Fr. Moses P. Sade
Jubilee Year Coordinator, Ikot Ekpene Diocese.
The second day of the National Celebration of the Jubilee of Hope was a magnificent and soul-stirring encounter with divine grace, marking another unforgettable chapter in the spiritual journey of the Church in Nigeria. Held at the sacred grounds of the Centre founded by the venerable Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel M. P. Edeh, the day overflowed with solemn worship, heartfelt prayers, inspiring teachings, and a profound sense of communal faith.
Though designated a national celebration, the event bore a distinctly international character, as pilgrims from various countries outside Nigeria gathered in large numbers to participate. This diverse assembly underscored the universal nature of the Church and the shared hope that unites believers across borders.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The day dawned with a deeply moving Eucharistic Celebration, a sacred liturgy presided over by none other than Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and esteemed President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). He was joined by an impressive assembly of Nigerian bishops and a multitude of priests, all concelebrating with reverence and joy. The unity and grandeur of the Nigerian episcopate were powerfully on display, as the faithful joined their voices in heartfelt praise and worship. The celebration was a sublime expression of the Church’s vitality and her unwavering faith amid challenging times.
Inspiring Homily
The homily was delivered by the insightful Most Rev. Julius Kundi, Bishop of Kafanchan, whose words resonated deeply with all present. He eloquently unpacked the day’s theme, calling the faithful to steadfastness and renewed trust in God’s providence. With gentle urgency, he reminded everyone that faith is a pilgrimage — one that must be traveled with courage and hope, especially when the road is steep and the night dark.
Theme of the Day: Pilgrimage of Faith
The theme for the day, “Pilgrimage of Faith: A Call to Renewed Hope in Difficult Times,” was presented with clarity and passion by a representative from the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) community. This powerful message urged all pilgrims to embrace their faith journey as a hopeful pilgrimage, one that invites believers to seek God’s light and strength amidst the turbulence of the world. It was a stirring reminder that hope is not mere optimism but a divine virtue rooted in the resurrection of Christ.
Welcome Address by the Founder
The spiritual heartbeat of the Centre was felt strongly during the welcome address by the founder himself, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel M. P. Edeh. His words were a beautiful blend of gratitude, encouragement, and prophetic assurance. He expressed deep appreciation to the bishops, priests, and countless lay faithful whose sacrifices and prayers have nurtured the growth of the Centre. With a father’s pastoral care, he exhorted all present to persevere in prayer, promising that no pilgrim’s supplication would go unanswered, and every prevented petition would find divine resolution. His address was a profound call to faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God’s abundant mercy.
Devotional and Spiritual Activities
The day was rich with numerous devotional moments that deepened the spiritual experience of all participants:
Divine Mercy Devotion and the Holy Rosary: These sacred prayers united the pilgrims in a powerful spiritual embrace, invoking God’s mercy and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Nigeria and the world.
Second Talk: Entiitled “Christ Our Hope in Difficult Times,” this enlightening presentation was delivered by a representative from St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene. The talk reinforced the central message of hope, urging the faithful to root their lives firmly in Christ, who alone remains the unfailing source of hope and salvation.
Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction: Led by the devout Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, the Bishop of Katsina-Ala. This sublime moment allowed the faithful to gaze upon the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. It was a time of intimate prayer, silent adoration, and profound blessing, filling hearts with peace and renewed faith.
Sacramental Confessions: In a true spirit of reconciliation and renewal, priests were on hand throughout the day to administer the Sacrament of Confession, helping pilgrims to receive God’s mercy and grace, and to continue their pilgrimage with a pure heart.
Conclusion: A Day of Grace and Hope
The second day of the National Celebration of the Jubilee of Hope was nothing short of glorious — a day where heaven and earth met in worship, teaching, and prayer. The Church in Nigeria was beautifully united in faith and hope, boldly proclaiming that no matter the trials faced, the pilgrimage of faith leads always to the triumph of hope in Christ. The international presence of pilgrims added a powerful dimension of unity and universality, reminding all that the journey of faith transcends borders and cultures. As pilgrims continue on this sacred journey, they do so with renewed vigour, inspired to live out the Jubilee with courage, prayer, and trust in God’s unfailing love.
