By Cosmas Essiet
The 2025 Uyo Catholic Diocesan New Year Prayer, Fasting, and New Evangelization Outreach Assembly, which began on Thursday, January 2, came to a close on Sunday, January 5, 2025, with a Thanksgiving Mass.
As part of the activities commemorating the annual spiritual gathering, which is in its 25th edition, five seminarians were ordained as deacons for the diocese. This year’s first weekend diocesan prayer gathering was themed “Behold a sacred year of restoration! Let everyone of you return to the possession the Lord has given you” (Lev. 25:10, 13, 14), and was christened the “Jubilee Edition” as it coincides with the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
The Diocesan New Year Fasting and Prayer Assembly is an annual event where the entire Catholic faithful of Uyo Diocese gather as one big family at the Cardinal Ekandem Seminary ground at the beginning of each year to thank God for His love and benevolence, plead for forgiveness of sins, and commit the new year and the diocese into His Fatherly care.
In his introductory remarks at the thanksgiving Mass, the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John Ayah thanked God for His never-ending love for the faithful, which is made manifest in the gift of life and the opportunity to be reconciled to Him through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
In his homily, Bishop Ayah thanked the faithful of Uyo Diocese and everyone who participated in the solemn assembly. Recognizing the uncertainties surrounding life and tragic occurrences in the world today, he noted that all we owe God is gratitude for sparing our lives despite our unfaithfulness.
The Prelate further noted that the day’s celebration coincided with the Church’s celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, and the presentation of gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Expressing disappointment at the government’s performance, with the palpable sufferings of citizens, high cost of living, and insecurity, Bishop Ayah charged the government to reduce the cost of governance and channel resources into providing basic amenities that would make life better for the citizens. He reminded those in government, that power comes from God alone.
To the citizens, the homilist advised prudence in spending, considering the hard times and increasing cost of living. Emphasizing the importance of the family in socializing children, Bishop Ayah stated that parents should be dedicated and conscientious in exercising their roles, inculcating good morals in their children.
He reminded parents and guardians to be responsible in their roles and advised children and youths to shun crimes and nefarious activities.
Responding to claims that the Catholic Church hides the Bible from its members, Bishop Ayah described this as laughable, noting that the Church’s teachings are drawn from sources like Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium, in addition to the Bible.
The Eucharistic celebration was attended by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and other top government officials.
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