At Holy Mass of the Day-3 in the ongoing 5th edition of the National Mission Congress (NAMICON5) at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, the Episcopal Chairman, Mission and Dialogue Department of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Stephen Mamza, and Chief Celebrant, specially offered the Mass for the safe release of some delegates from Lafia Diocese who were kidnapped on their way to the Congress.
“At this Mass, we pray for safe release of the President, Catholic Women Organisations (CWO), Lafia Diocese, Mrs. Grace Ada and a representative of the Laity, Mr. Jonah Gimba, who were kidnapped on their way to this Congress,” the intention read.
Bishop Mamza who is also the Local Ordinary of Yola Diocese and Co-Chairman of the National Missionary Council of Nigeria, in his homily at the Mass, admonished worshipers, that true peace cannot be achieved at the cost of truth, justice and the fundamental human rights of people, as such peace is a graveyard peace.
Reflecting on the gospel reading at the Mass, the homilist instructed that the kind of peace that does not compromise moral principles is the kind of peace Jesus is looking at. He invited all, to put Jesus first in their lives, if they are to have lasting peace.
“Let us make commitment to give Jesus the first place in our lives. Most people cheat, tell lies and join secret cults in search of peace, but as true disciples of Jesus, we should not glory in such peace.
“If you are on the side of truth, you will be hated by people. In times past, most people have been killed for the simple reason of standing up for the truth and that was the fate of the holy martyrs we remember and celebrate today. In contrast, the people who make compromises and do not stand by the truth are not remembered at all, or are remembered with scorn and contempt. Therefore, if you want peace, work for justice,” he admonished further.
NAMICON5 which entered day-3 today, started with the Eucharistic Adoration, and continued after the Mass, with more Paper Presentations and discussions on various topics.
