I have often seen my dad in my dreams; my waking up dreams, I mean; and such dreams have great significance. This past Monday morning I saw Papa, had some dialogue with him. When I told him of my recent "vocation within a vocation" thoughts, he did not respond either way - support or disapproval.  I woke up.  I could fill the blanks.  I recall that by the time I finished from High School he had secured  a job for me, within the Department of Posts and Telecommunications where he worked then at the Yaba, Lagos office.  I "disappointed" him for not towing his line and deciding to go for the Catholic Priesthood.  In January 1972 I began pivotal teaching/prefecting at the Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala. Soon after I felt a calling to a Contemplative Order and by June of same year I was admitted into the newly founded "Our Lady of Mount Calvary Monastery, Awhum, Enugu, under Very Rev. Fr Abraham Ojefua (of blessed memory). Ill health discontinued this cherished Contemplative vocation: then Postulant Director, Very Rev. Fr Mark Ulogu, O.C.S.O, told me to go home, get treated and come back if I wished to. However, I could not get back after due medical attention because my Parish Priest at the time, Very Rev. Fr Simon Okeke advised me to get into an active religious life first, and later go to a Monastery if I still feel called. He said: "I see your illness more as a psychological illness than physical, you did not go through the discipline of a minor seminary where you have times set out for spiritual reading, meditation etc.; jumping from a Catholic High School into a Contemplative Monastery is a big leap...."  This I obeyed and continued my formation when I joined the young Congregation of Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy (S.M.M.M) in 1975.  After my 1st Religious Profession in October 1976, I began Philosophy in September 1977.  I was ordained on August 23, 1986 as a Diocesan Priest of Okigwe.  Today, by God's grace, the wish and desire to get back into the Monastic Life is burning in me. I continue to pray for more light from the Holy Spirit. 

It is very clear: at least to my finite mind, that the Omnipotent, Omniscient One, God, could not/did not save us without Mary’s vital role: so I got 'madly' in LOVE with this special WOMAN in our Salvation History. My Priesthood is a special call from God, sensed at the early age of 7. I grew up to love Mother Mary: SHE IS THE WORLD TO ME. She is the Mother of the PRIEST. We have only ONE PRIEST in the whole wide world – Jesus Christ – the Priest, the Altar, the Victim and the Sacrifice. Without any admixture, it was Mary’s blood in the Incarnate Word that was shed on the Cross for our salvation and redemption. For this reason, Holy Mother Church calls Mary “co-redemptrix” or co-redeemer. That explains briefly why, after God, I owe my priesthood and whatever good I have done, to Mother Mary – Mother of all Priests of Her Son – The PRIEST, Jesus Christ. Let us hang on to Mary; love, cherish and honour her. She will surely and certainly lead us to Jesus Christ, The Priest, Redeemer and Sanctifier.

Once Upon a Day

Once upon a day, I encountered a Veteran in my place of work. This 28 year old man was fascinating in sharing his faith and practice.  This friend of mine, B.U.  is a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was born and raised a member of the 1st Century Gospel Church.  He shared historical facts with me. From him I learnt that Faith Tabernacle Congregations  were originally the same Church that later split in 2, evidently due to some personal issues from those at the helm of leadership. "Today these two Churches share the same faith culture, doctrine and practice" he said. As a little boy, growing up we use a small foot path near a Faith Tabernacle Congregation Church (FTC) in our village while going to school or Church.  The Church has evidently a foreign Architectural design with concrete walls.  People who attend this Church were known for one thing, THEY DO NOT TAKE MEDICINE TO GET WELL. They believe in FAITH HEALING; they believe God will heal them.  Today, from this Veteran friend of mine, B.U., I got further insight into these Churches, though divided in name, remain same in fundamental doctrines and practices. For instance, the modesty of their women: no make-ups or other external ornamentation and cosmetics common with modern day ladies/women; no pants (trousers); only skirt and blouses etc. Their female folk could work until they get married; once married, only the husband works and she stays home full time, taking care of the entire family. Seems a "take it or leave us alone" issue.  In my opinion, this is an ideal family. We are all aware that the FAMILY is the first in everything - society, Church, hospital and/or pharmacy, school, restaurant, government etc. Without the family, described in the Catholic Church as the DOMESTIC CHURCH, nothing else counts. For an instance:  if we have troubled/dysfunctional families, the entire edifice in/of society crumbles and goes to the birds. If we have stable and functional families, then we have a stable and functional society, Church, government etc. (This article I feel should be a WORK IN PROGRESS, as I continue to get facts and feed them, in here)

Talking About Love

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

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 Assisi Church, Allentown, Penna. Aug. 3rd, 1980)

My dear Priest friend, kindly read and reflect on the article: how "realistic"? Or is it altogether funny?

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

http://frusao1.blogspot.com


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

Onyeabor

Stephen C N

http://frusao1@blogspot.com

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.