The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, today being Sunday, 7th December 2025 (Second Sunday of Advent), paid a pastoral visit to Divine Mercy Parish, Obukpa Layout, where he celebrated the Eucharist and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 263 candidates, whom he described as “new missionaries, messengers of peace, soldiers of Christ and signs of hope in the community.”
The Bishop was received with a warm and jubilant welcome by the clergy, religious and faithful of the parish, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayogu, and the Dean, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obasi. In the spirit of Advent, a season of waiting and repentance, the Bishop immediately drew the hearts of the faithful to deeper spiritual reflection through a profound catechetical instruction.
“Not all who were ignorant of Christ are lost…”
Touching on the mercy and justice of God, Bishop Onah noted that “our ancestors, who, through no fault of theirs did not know Jesus Christ, will not be condemned,” affirming the Church’s teaching on invincible ignorance and the universality of God’s salvific will.
He, however, issued a stern warning against modern spiritual manipulation carried out in the name of religion and profit:
“Those who confuse your spirituality in the name of money will give you solutions that do not agree with human reason. They instill fear, create suspicion and destroy families by accusing relatives of causing deaths and failures.”
He urged the faithful to reflect deeply on their commitment to the Church, challenging them to compare the sacrifices they make for Christ with what is lavishly offered to pagan practices.
The Bishop also condemned the contradiction of Christians who still participate in traditional and occult activities, warning that such actions invite spiritual destruction, especially for those about to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
“Those who will receive Confirmation today and return to pagan practices are bringing a curse upon themselves.”
With pastoral concern, he called parents to be more vigilant over the spiritual lives of their children and lamented the spiritual slumber of many Christians, even as “the enemies of the faith continue to surround us.”
The Church of Christ: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
The Bishop reaffirmed the identity of the Catholic Church and the importance of ecclesial commitment:
“Not all who call themselves Catholic are truly Catholic. The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. Whoever refuses the Church is no longer living as a true Christian.”
He condemned the attitude of spiritual restlessness — moving from one church to another in an attempt to escape responsibility — calling it self-deception, and stressed the need for every Christian to belong to and serve one parish community faithfully.
“Our Only Hope Na We” — A Prophetic Homily
At the introductory rites, Bishop Onah reminded the congregation that the Second Sunday of Advent is a moment of repentance, humility, and preparation for the coming of Christ:
“We must accept that we are sinners and ask God for forgiveness as we prepare for His coming.”
His homily, boldly titled “Our Only Hope Na We,” was both a spiritual and socio-moral challenge. Drawing from Isaiah, Romans, Matthew and 1 Kings, the Bishop declared that true hope does not come from politics or human power, but from God working through transformed human lives.
Using the powerful image of the “stump of Jesse,” he reminded the faithful that even from what appears lifeless, God can raise a new beginning — a sign that God never abandons His people.
“A shoot will come out of the dried stump. There will be no more enmity. There is still hope — not political hope, but divine hope.”
Referencing John the Baptist, the Bishop insisted on the necessity of repentance and moral courage in confronting corruption and injustice in society. He warned that continuing in the same sinful patterns while expecting change is spiritual insanity.
“You cannot make a difference if you are not different.”
He pointed out the tragedy of those who should protect life but instead destroy it — those who extort students, exploit the weak, and betray their responsibilities.
“Some who should be sources of life have become causes of death.”
In a deeply evocative line that echoed throughout the church, he proclaimed:
“Our only hope is in God — but that hope must be carried out through us.”
263 Confirmed into Mission
Immediately after the homily, the confirmands and their sponsors were presented to the Bishop before the entire congregation. The faithful renewed their baptismal promises, after which Bishop Onah prayed the Prayer of Confirmation and anointed each candidate with Sacred Chrism, assisted by Rev. Fr. Brendan Obasi (Dean) and Rev. Fr. Michael Ayogu (Parish Priest).
He directed that all confirmands must be fully integrated into the various parish associations from the following day, emphasizing that a new life has begun, and with it, a new responsibility to live differently.
“Through you, the knowledge of God will fill the earth. You are the shoot that others will look to for new life.”
Gratitude and a Promise of Love
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayogu expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and to the Bishop for his presence, teaching, and sacramental ministry. He also appreciated the clergy in attendance, including:
Rev. Fr. Brendan Obasi (Dean)
Prof. Fr. Ben Ebo
Rev. Fr. Vitus Ugwu
Other priests, religious and lay faithful
A touching moment followed as the Fr Bishop, recalled his spiritual bond with Fr. Ben Ebo, who was his Parish Priest and teacher before he entered the Senior Seminary. The Bishop announced that any gifts presented to him during the visit would be given to Fr. Ebo, who in turn pledged that the proceeds of his Golden Jubilee celebration would be donated towards the building of Divine Mercy Parish, Obukpa Layout.
A Day Sealed in Hope
As the celebration concluded, one truth echoed in the hearts of all present:
God is our hope. We hope in God. But through us, His hope will reach families, restore communities, and heal the land.
Today, at Divine Mercy Parish, Obukpa Layout,
263 lives were marked, a parish was strengthened, and a new chapter of hope was written — not in ink, but in Christ.
Rev. Fr. Teclus Ike Ugwueze
