Once Upon A Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Create?

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.

"Boney M Maizie Williams"

Love of Giving

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

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

Onyeabor

Stephen C N

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Hopefully this page comes through into my blog page.

Ukachukwu

Culture

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

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

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

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

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

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.