What makes a Church lovely is the presence of Jesus – Archbishop Obinna

By Rachel Kogi

The immediate past Metropolitan of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna today, September 9, 2022, re-emphasised the power of the presence of Christ in the life of the Church.

In his homily at the Mass of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria who are currently in Orlu Diocese for their second 2022 plenary, Archbishop Obinna, drawing strength from the Psalm of the day, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of hosts”, noted that “what makes a Church or chapel lovely is the presence of Jesus.”

He went on to explain that “we gather at the Church so that we can be drawn into greater intimacy with Jesus,” and “when we become intimate with Jesus, all the hatred and prejudices in our hearts fade away.” As a result, we always need the presence of Jesus in our lives and society.

Making reference to the life of St. Peter Claver, whose feast was being marked, the prelate extolled his qualities as a priest who ministered to African slaves in South America. He noted that the Saint did not allow the loveliness of Spain to blind him, but like his master Jesus, he took his loveliness to the poor and ugly environments of the oppressed.

The Chief Shepherd thus enjoined all, that as St. Claver opened his eyes and ears to the tragedy and pain of our African brothers and sisters and in line with the call by the gospel on all Church leaders to give themselves willingly to the service of the Lord, everyone is commissioned to serve. He challenged all to bring the loveliness of heaven down to earth and become more and more intimate with Jesus.