The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, reiterated the sacredness of human life, stressing that it is a precious gift from God that demands utmost care and responsibility.
In his weekly message published in the Archdiocesan weekly newspaper, “Trinitas”, Archbishop Okeke emphasized that human life transcends biological existence, representing a participation in the life of God. This, he noted, carries with it the responsibility to share love and serve others.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Okeke quoted the pontiff’s assertion that life is “utterly gratuitous, a gift, beautiful, and an invitation to freedom and responsibility.”
The Archbishop underscored that accepting life as a gift implies acknowledging the duty to preserve and improve it. This responsibility, he emphasized, falls not only on individuals but also on families, the Church, society, and governments.
“Human life is a gift to be protected, preserved, and improved, but above all, it is a gift to be lived,” Archbishop Okeke stressed.
He referenced the biblical account of creation, where God provided life in abundance to humanity, and the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which destroyed sin and death to give life to humanity.
To fulfill their responsibility towards life, Archbishop Okeke urged Christians to model their lives after Christ, crucifying sinful inclinations and embracing a life of pure religion. He quoted Galatians 2:20-21, where Saint Paul declares, “I have been crucified with Christ, yet I am alive, yet it is no longer I but Christ living in me.”
Archbishop Okeke’s message serves as a reminder of the inherent value and dignity of human life, and the collective responsibility to protect and preserve it.
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