - print, electronic and entertainment, appears to be hype the difficulties of nurturing a vocation, or even being open to the silent voice that invites the young man/lady to a special relationship with God in the priestly or religious life. People are so busy with what one could consider trifles that no room is left for hearing and answering an invitation from God to a life of dedicated service as the God Man Jesus Christ taught and did. May God spare His Church from the attacks of such enemies as the Media. Amen and so let it be.

Peoples' Person

2010-09-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

This young lady, Latoya Williams, was a people person. Latoya was sick, but unknown to many whom she brightened their day, lowered their stress levels etc; myself included. Latoya had a serious form of Asthma which unknown to many of her friends, did not stop her from being herself - singing and dancing, hugging and kissing. She has good voice that lends her readily for a "Sing Along" competition. Latoya was a gift to all who knew or came in contact with her. She was a cheerful, long suffering and highly motivated student at University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, and an employee of Carondelet Health Network, St Mary's Hospital, Tucson. Her ill health took a bad turn the day I travelled to Omaha, Nebraska, Sunday, April 11, 2010. I came back Tuesday the 12th instant, came to work on Wednesday to hear the whisper of Latoya's death. Like many who knew Latoya, I was filled with shock and sorrow, to say the least. Our condolences go to her parents and siblings and to all of us whose life she touched in a most godly way. This picture was providentially taken a few days before she answered the eternal summons. Give God your ready smiles, Latoya. May Latoya's humble and simple soul rest in perfect peace. Amen and Amen.

Talking About Mary

2010-08-17T11:30:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we were privileged to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, Body, Soul and Spirit. As Catholics we should be so proud and raise our heads high in jubilation for having such a Figure in God's eternal plan for our Redemption. Mary is the co-Redeemer of the Human race. That the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God could not save us without the vital role of Mary, is clearly seen in all Scripture. God found no other way; ONLY through Mary was your redemption and mine possible. She is the way through which God came to us; she is the surest and most certain way back to God: the Way, the Truth and the Life. This may appear to be one of those mysteries of God, but actually not; in the sense that it is not beyond our comprehension. The reality of the actuality is not beyond the grasp of our finite minds. It is nothing compared to the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. Christian Catholics go to Mary and She will lead you securely and certainly to Jesus. A priest friend of mine told this story which I wish to paraphrase: a lady came into a Cathedral, knelt in front of a statue of Our Lady, praying. A gentleman on a scaffold in one nave of the Cathedral whispered "woman, here is Jesus", she ignored him, a second time he said the same thing, she ignored him. Wanting to get some attention the man got a little louder, saying: "Jesus is here" to which the woman yelled out: "keep quiet Jesus, I am talking to Your Mother" This may seem a joke, but if you and I think really hard we'll see Jesus pleased with His Mother's intercessory role in our salvation, a path God charted out for Her from all eternity. A.M.D.G.

Origin Of The Igbo

2010-07-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Several encounters with persons of academic/curious minds have left me with the challenge of writing this article, brief as it may be, for time. The article below in Red Italics are culled from an article published some years ago. The facts are credible and verifiable. Anthropologists agree that a people could easily be identified by their culture and religion. A peoples' culture would include but not limited to food and agriculture, music and dancing, trade and enterprise etc Their religion would include but not limited to the notion of a deity and/or Supreme Being, worship rituals, festivities, child naming etc. From any direct encounter with an Igbo man will almost immediately reveal these factors of Igbo identity. Without saying it directly, some early European authors on the Igbo life and community portray a people with lots of common threats between the Jews and Igbo people of West Africa. If one would take some time to research, it will pay off real fast on this reality which lots of Jewish Archeologists have testified to, after their visit and research in Igboland. Evidently our wonderful search engines today will furnish the enquirer more and related facts as the following: In his recent article of Friday March 2, 2007 titled “Where did the Igbo come from?” Mazi Nweke wrote: “To make this view more acceptable, Olaudah Equiano, an Igbo ex-slave in London, who is said to have travelled widely, happens to be the first person to write about the Igbo tribe before his death in 1797. Equaino, in one of his findings, discovered that some names amongst the Igbos such as Uburu and even the “Igbo” itself are derived from Hebrew words. On the Igbo Landing ceremony a few years ago, on St. Simon's Island, Georgia, Rev. Fr Dr Aham Nnorom wrote, among other things:

"According to Moreh Herman Taylor of the The Shalom Congregation (House of Israel), Jackson, Mississippi, the Igbo Landing activities afforded him and his family the opportunity to "bond with my brothers who are members of the House of Israel…and have gone through horrible experiences in Nigeria in the last forty years." Nasik Danyel, a delegate sent by Ben Ammi, the Anointed Spiritual Leader of The Kingdom of Yahweh (House of Israel), Dimona, Israel, delivered a powerful message from his boss reaffirming his support for the Igbo people. It declared that "Ben Ammi is with the Igbo people," and bemoaned the tragedy that has befallen them. "You are suffering in Nigeria," he said, "because you have broken away from the covenant”

Origins

2010-07-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

Some encounters I have made with persons of curious mind have challenged me into writing an article on my blog on this issue of the Origin of the Igbo in West Coast of Africa. In his recent article of Friday March 2, 2007 titled “Where did the Igbo come from?” Mazi Nweke wrote: “To make this view more acceptable, Olaudah Equiano, an Igbo ex-slave in London, who is said to have travelled widely, happens to be the first person to write about the Igbo tribe before his death in 1797. Equaino, in one of his findings, discovered that some names amongst the Igbos such as Uburu and even the “Igbo” itself are derived from Hebrew words. On the Igbo Landing ceremony a few years ago, on St. Simon's Island, Georgia, Rev. Fr Dr Aham Nnorom wrote, among other things: " According to Moreh Herman Taylor of the The Shalom (House of Israel), Dimona, Israel, delivered a powerful message from his boss reaffirming his support for the Igbo people. It declared that "Ben Ammi is with the Igbo people," and bemoaned the tragedy that has befallen them. "You are suffering in Nigeria," he said, "because you have broken away from the covenant”Congregation (House of Israel), Jackson, Mississippi, the Igbo Landing activities afforded him and his family the opportunity to "bond with my brothers who are members of the House of Israel…and have gone through horrible experiences in Nigeria in the last forty years." Nasik Danyel, a delegate sent by Ben Ammi, the Anointed Spiritual Leader of The Kingdom of Yahweh, said. With the foregoing and much more not included here, it is practically evident that the Igbo people of West Africa have lots in common with the Jews (Isrealites) It is on record that when some Jewish archeologists came to Igboland a few years ago, they found around Nri Town, Anambra State in Igboland, some ancient Jewish artifacts that proved to them, without any doubt of the origin of the Igbo people of Africa, who are believed to be part of the Jewish tribe that left the land of Israel into Africa during the last diaspora, went south of the Sahara and settled on the West Coast of Africa where they call home today. The Igbo people have not forgotten their roots nor has the State of Israel forgotten their kit and kin - Ndi Igbo. No doubt this discussion will continue.

Holy Ghost Fire - Chinwe Ike

2010-07-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

Judgement Day

2010-07-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

After listening to Chinwe Ike's piece I felt like sharing it through my blog as part of sharing "Home Truths" with friends who care to visit this page. The point is: sometimes we try to "create" God, and by extension, all that pertain to the after life in "our own image and likeness". Some persons will refuse to believe in God if heaven is not a continuation of this present; if they cannot reunite with their loved partner and continue from where they stopped before the exit of either of them from this life. It may sound funny, but it is true that some Christians do not believe in the Heaven Jesus spoke about (refer to the Gospel lesson of resurrection/story of the seven brothers "marrying the same women") Some will refuse to work towards Heaven if their dog, cat, snake, fish and all other pets will not join them there. Good luck fellow Christians as we work out our salvation "in fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12) God is good, merciful and kind; trust Him.

Create?

2010-04-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

It is either we are not serious or we decided to muddle the waters. Way back when the English Dictionary had the definition of the word "To Create" as: "to make something out of nothing; to bring into being or existence something that never existed, without the use of any outside help or instrument or adjunct" What do we hear/read/see today?; man has assumed the power "to create", seen by the random use of that sacred word that should be reserved to God, the Supreme Being/Creator of all that exists. You often read "created by Mr/Mrs .....". Doubtless, we have a range of word choices. What has happened to such words as: invent, discover, found, explored, initiated etc. Seems we have left those words to aliens so men could switch over to be "creators" of whatever. Wow, what an advancement in the world of created beings!! What a misnomer!!! Could this be the act and instrumentality of atheists, evolutionists or their like? Please could some person of real intelligence correct this, before we turn ourselves into something else.

Love of Giving

2009-09-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

An associate and friend, Mrs Loree Collins, sent gifts of clothing through me to the less privileged as I travelled home to Mother Africa, this past August. Though I had more photos of the beneficiaries of the gifts, I could not download all of them. Wish I could, so all could share. The Nuns, their house helps, the orphans were all smiles in those photos. They prayed for their benefactoress, Mrs Collins, with very deep gratitude. Over and above all gifts, let us all pray for peace and justice in God's world that is under attack from opposing forces. God's reign will triumph in the end. May God be praised. Amen and Amen.

Gmail - Fw: Women's driving awards] - ukachuks@gmail.com

2009-03-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

http://frusao1.blogspot.com

It is my hope this post gets into my blog page.

Onyeabor

Stephen C N

2008-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

http://frusao1@blogspot.com

Hopefully this page comes through into my blog page.

Ukachukwu

Culture

2008-10-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Could this really be called a "Culture" issue? I am talking about modern day crave/rave for pleasure. Pain or anything that has to do with the cross/suffering is fought against and eliminated at all costs. Minimizing is no longer acceptable. In modern medicine, the pangs of birth and death are almost completely a non-issue. Sometime ago, some holy persons were known/said to die in the ardour of sanctity; these souls pass on very peacefully/quietly. Today this time of exit from this life, is chemicalized and or commercialized with drugs that eliminate that which even Christ divinized/shared. Pain. When Jesus cried from the cross: "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani..." they thought he was asking for "a drink"; they offered him some pain relieving stuff: He politely declined/refused it. The God-Man wanted to go the whole length of His redeeming death. I, indeed sometimes wonder if I am getting crazy about this "God-talk". Sure, I am not. I am in full control of my sanity. Again, it is clear to me I am not a sadist: however I have some concerns about the rate at which we sell/buy into the hedonism that is plaguing our society. Perhaps it began from the Western hemisphere and spreading like wild fire, or perhaps from the Eastern. I do not know; God knows. It appears we are being overtaken by the jingles of TV/Radio/Newspaper ads. Think of the: "play, laugh, grow" advertisement that is directed to the kids. What is wrong in: "pray, laugh, grow"? Is it any wonder that the moral fabric of society is being eroded? I imagine God alone has an answer, but we've got to help Him to help us. I do not know; God knows. Should I keep my eyes shut and mouth sealed for the reason that "I am no better than the society I 'criticize'"? That will not be godly/prudent a stance. I believe the more I play the "prophet" to society in whose life I share, the harder my judgment will be. I am not afraid, though. I do all in love and concern, in the hope that God is ready to help each and all to achieve that for which we were made - heaven. A future blog story of "The python and the squirrel" may throw some light to this concern I have. In that life in/with God, we will play best, laugh best and grow completely into the Divine.

Happy Guardian Angel Day

2008-10-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Beloved Guardian Angel Ukachukwu,

My name is Ukachukwu, the one person His Divine Majesty entrusted to you on the 14th day of November, in the Holy Year 1950. It is so amazing that you have no other "job" except me. Since I came to the age of reason I have always thought of your duties towards me. In God's eternal and omniscient plan, you were born in eternity the day I was born in time. The Almighty Who inspired my parents to name me Ukachukwu, had same name for you. You were given the sole responsibility of taking care of, guiding, guarding, directing and protecting me, to God's glory. You have always done an outstanding job in this regard; unfortunately I have very many times failed you by not co-operating with your promptings to accomplish only God's Holy will. For those moments I failed you in God, I am awfully sorry. Tomorrow is a special day Holy Mother Church set apart for us humans to recall your presence in my life and thank God for your mission in my life. I will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving and Reparation to God. I will write you again soon; but please continue your Divine assignment towards me, your Namesake, Ukachukwu. Before I put my pen back into the ink pot, do permit me to thank and remind you of your most recent deed of protecting me. Remember I was on call this night and was paged to the Hospital. I guess you delayed my leaving my room by some minutes, only to come out at our gate to see an accident caused by and/or involving "racing" youths or adults, right outside of the gate. I could have been a victim of this terrifying scenario. I had goose bumps reflecting on your great acts of keeping me in safe places at the proper time. I cannot thank you enough nor can I thank God enough for giving me into your hands for safe-keeping. Thank You God for giving me to Your Angel Ukachukwu to take care of Your adopted son, Ukachukwu Onyeabor. I am awfully sorry for not always following his lead in doing Your Holy Will, in which is our peace, here and hereafter.

Ukachukwu Sebastian Azubuike Onyeabor (Rev. FR)

NAME

2008-09-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

It is simply timely and providential that I should put to pen and paper this thought that has been brewing in my head for a long time now. These thoughts have been there before I wrote my first blog with the title "Information About Name". I said it is providential, because today, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. God's providence assigns an angel to each of us at birth - our "Guardian Angel". That Angel has a name before God; invariably that angel assumes the name of the individual to whom he is assigned. As a matter of fact, my Guardian angel's name is UKACHUKWU, the name my parents were inspired to give me at birth. It was after 3 months that I was brought to the Church for Baptism and a Patron Saint's name, Sebastian, was given. What other name could have been given to my Guardian Angel? - Johnson, Smith, Paul, Vincent, Timothy, Benjamin, Jude, Sabinus, Raphael, George, Sebastian, Charles, Theodore, Augustine etc. Sure, none of the above. It could not be any of the foregoing for a typical Igbo boy born in/to an Igbo family that had desperately prayed and wished for a male child for my father: an only son with 4 female siblings. My argument is backed by saintly comments. Here is Pope St Gregory the Great on today's Feast: "Angels are known by proper names as well, to indicate their powers and their work. In that holy city where perfect knowledge is derived from the vision of Almighty God, if proper names are assigned to them, it is not that their persons could not be identified without names..." (2nd Reading for Office of Readings: Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels) My Guardian angel could not be known by another name as he was "born" the same with me. He has a responsibility before God on my account as I owe unflinching loyalty to him before God. He does only God's will, per sempre. He is God's "semper fi". I was born in time for a period in time; he was born in eternity and for all eternity in/with God. At the end of this life's journey, he will get me into the "choir of angels" to sing God's praises forever in my true home, heaven. This depends on if I persevere and imitate him in doing God's will here on earth. If unfortunately I decide to hate God, God forbid, and end up in hell, God forbid, this special angel of God remains forever in God's presence, adoring, praising and worshipping God. A.M.D.G.

Music For The Soul: Gregorian Chant, Recorded Sound: Music

2008-09-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Music For The Soul: Gregorian Chant, Recorded Sound: Music

It is my wish this great piece of Plain Chant comes off OK on my blog page. If it does not, please cut and paste the site on your browser.

Ukachukwu S. A. Onyeabor

Once Upon A Culture

2008-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Every individual is a product of a culture. In Anthropology, it is definitive that all cultures are equal, with no further distinction. It follows that there is no such thing as a superior culture. Culture is what makes the quidity of any people; what makes them integrally unique. Culture is what makes people who they are. A people's culture gets expressed in/and through, but not limited to their language, food/diet, dance, dressing, belief system etc. It is therefore ridiculous to hear or know of anyone think of or tell another that his/her culture is superior to the other person's. All colonial masters were very guilty and or ignorant of these basic reality in human history. It was common knowledge that all the people they met were bound to lose their own mother/native language. My people, the Igbo in West Africa were among the victims of white man's "domination" Whenever possible, and it was not argued, they forced the people to drop their language and embrace the English language, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German etc. Their pride gave itself away when this dominance began to show its ugly head; they had no apologies in dealing thus with the people. Even the missionary groups copied their civil counterparts in dealing rudely with the folks they came to "evangelise". They imported their canned and packaged food from Europe, America or Australia. For Baptism, for instance, they forced the people to take "English" names of Saints as their patron Saint. Even if the name has no substantial meaning in itself. The great Igbo names were sacrificed on the altar of "English" Saint names. Traditional Religion had no way of canonizing their own, otherwise I bet you that there were many saints among them. About food, since they import theirs from overseas and dared not try native food of the people they came to serve. They seem to have forgotten Jesus' injunction: "eat whatever is set before you." Definitely they will rationalize their actions in their assumed/presumed "superiority complex". Is it any wonder that the peoples of Africa were asked to drop their language/native tongue to learn that of the "stranger" who came to make gains/exploit their host nation/peoples.

Made In China

2008-09-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of a Hospital Chaplain could be stressful as well as hilarious; it depends on how one handles the incidents that impinge on the individual. I enjoy what I do. I am a Roman Catholic Priest and Hospital Chaplain. Every day is a new day of thanks and surprises. Each day opens with entrusting everything I do to God, the Almighty, to guide and direct. This short story calls for deep thoughts as to how our psyche functions and how we are wired/influenced by external forces:- On this eventful day, I walked into the hospital room of 58 year old Mrs M.G. Just about 3 minutes into our visit she showed me the "Get-well" cards she got since admission, two days prior. "This is from my grand-son" proudly showing me a card prepared by 6 year old, Bruce. What caught my attention, which, when I remarked about it, apparently did not mean much to Mr M.G, was: "Made In China" which little Bruce nicely put below his drawing of flowers and good-wish words to grandma. My concern is, Is this young man giving us a message or what? Is he throwing a challenge as to the direction of our economy? What message is he inspired to deliver through the medium of this card? The questions could be more. Please I need your input, answers and comments. I need help to appreciate and/or understand this young man.

I dearly, deeply and truly love gay/lesbian persons

2008-09-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

One is often fascinated at what arguments go on among people of different cultural/religious leanings concerning those who claim to be gay or lesbian. I truly love them: they deserve to be loved. In the first place, God loves them, like He loves you and me, unconditionally. Once upon a time a friend of mine told me he had lunch with a gay couple. What surprised me was hearing the story of one of these men. He told this friend that from his childhood he found he was more attracted to little male kids like himself than to girls his age. He said his parents knew this was the case with him. Oh! this young man growing up felt he was meant to be gay all his life? Wow!!! The question will be: "what did the adult parents do in the awareness of this reality? On the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, this year, we read from Matthew's gospel account of Jesus' parable about the wheat and the cockle. (cf. Matt. 13:24-43) The operative words in this parable are: "while everybody was asleep, the enemy came and sowed the cockle" While everybody was asleep? Indeed when we are "asleep", when we are not awake to our sole responsibilities, we are overtaken by events that shame our wakeful state. In the case under perusal, I imagine the parents of this man did something, maybe they did not do enough or did not know Whom to run to. These lovely and lovable men and women, if at the early stages of growth they discover, as many of them claim, that growing up, they were more prone to and/or attracted to same sex persons, their parents should have been awake to take some steps to rectify things in their regard. Obviously it is the enemy. Call him whatever you will; whoever or whatever is responsible for this anomaly in the lives of men and women, that person or thing is not a friend, but an enemy of God and humanity. In the Holy Writ, shortly after creation, God said to man and woman: "Go, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it" God's holy will is that we populate the earth and not decrease; the plan of this "enemy of God and humanity is the direct opposite of God's injunction. The enemy puts "rationalization" into the minds of people to justify their actions, even when they go against the objective and original plan of the Creator. People would expect to hear the parents scream for help from God, the Church and a circle of good friends and neighbours. St Monica, mother of St Augustine is an example of such genuine cry for help. My Igbo people in Africa have this proverb: "ka e wepu aka enwe n'ofe, mgbe o ghobeghi aka nmadu". This literally translates to: "remove the monkey's hand from the soup before it turns to be a human hand" - a stitch in time saves nine. Not too long ago I was ministering to a Behavioural Health patient in a facility who told me similar story of being just formed that way from childhood. The bottom line is that someone/persons were asleep and the enemy sowed the bad seed that could bring mankind to extinction. Let us love the gay/lesbian persons very dearly, deeply and truly, but begin to pray seriously for the end of this misnomer. May God save His Church and children from this scourge. God help us. Amen.

The Cow and The Fly

2008-08-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

Our course at this time in the University in Omaha, NE, had to do with violence and non-violence. I told my lecturer and colleagues this Igbo folklore about the Cow and the Fly. At the end of the story, our Prof. who is of Irish origin said: "No Father, that was an Irish folklore, not Igbo" Here goes the story, though: Once upon a long time ago, the animal kingdom tried to instill sanity in the kingdom. Careful and diligent observation showed that the cow flouted all the rules and bylaws. This upset the entire population of the animal kingdom. After a general meeting to which the cow decided to be absent, a resolution was made to send a one-animal emissary with a special message to the Cow. When most bigger animals declined, for fear the cow could kick the hell out of them, in anger, the fly volunteered to be the harbinger. On the eventful day, while the animals met at the village square, the cow stayed some distance away eavesdropping. At the end of the meeting the mother fly decided to immediately go on her agreed errand. She was yet to finish her message from the animal kingdom when the big cow stepped forward and crushed her into the mud that "glued" her wings which prevented her from flying out of danger and proximity of the cow, if threatened. On seeing that the fly has been crushed to death by the cow, the rest of the animals fled for dear life. Those living close to mother fly's home told her family and baby flies that it was the cow that killed their mother. The flies, as one, went to express their disapproval and grievance over the death of their mother at the hands of the cow. The cow did not show any remorse and so the flies swore not to give the cow or her children any rest all their life; hence they perch on the cow's nose, eyes, ears, tail etc. They perch on all vexing parts of the cow. They vowed to keep the cow miserable forever. Hence the fate of the cow till date. The morale of the story is that it is not by might but by mutual respect and understanding that we could co-exist, make progress and root out terrorism completely. Let's all work for peace, justice and love. God bless all who see need to eliminate violence in a world God wants us to "enjoy" before an everlasting abode.

Chant: Music For The Soul: Gregorian Chant, Recorded Sound: Music

2008-07-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Chant: Music For The Soul: Gregorian Chant, Recorded Sound: Music

There are still some souls in serious search for God in this apparently materialist world. These are the men and women whom Mother Church refers to as "The Power House of the Church" There is no mistake about this - they truly are. May God continue to preserve them and grant them the graces of perseverance in their vocation or reminding us that "This world in not our Home" no matter how good it may look, now.

Obama, Clinton appeal for Democratic unity in N.H. - Yahoo! News

2008-06-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Obama, Clinton appeal for Democratic unity in N.H. - Yahoo! News

Igbo Names: So Meaningful !!!

2008-04-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ukachukwu Sebastian A. Onyeabor
350 N. Silverbell Road, Unit # A-21
Tucson, AZ 85745
Email: ukachuks@gmail.com
9th April, 2008

God's grace, peace and love be with all, now and always. Amen.
I thought it wise, once and for all to enter this article into my blog page so I could simply refer persons to this blog for further reading. This was triggered by people's expressed interest/curiosity, asking for the meaning of our Igbo names as well as mine. I have always found it an opportune moment to state with "pride" that our Igbo names have lots of meaning and significance. As found in Holy Scriptures: there is power in the word and/as in a name: they are significant. Which biblical name has no significance associated with it? When God enters into a covenant with His people or their leaders, there often follows a name change. Abram became Abraham and Jacob became Israel. In the New Testament Peter got a "new name" after his great confession. After the Resurrection, when Jesus called: "Mary !!" Magdalene knew exactly Who called her.

To those asking of my name: my first name is UKACHUKWU which could take either of these meanings = related to the Supreme Being (God); concern of the Supreme Being; business of the Supreme Being; issues of the Supreme Being etc. Till date, most of my Igbo people believe in the existence of many deities as well as the Supreme Being. One is aware that this is not peculiar to the Igbo people of Africa. St Paul encountered this in Athens. The small deities are called "chi" in Igbo, while the Supreme Being (God) is qualified with the word UKWU which means GREAT OR ALMIGHTY. So the Supreme Being is CHI-UKWU; however in writing GOD in IGBO language, we drop the first vowel "I" so we now have CHUKWU. Incidentally the Igbo word for PRIEST is Ukochukwu. Note the difference UKACHUKWU and UKOCHUKWU. To perform the role of an UKO is to be a go-between, a mediator, a middle person. At my priestly ordination my people said: "Ukachukwu aburula Ukochukwu" which means Ukachukwu has now become a priest of God. My family name (last name) ONYEABOR literally means: SECOND PERSON. This could be translated to mean either "a companion"; "a helper"; "an assistant"; "an associate"; "other half"; "an auxiliary" or "a back-up" It makes good sense when my people say: otu onye a naghi aga nta, which translates: "no one man goes hunting". For a successful gaming/hunting session, you need a companion so while one person is at one end, the other is at the other. No one person can be at both ends at the same time. "The crowd begins with a second person". My Igbo people do not generally acquiesce with a lone-ranger mentality; this is because they believe that power is in the group. "Igwe bu ike"

The Down Side: It was very very unfortunate that colonialism as well as a generality of early missionaries to Igbo land and other parts of the colonized/evangelized world felt/thought their language and/or religion was better/superior to those of the people they came to colonize or evangelize. Is there any doubt most of these places were taught to drop their language in favour of the language of the "white" man? One recalls when you were penalized for speaking in the vernacular; you could receive corporal punishment lest the teacher be fired by the "white" manager of schools. Later this took the form of financial fines. It is interesting to note that some very wise cultures who foresaw the effects of this, fought the white man's superior mentality. Such peoples insisted on their language and culture; today we see and read literature in those peoples' language and not first in English and then later in theirs.

Offended? This article is not meant to offend/upset anyone; by no means. Incidentally, we are victims of the English language seen as an easier means of expression. I could write faster in English than in Igbo language. The good news is that today a sizeable number of Igbo families in diaspora are waking up to be proud of the Igbo language. Some struggle to speak/teach to their children in their mother tongue. My Igbo people keep the flame of what we cherish - our Mother Tongue, burning bright. Peace to all, especially to those who read and appreciate this article.

Ukachukwu S. A. Onyeabor (Rev. Fr)

Send E-mail to the U.S. Embassy Japan

2007-12-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Send E-mail to the U.S. Embassy Japan

Who Cares!!?

2007-04-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is the reality we face in today's world. The tragedy is that some people and governments tend to glory in seeing others suffer while they glamorize in and through whatever they delight in; even at the expense of those who pay for it, directly or indirectly. When a government or their allies make these situations the status quo, then justice is denied people and there can be no peace in the minds of those who perpetrate such inhuman treatments/situations. It is mere hypocrisy for anyone or group, including Church organisations to think that sending relief or "humanitarian" aids to those people who starve, while supporting their home government. They are responsible for the continued existence of the oppressive governments of those persons and the civilized or developed world closes its "eyes" to the plight of victims of oppressive regimes. In the name of diplomacy many peoples have been robbed of their rights to freedom, justice and fairness, while they ride on their backs to "enjoy" temporary pleasures they are not willing to let others have. Even if one is not a Christian, the principle of justice and fairness is embedded in many traditional cultures. My Igbo ancestors say: "Egbe bere, ugo bere..." which translates as: let the kite perch and let the eagle also perch (on same tree/branch) The snag is that they believe that if either should forbid the other from perching, it should be punished with the shredding of its wings. The point is that my people had the sense of justice and fairness before the arrival of Christianity. Let us try and face this home truth and cease deceiving ourselves that we are doing charitable works while directly and/or indirectly supporting and encouraging the perpetration of oppressive regimes in developing nations in any part of the world. In reality we are all one and the Creator knows well in advance what our intentions are for doing what we do/intend to do. We always have a good and real reason for doing anything/something. The Almighty knows us more we know ourselves. Our INTENTIONS make all the difference and God knows our heart

Information About Name

2007-03-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

Fr Ukachukwu Sebastian A. Onyeabor
P.O. Box 8735
Omaha, NE 68108
Email: ukachuks@gmail.com
Easter Sunday, 2006
+
J.M.J

To One and To All

After serious deliberation, based on an ideal orientation, I wish to state categorically, the following: My first name is UKACHUKWU. My baptismal names, on record: Ukachukwu and Sebastian. Sebastian is my middle and not first name. My other family given name is AZUBUIKE. These significant family/native names mean a lot to us and to me.
Onyeabor is our family name (Surname). My names should run thus: Ukachukwu Sebastian Azubuike Onyeabor. As a Catholic Priest of the Roman Rite, my proper appellation should be Fr Onyeabor. Fr Ukachukwu is informal, but acceptable. "U.S.A" are my initials and not a pet or nickname. Mary Abraham was my name in Religion and some philosophy/theology seminary colleagues may decide to keep that as a pal name. Please such forms of address as: Fr Sebastian, Fr Seb., Fr Sab., Fr Sebby etc are hitherto unacceptable. Let us avoid embarrassments. Please let the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe and presbyterate as well as Bigard Memorial Seminary (now, St Joseph's Major Seminary) Ikot Ekpene and Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, take note. All former documents remain valid.
I pray the foregoing information, rooted in the culture of love and love of culture, be graciously accepted and adhered to by all. May God bless and keep you all. Amen

HAPPY EASTER

(Signed)
Ukachukwu Sebastian Azubuike Onyeabor (Rev. Fr)
350 N. Silverbell Road, Unit # A-21
Tucson, AZ 85745

Revised: June 9, 2008

Who does not love the "Roses"?

2007-03-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

Who does not love the Roses; love to see the rose bloom? It amazes and surprises me to see and/or think of people who see need for themselves and their family having "fun" and yet would deny others, either by word, action or silence, any similar "enjoyment". My heart bleeds seeing innocent children denied of the chance to enjoy some basic things God freely and benevolently gave us in this brief life. Some powerful men and women and even governments take delight in taking sides with the few rich and greedy ones as they oppress the poor and marginalized in some societies. The truth has been that in most African countries it is the case that some Western powers/developed nations are in league with the African leaders to the detriment of their peoples. "Equality, fairness and justice for all" is only a documented issue; never to be a reality in the lives of many in those nations. I believe with you that: "what is good for the goose, is good for the gander" My Igbo ancestors would say: "Onu rie, onu e rie, onuma alaa" Let us all do something to give peace a chance.

My Voice Blog

2006-08-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

"A Living Victim"

2006-08-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

This saintly 18+ year old young man Zachary, needs all our prayers and support; so her exceptionally caring and loving mother, Cindy. As of July 2006 he has had no less than 23 surgical procedures. Indeed "A Living Victim", a co-victim with Christ Jesus. He has come to understand he does, like St Paul, fill up in his little body what is wanting in the Passion of Christ for the sake of His Body, the Church. Zachary joyfully suffers with perfect resignation. In his pains Zachary lets his smile and giggles console and edify you, as you visit to console him. What an exemplary victim!!!

"My Queen's" First Holy Communion

2006-06-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

It was the 1st Saturday of May, 2006; an unforgetable day in the life of young and precious kid, Juliana Rose Pettis. She marched in, sang and rolled into her seat with other angelic kids her age to welcome Christ into her pure and innocent heart. What a day!!! The proud parents, Jody and Mary and her senior brother, Jonathan were there to grace the occasion. Good enough, Jonathan was one of the Altar Boys that day. Incidentally though, the Big Kids, Joshua and Carissa could not be there physically. They were with us spiritually and rejoiced with their baby sister as she said her warm welcome to the Love of her life, Jesus Christ, Who gave us His Body and Blood to be our food for our spiritual nourishment. We thank God for this initial encounter with this special child, Juliana. May God keep this favour ever warm and everlasting. Juliana Rose, my Queen, we are proud you went through your preparation for this day, bravely and with childlike resignation to God. We are all happy for you. You know too well I could not miss that ecstatic day in your life. Ciao and remain ever blessed.

2006-06-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

Read what someone had to say about Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

Massachusett's 2006 Golf Privilege Card a much better read than the Da Vinci Code
Tuesday May 23, 2006 01:23:03 pm
The Cheap Bastard despises the Da Vinci Code and all it stands for. Writing about religion? What does Dan Brown know anyway? What a maroon. What a tra-la-la-boom de aye. It's getting to the point that I may be forced to read the book or see the movie. Then you'll really see outrage. It's on my to-do list.

What could be more dehumanizing?

2006-06-09T00:45:00.000-07:00

Italian police gave me poisonous substances— Nigerian businessman Thursday, June 8, 2006
Samuel Franklin Anene has been reduced to a shadow of himself for the past five years. He told Okey Ndiribe that his tribulations began when he was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned during his trip to Italy in 1997 .
WHEN Samuel Franklin Anene,a Nigerian businessman went on a business trip to Italy nine years ago, he never bargained that his life would nearly be wrecked by the Italian police over a frivolous allegation. He did not know he would be illegally imprisoned and tortured by the Italian security operatives. Anene, who is also a citizen of Venezuela by birth said that he was arrested as a suspected associate of drug traffickers in 1997.
Narrating his ordeal to Vanguard Features (VF), Anene who hails from Eziowelle in Anambra State said he was released in 2001, four years after his arrest when it was discovered that he was innocent. Said he: “ I was jailed in Le-Veheate Prison in Turin, where the police tortured me severely. They also drugged every food I ate. I fainted on several occasions”.
Anene said that he was later transferred to Pizza Dansoria prison in Alexandra, adding that it was in the prison that luck smiled on him when the Catholic Cardinal of Alexandra visited him. He said he was bleeding through his nose and ears when the Cardinal visited him. The cardinal had been alerted about his condition by a concerned female prison official.
Anene said he told the Italian Cardinal that Nigeian born Cardinal Francis Arinze who is based at the Vatican and his father were from the same village and that he was innocent of the charges levelled against him. Anene said the police had lied to the Italian Cardinal by claiming that Anene was being investigated for mafia activities, but the Cardinal ensured that he was taken to court. Anene was set free at the court for want of evidence.
Recounting how his ordeal began, Anene told VF that he travelled from Brazil to Italy in 1997 to buy shoes and leather products adding that when he arrived in Cassele Airport in Turin, he was rounded up by 14 plain clothes policemen who demanded for his passport.
He said, he handed over his Venezuelan international passport with which he had travelled since he was born in Venezuela and therefore had dual citizenship . Anene further stated the policemen went ahead and searched his brief case but found nothing, adding that he was then taken into one of the rooms at the airport for x-ray. When the x-ray result came out it was negative. But unknown to him, his ordeal had just started. Not satisfied with the result of the first test they subjected Anene to, he was made to go through more scrutiny. The next stage was that some liquids were mixed with coke and he was forced to drink it.
Said he: “Immediately I drank it, I began to lose consciousness and at the same time felt like going to the toilet. By that time I couldn’t walk. Some people carried me to a place where I defecated”. Again, nothing was found on him. Still not satisfied, the men drew out their guns and told Anene that they were from the Italian police and demanded that he should tell them what he knew about drug business. “They said I should tell them what I knew about Nigerian drug dealers in Brazil and Colombia. They said they had information that some people were using me to traffick in drugs because of my Venezuelan citizenship,” he said.
“ After the interrogation, I told them I wanted to carry my briefcase but they refused. They locked me up in a room and went away. Later when they came back, they told me that they saw 167 grammes of cocaine in my briefcase. I told them they had lied because they searched my briefcase in my presence and found nothing. The next thing I knew was that they locked me up in prison”. He said, when he demanded to be charged to court the Italian police only responded by transferring him from one prison to another in Alexandria. The charge levelled against him by the police was dangerous association with international drug traffickers. Anene should have been jailed for 21 years if he was found guilty by an Italian court. He said the policemen threatened that they had the right to detain him for up to five years while investigating the allegations levelled against him. He alleged that after he was arrested and nothing incriminating was found on him, the Italian poilce went ahead to cook up evidence to back the drug charges against him adding that they claimed that some quantity of cocaine was found in his brief case the day he was arrested. But he denied the allegation and demanded that they produce the video recording of his arrest at the airport as that should have provided the authentic evidence to support whatever charges levelled against him. But the Italian police authorities rejected this suggestion. He said he spent two years in prison where more chemicals were applied on him. During the period of his unlawful detention, he was extensively and severely tortured and dehumanised. He further said that various poisonous chemicals and substances were injected into his body and nostrils by the Italian policemen in their desperate bid to force him to confess to what he knew nothing about. He further alleged that some of the poison that was administered on him was put in his food and water adding that the gas that was pumped into his cell during winter was also toxic. Said he: “ I always felt weak after inhaling this gas”. He said he was convinced his food and water was always poisoned because he was usually served separately from the other prisoners. He said, he initially rejected the poisoned food rations and water that was served to him but was later forced to eat them to avoid being starved to death.
He said the first symptom he noticed due to the poisoned food, water and gas he had been subjected to was that blisters began to appear in his mouth. Said he: “ The first symptom I noticed was when my mouth began to tear. The second was that my hair began to turn to grey.”
According to him, since his release, he had been suffering from various forms of intractable illnesses which had defied medical solution in Nigeria. “When I returned to Nigeria, I went to Yaba Psychiatric Hospital for treatment as the chemicals the police used in poisoning me had started having effects”. At the hospital doctors were at a loss on how to handle his case and asked him to get the name of the chemicals used by the Italian police to poison him.
He said the doctors told him that the only way his case could be handled was for him to contact the Italian Government through its Embassy in Nigeria so that the names of the chemicals used in poisoning him could be released to enable the doctors diagnose his ailment or send him to Italy for treatment. Anene said, he did not initially feel the impact of the poison on him.
Said he: “ When I was still being held in the Italian prison, I did not feel the impact of these poisonous substances that were injected into me. But it became worse when I returned to Nigeria. However, I thought that with time these poisonous substances would fizzle out of my blood circulation”. Anene further claimed that his efforts to persuade the Italian Embassy in Nigeria to look into his plight has proved abortive. Indeed, he accused the Italian Embassy of playing games with his life. ‘They have been playing with my life.” He continued: “I have gone to their embassy and they kept telling me to come today, come tomorrow. My health is deteriorating. I can no longer live a normal life as I have lost both mental and physical stability,” he said. Anene said he had planned to go to the Embassy two years ago to begin a hunger strike but was advised to follow due process. He said he wrote through his lawyer Peter Ozobialu to notify the embassy of his intention to begin a hunger strike by April 26, 2004 but the Italian Embassy, adding that copies of the letter were made available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Inspector General of Police and some media houses.
The embassy later replied Anene’s lawyer Mr Peter Ozobialu in the following words: “With reference to your letter in which you brought our attention to the case of your client, Mr Anene , we would like to inform you that this Consulate General has reported the delicate matter to the competent Italian authorities.”
The reply was signed by one Dot Alder Zonari. After Anene’s lawyer received the reply, he waited for two months and wrote a reminder two months later.
When VF called at the Italian Embassy in Lagos, the security men at the gate said there was no competent official to comment on the matter.

Vocation Story of a friend in Rome

2006-05-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Vicar Review, Edition 18: Woven Fidelity
In 1989, a week after my confirmation, I received an unexpected letter from my Bishop. Little did I realize that this letter contained a seed that would fall deep into my heart and that would slowly but steadily begin to grow. Seventeen years later, on June 3rd, 2006, that seed finally blossomed as I was ordained a deacon in Rome. *(The author is in this photo; he is in clergy suit, to the left of Fr Onyeabor. He gave us a tour of the Vatican museum, Dec. 2005)
Yet seventeen years ago, the priesthood was the farthest thing from my mind… until that letter. Bishop James Griffin wrote me a personal letter asking me to think about the priesthood. Startled, I wondered why on earth he would have done such a thing. “Me? A priest? Impossible! I am going to be a famous artist and besides, I like girls. He must be mistaken. It’s obvious that I am not called to be a priest.”
At the same time, however, I could not deny a hidden attraction to this calling. I loved my faith. I love helping people come closer to Christ. The priesthood would be a life full of joy. “No! What am I thinking? I have too much talent to toss aside if I become a priest!”
In the letter, Bishop Griffin kindly invited me to a dinner at his rectory. I had never even been to the cathedral, let alone inside the Bishop’s rectory. Deep inside my heart of hearts, a tiny whisper piped up and said, “Go!” but then the storms of fear roared over the little voice and assured me that this was an absurd investment of my time for someone who is obviously not called to the priesthood. “But if I am not called, why am I so scared just to go to dinner?”
In the end, I was conquered by my fear and I wrote a reply thanking the Bishop for his invitation but declining. How foolish I was! Perhaps years of running away from my vocation could have been avoided if I would have had just a kernel of courage in that moment. Regardless, I ran. The voice of that letter, however, would endure.
Six years I ran from the echo of that letter. The thought would never leave me, though I was really good at distracting myself with lots of fun. When the passions of youth would subside and a moment of silence and recollection would rise up, the idea of the priesthood would echo. I could not escape our Lord’s persistence.
During the Easter Vigil Mass of 1995, I finally had the courage that I lacked six years prior. I resolved to give Christ a chance despite the fact that my art career was taking off and I had the girl of my dreams who wanted to marry me. I gave God a tiny window of opportunity to speak and he took it. When I opened my door, Christ burst it and stole away with my heart.
Eleven years later, last June 3rd, I would be ordained a deacon in Rome at St Paul’s-outside-the-walls the day before Pentecost.
Life as a deacon and future priest of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift I could ever imagine. The joy our Lord grants to his priests and deacons is a slice of heaven upon earth. How much I love the priesthood and how I want to proclaim God’s love to the nations! I have no regrets about my decision and would never change my life for anything. My boats are burned and my heart is branded. My life is Christ. Nothing else will due.
On this joyful occasion, gratitude overwhelms my heart. First to my best friend Jesus Christ whose infinite patience and mercy is my constant support and solace. Yet equally so I thank Bishop Griffin. He planted the seed of who I am today. The echo of his shepherd’s voice drew me little by little to the arms of Christ. With heartfelt sincerity, I thank you Bishop Griffin for your time, attention and prayers, despite my fear and running. You have led me to the greatest treasure of time and eternity. How can I ever thank you sufficiently?
But how was it the Bishop knew about my vocation? This answer deserves my gratitude as well. The careful eye of my teachers, many of whom were Franciscan Sisters, were the ones who detected my calling even before I could fathom the idea. Being totally dedicated to God’s service, they could spot the signs of a young man called to the same complete gift of self to the Church. Thank you dear Sisters for your fidelity and example. I hope that my life as a priest will radiate the same joy and dedication that I always saw in you.
And finally, I thank all my family and friends, both my immediate family and my family of Regnum Christi. I could write volumes declaring the wonders God has worked in my life through each of you. Our Lord has chosen that our lives would touch and that together, through our prayers for each other, we would all persevere in our calling. In a real way, Christ has woven our vocations together; our lives form the threads of a single tapestry. After eleven years of priestly formation, I know that I have remained faithful not due to my own strength, but to yours –your prayers, your love, your support. Your fidelity has been my fidelity. Truly you are a living part of my deaconate ordination. My gratitude to all of you will spill over into eternity.
Now, as a deacon, I look back upon my life and see how the finger of God has brought all these threads together to weave, strand by strand, this marvelous vocation. In 1989, the letter from my bishop, just days after receiving the Holy Spirit in confirmation, was the first strand. In 2006, the day before the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the strands came together in a decisive phase. The tapestry is not yet complete –I still have priestly ordination and the rest of my life to continue weaving the great plan of God. Who knows what wonders lie ahead? What precious threads will Christ introduce? All I know is that I trust the skillful hands of the most excellent artist, the King of kings and Lord of lords, my greatest friend and love, Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God forever.

The "Da Vinci Deception"

2006-05-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

A "Da Vinci" Nudge to BelieversMeeting at Angelicum Reflects on Fiction-Reality Tie ROME, MAY 18, 2006 (Zenit.org).-
A symposium held at a pontifical university called the movie "The Da Vinci Code" a "sign of the times" which challenges all believers to demonstrate their faith.The symposium at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, was held Wednesday, the day in which the film was presented in at the Cannes Film Festival, in France.The "sign of the times" conclusion was voiced by Dominican Father Bruno Esposito, vice rector of the university, at the meeting on "The Da Vinci Code: Reflection on the Fiction-Reality Relationship."In the debate held at the school, Father Esposito, who is also a professor of canon law, said that "man is not against God but against a mistaken idea of God," and that is why it is necessary to address a phenomenon such as "The Da Vinci Code."Such an engagement, he said, is "not in a spirit of defense or confrontation but as an examination of conscience by believers, who must be committed to a new evangelization."Benedetto Ippolito, a professor of the history of medieval philosophy at the "Roma Tre" university, explained the success of Dan Brown's novel in a cultural context dominated by "conspiracies and mysteries."It is "a scene in which God is absent, in which God is not necessarily denied but lived in another dimension," said the scholar.High priceIppolito, who is also a professor at the University of the Holy Cross, explained that today there is a tendency to "consider Christian truth as a theory or even an invention."This vision implies paying a high price, he said. "The loss of the sense of truth implies the loss of the sense of freedom."On addressing the meeting, Joan-Andreu Rocha Scarpetta, a professor at the Regina Apostolorum university, said that "Dan Brown's work is a cultural thermometer that leads to reflection on contemporary religiosity."In particular, Rocha acknowledged that the novel might cause confusion in people who do not have "the tools of discernment necessary to understand what is behind it."Rocha, who directs Regina Apostolorum's master's program on "Church, Ecumenism and Religions," noted that the books of the New Age current are so successful because they emphasize "believing" without "belonging" and "they present reality as false and truth as esoteric and critical of institutions."Bernardo Estrada, a biblicist from the University of the Holy Cross, defined the Gnosticism of a certain apocryphal gospel of the second century -- which Brown makes ample use of in his novel -- as "the greatest threat Christianity had" because this philosophical-religious current professed the rejection of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection.SignsEstrada assailed the novel's gross distortion of the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene."It was a relationship in spiritual harmony," he said. "More than that, Jesus made an exceptional gift to Magdalene, the only one charged with announcing the risen Jesus, even before Peter."Father Esposito, the vice rector, concluded by appealing to believers to "give signs … against the relativism and voids that humanity demonstrates.""The challenge," he said, "is directed to us, ourselves, not to those who sell these books and films." ZE06051805
This article was culled from the Zenit Catholic News org.

Need for Religious Tolerance

2006-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Holy See to Press for Christians' Rights in Muslim LandsArchbishop Lajolo Urges Reciprocity for Religious Freedom VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See confirmed its intention to mobilize within the international community in the defense of Christians' fundamental rights in predominantly Muslim countries where religious freedom is denied.Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican secretary for relations with states, confirmed this decision when addressing the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers on the topic "Migration and Mobility from and to Countries of Islamic Majority."Speaking on Vatican Radio, Archbishop Lajolo commented on Benedict XVI's appeal on Monday to Muslim countries to practice reciprocity in the recognition of religious freedom.Reciprocity, as understood by the Holy See, means that, if Christian countries recognize Muslims' freedom of worship, then Islamic nations should likewise recognize a similar right for Christians.However, in many Muslim countries this concept seems to be foreign, lamented Archbishop Lajolo. Such countries, he said, invoke "for their citizens abroad the fullness of rights that, on the contrary, they do not recognize for immigrants of other confessions in their own territory."The situation is forcing Christians to abandon countries of Muslim majority, the Vatican official noted.Thus, the archbishop said that the Holy See will make its voice heard in international organizations and conferences to promote respect for the human rights of immigrants and recognition of a juridical situation proper to the dignity of every person.Archbishop Lajolo added that the Holy See will continue to state its opposition to the use of religion to justify terrorism and violence. ZE06051820

2006-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

For sometime now, indeed since last tax return days, I have been going through some IRS problems. My tax preparer's error of 2001 to 2003 left me in a mess. She had wrongfully listed me as a Religious with the vow of poverty. This is totally wrong. I need all the prayers from friends and well-wishers, to help resolve this issue. I do not want this to linger longer than necessary, as I leave for York Pennsylvania this August for my CPE Residency program. I do understand that IRS problems do not get resolved as quickly as one would expect, however I trust God is in-charge of things that tend to distress us.

Ukachukwu

2006-05-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

What do you say about this? Do make your comments; they are appreciated. Ciao and remain blessed.

Ukachukwu

2006-05-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is yet another attempt to begin my blog website. Hopefully this gets through for all friends and well-wishers to be able to share ideas through this medium. Remain ever blessed.

Ukachukwu