Pastoral Journal of Bishop Denis Isizoh, a countryside Pastor in Nigeria.

JOURNAL OF
A COUNTRYSIDE BISHOP
Most Rev. Denis ISIZOH

"Entirely for God"

PARISH COMMUNITY ROSARY: Bishop Isizoh at Sacred Heart Church, Nteje.

Saturday, 1 August 2020. MEMORIAL ST ALPHONSUS MARY DE' LIGUORI, Patron of Confessors and Moralists. In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os eius, et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus; stolam gloriae induit eum. In adoration before the Lord hidden in the tabernacle, praises to Him: Ave verum corpus natum -
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.-
  Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” Morning Lauds. Benediction.
At Mass with the Church we prayed: O God, who constantly raise up in your Church new edamples of virtue, grant that we may follow so closely in the footsteps of the Bishop Saint Alphonsus in his zeal for souls as to attain the same rewards that are his in heaven.
  This evening, I was at Sacred Heart Church Nteje for Parish Community Rosary. We followed the Mysteries of Light and used the following Scriptural Readings:
First Mystery: The Baptism of the Lord - Gospel of Matthew 3, 13-17.
Second Mystery: The Wedding at Cana - Gospel of John 2, 1-11.
Third Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom - Gospel of Mark 2, 1-13.
Fourth Mystery: The Transfiguration - Gospel of Luke 9, 28-36
Fifth Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist - Gospel of Mark 14, 22-25.
Evening came and night followed: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

St Catherine's Parish, Awkuzu: Foundation block for a Pavilion

Friday, 31 July 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA. In nomine Iesu omne genu flectatur, caelestium, terrestrium et infernorum; et omnis lingua confiteatur quia Dominus Iesus Christus in gloria est Dei Patris. Attributed to St Ignatius is this prayer: "Lord take away my memory, understanding and will; and grant me your love and grace."
Adoration of the Sanctissimum. Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Initia multarum rerum sunt parva. Every big castle was once started with a single block; despise no small beginnings. A little step taken every day builds up the hope of greater accomplishments. Do something every day!" Morning Lauds. We remembered the Jesuits in prayer. Benediction. At Mass with the Church we prayed: O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven.
At 9.55am, with the visiting Mons. John Wangbu who arrived in Aguleri since yesterday, we traveled to St Paul's Church, Ebenato Nnobi for Missa esequialis for ma Priscilla Obianika. We prayed: O God, whose nature is always to forgive and to show mercy, we humbly implore you for your handmaid Priscilla, whom you have called this day to journey to you, and, since she hoped and believed in you, grant she may be led to our true homeland to delight in its everlasting joys.

Episcopal Ordination of Msgr Michael Kalu Ukpong, Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia

Thursday, 30 July 2020. At BANPAC in Umuahia. Conversation with our Blessed Mother. There was no opportunity to follow my morning rhythm of spiritual activities. Breakfast at 7.30am. We were at the Cathedral at 9.00 am. Procession began shortly after 9.30 am. The following Bishops were present: Anthony Obinna, Lucius Ugorji (host), Solomon Amatu, Augustine Ukwuoma, Augustine Echema, Moses Chikwe, Valerian Okeke, Hilary Okeke, Godfrey Onah, Callistus Onaga, John Okoye, Peter Okpaleke, Denis Isizoh, Jonas Benson Okoye, Michael Okoro, Ernest Obodo, Camillus Umoh, John Ayah.
Today, Mons. Michael Ukpong proceeded into Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia for his Episcopal Ordination. The Bishops, each in turn, imposed hands on him. And in the middle of the prayer of Consecration, all the concelebrating Bishops said aloud the following prayer: Pour out now upon this chosen one that power which is from you, the Spirit of governance whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit whom he bestowed upon the holy Apostles, who established the Church in each place as your sanctuary for the glory and unceasing praise of your name. At the end of this prayer, a brand new bishop, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, stood up in our midst! Propterea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis. He was decorated as a bishop and given the tools for work.
Lunch after Mass. Soon we were on our way home. Three hours lateer, we were safely back to Aguleri, ad maiorem Dei gloriam.

Wednesday, 29 July 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST MARTHA. Intravit Iesus in quoddam castellum, et mulier quaedam Martha nomine excepit illum in domum suam. Usual early conversation with our Blessed Mother Mary. Adoration, Meditation Prayers as usual. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Embrace the power of little things and you will build a tower of mighty things. Mighty things are made up of varieties of little things put together!"
At Holy Mass we prayed with the Church: Almighty ever-living God, whose Son was pleased to be welcomed in Saint Martha's house as a guest, grant, we pray, that through her intercession, serving Christ faithfully in our brothers and sisters, we may merit to be received by you in the halls of heaven.
After breakfast, I was briefly at my table to update my website. At 11.30, I had early lunch. Soon after I took off to Ekwulobia where Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Okpaleke Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye and Bishop Denis Isizoh agreed to meet on our way to Umuahia. Our journey to the capital of Abia State was in anticipation of the Episcopal Ordination of the auxiliary bishop-elect of Umuahia diocese. Safe journey to our destination. Arrival point: Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre (BANPAC).
We arrived Umuahia in time to join rosary recitation and Vespers at Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia. Just before the Benediction, Mons. Michael Kalu Ukpong, the Bishop-elect, professed his Catholic faith. Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi led him in oath of obedience to the Holy Father.
Supper and overnight stay at BANPAC.

Tuesday, 28 July 2020. Usual morning devotions. The Couple, Nzube and Ozioma, joined us for morning prayers and Mass. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "There is joy at the end of every struggle we face. But you can never cross over and get there with the boats of complains. Complainer is only an explainer of pain! Take action!"
At 10.00am, I was at Adazi Nnukwu for the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Provincial Bishops' meeting. We met here for the first time today. Before the meeting, the new Auxiliary Bishop's House was blessed and opened. Magnificient building started from the scratch and completed within six months. In terms of architectural design and, perhaps, size, it would be easily considered the best Bishop's house in Eastern Nigeria. I understand that it was jointly sponsored by Awka diocese and friends of Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye.
There was a full house at this meeting: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishops Michael Okoro, Hilary Okeke, John Okoye, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Godfrey Onah, Callistus Onaga, Peter Okpaleke, Jonas Benson Okoye, Denis Isizoh, and Ernest Obodo. At the end of the meeting we issued the following Pastoral Message:

Domine, sicut novellae olivarum filii tui in circuitu mensae tuae!

Monday, 27 July 2020. Respice, Domine, in testamentum tuum, et animas pauperum tuorum ne derelinquas in finem, Exsurge, Domine, et iudica causam tuam, et ne obliviscaris voces quaerentium te. We followed our morning rhythm of spiritual activities of Adoration, Meditation, Office of Lauds, Benediction.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Don’t deceive yourself; laughing at someone’s weakness is not the way to reveal your strength. Your strength is in the help you offer, not the mockeries you deliver!"
Today we celebrated Mass for the Persecuted Christians in the world. At Collect we prayed: O God, who in your inscrutable providence will that the Church be united to the sufferings of your Son, grant, we pray, to your faithful who suffer for your name's sake a spirit of patience and charity, that they may be found true and faithful witnesses to the promises you have made. We used Eucharist Prayer V/4 for Masses in Various Needs and prayed: Open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters; inspire in us words and actions to comfort thos who labor and are burdened. Make us serve them truly, after the example of Christ and at his command. Any may your Church stand as a living witness to truth and freedom, to peace and justice, that all people may be raised up to a new hope.
At 11.00 am, I concelebrated Mass of thanksgiving with my 2015 and 2016 Spiritual sons - the Priests I ordained for the Archdiocese of Onitsha. It has been my usual practice to have Missa and mensa with them, to interact in order to pass on to them the wisdom of priestly life.
During the Mass with them today in my chapel, the theme of my homily was "Transparency with God." It was a Mass of thanksgiving for Priests. Our prayer: O God, who have willed that we preside over your family not by our merit but out of the abundance of your untold grace alone, grant that we may carry out worthily the ministry of the priestly office and, under your governance in all things, may direct the people entrusted to our care.
From the Table of the Lord, where we were fed with the Bread of the Angles, we moved over to my refectory, the table of man, where we ate to nourish our body. During this second phase, I spoke to them about "Trusting God" and about detachment from things that hinder us from living out well our priestly vocation. The atmosphere was that of a family. Plenty of jokes. Sharing of experiences of priestly life. Questions and answers. One of the interesting matters we discussed was about "supporting jobs" for parish priests. There was a moment of sharing gifts. The afternoon ended with prayers and my blessing. Those around who were able to come: Fathers Collins Ogbannu, Peter Okoli, Henry Ugokwe, Charles Izuakor, Crescent Ezeh, Ikenna Emengini, Alex Ezeh, Damian Ojukwu, Innocent Udolisah, and Casmir Onyemaizu
I had for supper a couple I wedded last year. Today, was their first wedding anniversary. As my usual practice, I invited them for dinner and prayers in my house. It was always an excellent occasion to talk about their joys and sorrows so far, their plans for the year, economic management, and other family matters. At the end of our supper, each person prayed for the other. Long prayer, eh. I blessed them at the end of our meal. I realised that the couple planned to stay overnight and that was the reason they arrived late in the evening. I offered them accommodation for the night.
There was no dull moment today! When I entered my room, I stayed briefly at my desk and then made for my bed. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament at St Anne's Church, Awka Etiti.

Sunday, 26 July 2020. 17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Deus in loko sancto suo; Deus qui inhabitare facit unanimes in domo, ipse dabit virtutem et fortitudinem plebi suae. The book, In sinu Iesu: When Heart speaks to heart, a simple guide for placing oneself in a prayerful mood for meditation before the Lord hidden in the tabernacle. Domine, non est exaltatum cor meum, neque elati sunt oculi mei, neque ambulavi in magnis neque in mirabilibus super me. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Take the unpopular route. Use the road no one travels by. Think of doing what is uncommon but remarkable. You have absolutely nobody to overtake you on the empty road! Do one noble act every day."
At Mass we prayed with the Church: O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure.
In the Preface we proclaimed, addressing "Lord, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God": For in you we live and move and have our being, and while in this body we not only experience the daily effects of your care, but even now possess the pledge of life eternal. For, having received the first fruits of the Spirit, through whom you raised up Jesus from the dead, we hope for an everlasting share in the Paschal Mystery.

At 4.00 pm, I was at St Anne's Church, Awka Etiti, for Sunday Evening Instruction/Nkuzi nke Okwukwe. The Church was full. Thanks for the coordination of activities by Fr John Ezeoruonye, the parish priest. Mons. Michael Onyekachukwu (Sure Sure), illustrious indigenous priests of Awka Etiti, other priests, including the religious Sisters - Sr Maria Rosa Ezeanyika and others - were all present. I spoke on the Eucharistic adoration/devotion. There were many questions directed to me during the interactive session. I concluded with the Adoration and the Benediction, followed by Divine Praises:
Ngozi dịrị Chukwu.
Ngozi dịrị Aha nsọ nke Chukwu.
Ngozi dịrị Jesu Kristi bụ Chukwu ezie buazi Mmadu ezie.
Ngozi dịrị Aha nsọ nke Jesu.
Ngozi dịrị Obi nke Jesu dikalisili n' asọ.
Ngozi dịrị Obara ya di okeọnụ.
Ngozi dịrị Jesu na sakrament dikarịsịrị asọ nọ n'ọlta.
Ngozi dịrị Chukwu Mmuo nsọ onye ntasi obi.
Ngozi dịrị Nne nke Chukwu dị ebube bụ Marịa dikarisịrị n'asọ.
Ngozi dịrị ịtụ ime ya dị asọ n'ejighị njọ.
Ngozi dịrị mgbugo n' enuigwe ya dị otito.
Ngozi dịrị aha nke Maria bu vejin na Nne.
Ngozi dịrị Josef dị asọ dakarịsịrị obi ọcha bụ dị ya.
Ngozi dịrị Chukwu na ebe Ndị Mmụọ-ọma na ndi Ọma ya nọ.

Saturday, 25 July 2020. FEAST OF ST JAMES, APOSTLE. Ambulans Iesus iuxta mare Galilaeae, vidit Iacobum Zebedaei et Ioannem fratrem eius, reficientes retia sua, et vocavit eos. Usual rhythm of morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: : "Don’t embrace mediocrity; its main charm is to make you fall in love with failure. Speed off… Excellence awaits you at the end of your journey!"
I reflected on the activities of the Sons of Zebedee and the consequences. At the moment of their call, they responded with total abandonment of comfort zone. While with Christ, they had a great zeal to bring about changes in the world. When there was a perceived threat to the Gospel, they wanted to call down thunder to destroy the opposers. They aspired to the highest office - staying closest to Christ. They received a great lesson on humility. Uniquely they had the privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration of the Lord.
They summarized their mission on earth by surrendering themselves to Christ in martyrdom.
I hosted a special Summit of Ahoba today. At about 11.00 am, the guests started arriving. I subjected them to full COVID19 protection protocol. The temperature was controlled with infrared thermometers. Washing of hands. Social distancing in the sitting arrangement. Only fifty persons were allowed to participate in the Summit. I offered them a humble lunch at the end.
Cool evening. Quiet night
Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiæ,
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevæ,
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos
misericordes oculos ad nos converte;
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

Friday, 24 July 2020. Redemisti nos, Domine, in Sanguine tuo, ex omni tribu et lingua et populo et natione, et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum. Usual morning spiritual activities, in sequence: Adoration with meditation, Lauds, Benediction and Holy Mass. Votive Mass of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We prayed: O God, who by the Precious Blood of your Only Begotten Son have redeemed the whole world, preserve in us the work of your mercy, so that, ever honoring the mystery of our salvation, we may merit to obtain its fruits.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Honesty is a very expensive gift don't expect it from cheap people. You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."
In preparation for a special summit of the class delegates of All Hallows Old Boys Association, I was in the Conference room in my secretariat to supervise the clean up of the place and the arrangement being made by my staff to make it compliant with the COVID19 protocol established by Anambra State Government.
Evening came and night followed: the end of the day.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me

Thursday, 23 July 2020. Usual daily activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “People who have attained things worth having in this world have worked while others idled, have persevered when others gave up in despair, have practiced early in life the valuable habits of self-denial, industry, and singleness of purpose. As a result, they enjoy later in life the success so often erroneously attributed to good luck.”
Throughout today, I shut myself inside to clear the stuff I no longer needed in my study room. I discovered many files I had misplaced.
Turning to the Lord at the end of the day:
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Wednesday, 22 July 2020. FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE. Dixit Dominus Mariae Magdalenae: Vade ad fratres meos, et dic eis: Ascendo ad Patrem meum et Patrem vestrum, Deum meum et Deum vestrum. ADORATION. OUR REFLECTION TODAY: NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT US! You're NOT more Special than others; it's just a Privilege that you're enjoying. Be calm. Be submissive. Be Humble. Be Reasonable. Be Accountable. Be Respectful. MORNING PRAYER. Today was a good day to pray for women who help to spread the Gospel in various sectors of the society: family, place of work, markets, hospitals, schools, places where men rarely reach, nuns in religious houses, etc. Not to be forgotten are those women who collaborate with and accompany priests in their ministries. BENEDICTION. Pie Pelicane, Jesu Domine, me immundum munda tuo Sanguine: Cuius una stilla salvum facere totum mundum quit ab omni scelere
At Mass with the Church we prayed: O God, whose Only Begotten Son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to see him reigning in your glory.
We said the following intercessory prayers:

For our Holy Father, our bishops and priests, that with the whole Church they may take their stance of faith in the resurrection which was first proclaimed by Mary Magdalene, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That the angels who announced good news to Mary Magdalene may also bring the glad tidings of peace to our world, helping us in our work for life and justice, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For vocations, especially to contemplative life, that many more generous hearts may respond to the One who seeks to be their Rabboni, their beloved Teacher and Spouse, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who stand weeping by the tomb of their hopes and dreams, that they may hear themselves called by name and filled with good news from the Lord Jesus, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For our beloved departed ones, that they may receive the living fruit of Jesus' resurrection in their own entrance into His eternal kingdom, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

At 11.00 am, I sat down at the reading desk in my study room to participate in the first ZOOM online Conference. It was the meeting of the Administrative Board of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. The Administrative Board Members who participated: Archbishop Augustine Akubueze, Bishop Lucius Ugorji, Bishop Camillus Umoh, Bishop Charles Hammawa, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, Bishop Jude Arogundade, Archbishop Alfred Martins, Bishop Michael Apochi, Bishop Godfrey Onah and Bishop Denis Isizoh. Father Zachary Samjumi, as CSN Secretary-General, was the Secretary. Only Bishop Matthew Kukah could not stably connect to the Zoom group and was therefore absent. The meeting lasted till 1.15 pm. My assessment of the use of this Zoom application was very positive. The only drawback is the privacy concern.
Lunch followed. Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

Tuesday, 21 July 2020. Before the Sanctissimum we prostrate: Therefore we, before him bending, this great Sacrament revere; types and shadows have their ending, for the newer rite is here; faith, our outward sense befriending, makes our inward vision clear. OUR REFLECTION TODAY: NONE OF US IS IRREPLACEABLE! That thing you think cannot be done without you will not die or suffer. It is like Military barracks .... Soldiers go, Soldiers come but Barracks/Military base remain.. They may miss your ideas, but you are not irreplaceable. Experience has shown that when your kind/type leaves the system is when greater opportunities open for others. As a matter of fact they'll not miss your unpleasant nature but make a mockery of it at their leisure. Do what you can and let others do theirs.
At Mass today I prayed for growth of Christian faith among our people. I prayed for inner spiritual strength to accomplish great things for God.
Soon after breakfast I headed to my home village to confront those trying to revive the long abandoned traditional religious practices. Without any fear, relying on the words of Isaiah, Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness, I handled the situation with the urgency it required.
At the end of the day, a hymn for Compline, Te lucis ante terminum:
Before the end of the day,
We ask you, creator of all,
In your wonted kindness,
To go before us as our guard.

May our hearts dream of you,
May we perceive you even in sleep,
And always sing your glory
At the coming of the light.

Grant us a healthy life,
Restore our fervour;
The foul darkness of night
May your brightness illumine.

Grant this, Father almighty,
Through Jesus Christ the Lord,
Who with you forever
Reigns with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday, 20 July 2020. Usual early morning conversation with our Blessed Mother. ADORATION, MEDITATION. OUR REFLECTION TODAY: NONE OF US IS IRREPLACEABLE! - To those who shout at people at work and make them feel irrelevant: be careful you're just a colleague. To those who act in church like without them things can't be done properly, ask Elijah: God has over 7000 better servants waiting to step in. To all who are so pompous and feel the world revolves round them and should be treated with so much respect they don't give to others.....go ask Nebuchadnezzar: he was disgracefully humbled. To those who are so disrespectful to constituted authority by virtue of knowledge/experience/status etc....watch out you'll be on the side of authority very soon: expect more than what you've done/given because it will always come back to you. Someday you will go - (Death.. Retirement.. Resignation.. Promotion.. Transfer.. Relocation....) And guess what?
~ Work will continue...
~ Church will wax stronger....
~ Family like water will find its level...
~ Persons/Friends will adjust well in good time...
At Mass today, in Italian language we prayed with the Church: Sii propizio a noi tuoi fedeli, Signore, e donaci i tesori della tua grazia, perché, ardenti di speranza, fede e carità, restiamo sempre fedeli ai tuoi comandamenti.
Later this morning, I attended a special home school to learn how to use ZOOM, the application for online conference/meeting. My teacher was Fr Michael Odenigbo, my assistant Secretary. Beforehand, I downloaded the application and then installed it on my devices. He created a conference session and made me to join. Then when the session started, he turned me to a convener of the conference. Smooth learning. Good teacher! After, I made out time to read about the application. There are certainly privacy concerns. But using ZOOM could save money and time we spend travelling to places for meetings.
My day was well spent. Evening came, and later it was night. To our Blessed Mother we turn again:
O Sanctissima! O Piissima!
Dulcis Virgo Maria!
Mater amata intemerata
Ora, ora pro nobis

BENEDICTION at St Joseph's Church, Abata NSUGBE

Sunday, 19 July 2020. SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Ecce Deus adiuvat me, et Dominus susceptor est animae meae. Voluntarie sacrificabo tibi, et confitebor nomini tuo, Domine, quoniam bonum est. Usual morning devotions. In adoration of the Eucharistic Lord: Sweet Sacrament divine, hid in thine earthly home, lo, round thy lowly shrine, with suppliant hearts we come; Jesus, to thee our voice we raise in songs of love and heartfelt praise: sweet Sacrament divine. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
At Lauds, we said the following intercessory prayer:

To the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now, and for ever. WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD: WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU TO BE THE LORD.
We bless you, Lord, creator of the universe: we were sinners, in need of your grace: yet now you have called us to live in knowledge and service of you. WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD: WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU TO BE THE LORD.
Your Son has shown us the way: As we follow in his steps, may we never wander from the path that leads to life. WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD: WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU TO BE THE LORD.
We celebrate today the resurrection of your Son: in suffering and in gladness, may it bring us deep joy. WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD: WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU TO BE THE LORD.
O Lord, give us the spirit of prayer and praise: let us always and everywhere give you thanks. WE PRAISE YOU, O GOD: WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU TO BE THE LORD.

In the evening, at 4.00 pm, I was at St Joseph's Parish, Abata Nsugbe, for Sunday evening instruction. The spiritual event was very well attended. I met a Congregation ready and attentive to God's message. After asking them about the readings of the day, I spoke on the Eucharistic devotion. I specifically analysed the words of Tantum ergo to help them appreciate the profundity of that song composed by St Thomas Aquinas. During the interactive session, the People of God asked many questions, coming as fruits of meditation. I thank the dynamic and very zealous pastor of the parish, Fr Jude Obidigbo; and his vicar - Fr Vincent Obidinnu.
I returned to Aguleri for supper. Feeling very sleepy even by 9.30pm, I headed to my bed, recommending myself to our Blessed Mother:
Sotto la tua protezione
cerchiamo rifugio,
santa Madre di Dio:
non disprezzare le suppliche
di noi che siamo nella prova,
ma liberaci da ogni pericolo,
o Vergine gloriosa e benedetta.

Parish Community Rosary at St Francis Church, Ivite Aguleri

Saturday, 18 July 2020. It was not you who chose me, says the Lord, but I who chose you and appointed you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Five years ago today I had the privilege to ordain six deacons to the priesthood: Collins Ogbannu, Damian Ojukwu, Henry Olumba, Henry Ugokwe, Innocent Udolisah, and Peter Okoli. They became the first set of Priests I ordained for the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Our Mass this morning was offered for them on their anniversary. With the Church we prayed: Holy Father, who, by no merit of these sons of yours, chose them for communion with the ternal priesthood of your Christ and for the ministry of your Church, grant that they may be ardent yet gentle preachers of the Gospel and faithful stewards of your mysteries.
  To this group belongs Fr Innocent, my secretary, who has been with me in the last five years. After our Mass in chapel, I invited Sr Vera Mariette Nwankwo to express our sentiments of gratitude to Father Innocent who is the coordinator of our Iwene Tansi community/house. She thanked him for his availability and devotion to duty. I also thanked Fr Innocent for being a good collaborator and companion in my Episcopal ministry. We already prayed for Fr Mike Odenigbo during his own anniversary on 16 July but, as he was absent, we did not congratulate him viva voce. So today I expressed appreciation for his services.
Good family breakfast. I gave Fr Innocent and Fr Mike Geschenke  and wished them Happy Anniversary
At 4.00pm, I was at St Francis Church Ivite Aguleri for Parish Community Rosary.  I went there with Fr Innocent and seminarian Emma Aneke. Thanks to the very hard working and devoted parish priest - Fr George Ekwunife, we found a people prepared for the spiritual exercise.
At night we thanked the Lord for his blessing. I stayed up far into the night. To our Blessed Mother we hail:
Salve Mater misericordiae
Mater Dei et Mater veniae
Mater spei et Mater gratiae
Mater plena Sanctae Letitiae
O Maria!
Salve decus humani generis
Salve Virgo dignior ceteris
Quae virgines omnes transgrederis
Et altius sedes in superis

Friday, 17 July 2020. Redemisti nos, Domine, in Sanguine tuo, ex omni tribu et lingua et populo et natione, et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum.Usual rhythm of spiritual activities. ADORATION: Te adoro con devoción, Dios escondido, oculto verdaderamente bajo estas apariencias. A Ti se somete mi corazón por completo, y se rinde totalmente al contemplarte. (I adore you with devotion, hidden God, truly hidden under these appearances. To you my heart submits completely, and surrenders completely to contemplate you). POINTS FOR REFLECTION: QUALITIES OF A GOOD/HOLY PRIEST (as sent to me):
01 A personal relationship with God as evidenced by prayer
02 Love for the Catholic Church and its teachings
03 Generosity
04 Ability to work well with others
05 Interest in serving people
06 Respect for other people
07 Openness to different races, ethnic groups and cultures
08 Normal social skills
09 Capacity and desire to learn
10 Healthy self-image
11 Ability to spend time alone
12 Courage to take risks
13 Service with humility, generosity, wisdom and compassion
14 A firm faith and sincere spiritual life
15 human qualities that are essential for ministry: hospitality, sobriety, patience, kindness, goodness of heart and mercy.
LAUDS, BENEDICTION followed by HOLY MASS, in Latin today - Votive Mass of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. With the Church we prayed: Deus, qui pretioso Unigeniti tui Sanguine universos homines redemisti, conserva in nobis opus misericordiae tuae, ut, nostrae salutis mysterium iugiter recolentes, eiusdem fructum consequi mereamur.
At 10.00am, I was at Holy Family Church Oraukwu for Missa esequialis for ma Victoria Onuselogu. O God, who commanded us to honor father and mother, have mercy in your compassion on our mother Victoria, forgive her her sins, and bring us to see her one day in the gladness of eternal glory. Condolences to Fr Paschal Onuselogu and his siblings and other family members.
Back to Aguleri. Till I retired to bed, I continued the rearrangement of my study room. This exercise is helping me to discover some files/documents I misplaced. How wonderful if I regularly try to do this kind of clean-up in my spiritual life. Domine, dirige me in veritate tua et doce me, quia tu es Deus salutis meae.
To our Blessed Mother we turn as we retire:
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus1,
sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen.

Thursday, 16 July 2020. As other days, this morning we presented ourselves to the Lord: Tantum ergo Sacramentum, Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: Præstet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD, HOLY PRIEST: "1. To God, complete dedication, 2. To superiors - honest obedience, 3. To others - altruistic deportment. 4. To oneself - temperance and prudence. I think every Christian virtue, theological and cardinal, is required of a priest to be qualified as a good/holy priest since a priest plays multiple roles, undertakes several responsibilities and represents another-Christ among the people of God. I think that the above-mentioned qualities are relevant in a reflective setting of having to prioritise for a particular time, place, and people by identifying and selecting a few qualities out of many."
Today, we remembered Fr Michael Odenigbo at Mass. It is the anniversary of his Priestly Ordination. He preferred to concelebrate the Mass with one of his classmates in a parish. God bless them.
Later in the morning I resumed the clearing of my "paper-ridden" study room. This was a very tasking undertaking.
When the night came, I was truly tired. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Wednesday, 15 July 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST BONAVENTURE. Visitabo oves meas, dicit Dominus, et suscitabo pastorem qui pascat eas: ego autem Dominus ero eis in Deum. Our usual morning spiritual activities. I found this write up, entitled "Mystery in life" by P. Laxman, worth thinking about:

At age 40...HIGHLY EDUCATED - LESS EDUCATED are the same (Less educated people may even earn more money).
At 50... BEAUTY - UGLY are the same. (No matter how pretty you are, at this age...wrinkles, dark spots etc. can no more be hidden.
At 60... HIGH POSITION - LOW POSITION are the same (After retirement, even a peon will avoid looking at his boss);
At 70... BIG HOUSE - SMALL HOUSE are the same. (Joints degeneration, hard to move, only require a little space to sit.)
At 80... HAVE MONEY - NO MONEY are the same. (Even when you want to spend money, you don't know where to spend).
At 90... SLEEPING - WAKING UP are the the same. (After you wake up, you still don't know what to do.)

Take life easy...
In the long run, we'll all be the same...
So, forget all tensions of life and enjoy.
With the Church we prayed: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, just as we celebrate the heavenly birthday of the Bishop Saint Bonaventure, we may benefit from his great learning and constantly imitate the ardor of his charity.
Today, our Priests in various regions concluded their annual retreat. At 12.15pm, I was in St Joseph's Church Aguleri to meet and say a few words of exhortation to the Priests working in Aguleri region. I blessed them
And when night came, I said: In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum.

Tuesday, 14 July 2020. Nella giustizia contemplerò il tuo volto, al mio risveglio mi sazierò della tua presenza. Adoration. Meditation. QUALITIES OF A GOOD, HOLY PRIEST (as sent to me): " 1) COMPASSION:This outstanding quality which moved Jesus to come to the aid of the hungry,the sick,the bereaved,the oppressed should characterise the life and the ministry of a good/holy priest. 2) PRAYERFUL---To qualify as a good priest,a priest must be a man of constant and deep prayer in imitation of Christ the eternal priest who was in regular communion with his eternal Father in prayer. 3) PATIENCE----A good/holy priest must be patient with the flock of God entrusted to his pastoral care especially the weak,the stubborn and those who tread the wrong path.Christ the good priest was patient with his disciples when they demonstrated lack of faith and worldly ambition and other character flaws. 4) JOY----The joy which Christ the good priest manifested at various times in his life and ministry and gave to the distressed is to characterise the life and ministry of a priest who Pope Paul Vi describes as a bringer of a christian job to a young deacon receiving ordination from his hands.A good priest should manifest joy in his life and ministry.The same joy he should transmit to the flock of God and to whoever comes his way.This type of love originates from constant personal encounter with Christ the good/holy priest."
At Mass, with the Church we prayed: O Dio, che mostri agli erranti la luce della tua verità, perché possano tornare sulla retta via, concedi a tutti coloro che si professano cristiani di respingere ciò che è contrario a questo nome e di seguire ciò che gli è conforme.
Our Priests' regional spiritual retreat continued.

Monday, 13 July 2020. Our community started the day with our usual morning spiritual exercises. Some months ago, I asked some priests to tell me what they considered to qualities of a good, holy priest. It was, and still is, my intention to publish a book on guidelines for priestly holiness. I have chosen to meditate each day on one submission, strongly convinced that each of them has meaning beyond the way it is presented.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD, HOLY PRIEST (as sent to me): "A man of deep faith, prayerful, joyfully faithful to his priestly vows, close to the people, capacity to listen and humility to learn. He is honest and transparent in his life and ministry. He is one who finds fulfillment in and through his BEING, not in and through his DOING. He must incarnate forgiveness and reconciliation in his own personal life."
Today the Priests of Onitsha Archdiocese began their annual retreat. Because of COVID19, they were asked to observe a "new normal" retreat programme. Retreat to be organised at regional level just for three days, every day from morning till 3.00pm. Each day would have a different moderator.

Prayer of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests;
for your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;
for your tempted priests;
for your lonely and desolate priests;
for your young priests;
for your dying priests;
for the souls of your priests in purgatory.
But above all, I recommend to you the priests dearest to me:
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way (especially …).
O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,
and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.
Amen.

Temperature control before Mass at Awkuzu

Homily at St Catherine's Church, Awkuzu

Sunday, 12 July 2020. FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Ego autem cum iustitia apparebo in conspectu tuo; satiabor dum manifestabitur gloria tua. For meditation before the Sanctissimum, I took the first two of the hymn we sing every day before the Benediction: Tantum ergo Sacramentum - Great Sacrament; Veneremur cernui - We venerate, falling prostrate before God "hidden" in the tabernacle. But how do I achieve this "falling prostrate in veneration" silently without attracting any attention? Doce me, O Maria mater Christi.
  At 9.45am, I was at St Catherine's Church, Awkuzu. My impressions: the Church after two years of dedication is still very clean, well maintained - all the light points still functional, the altar well decorated. Outside, there were new structures: Calvary Cross at one end, Grotto of our Blessed Virgin at the other end beside the Church. Inside the Church, I saw a lively congregation, happy to be called People of God. Special credit to Fr Frederick Ndimaeme the past parish priest and Fr Innocent Egbunike, the current one. Both have distinguished themselves as successful parish priests.
We began today's event with measuring the temperature of the Congregation. No person had high temperature. Then we arranged the sitting position inside the Church. We tried to ensure that we complied with the COVID19 safety protocol.
At about 10.15am, we started the procession into the Church. It was a solemn Mass sung by a solid choir. During the homily, I explained the nature and meaning of a Pastoral visit and the significance of the conferment of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
  Over a hundred persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Upon them I laid my hands and prayed: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought these your servants to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, freeing them from sin: send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety; fill them with spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Christ our Lord.
  The procession after the Mass took us to the edge of the field beside the Church where I blessed and laid a foundation stone of a pavilion which would be used for outdoor Church activities.
Reception followed. Soon I was on my way home. Rendiamo grazie al Signore perchë il suo amore è senza fine! I was truly happy today because before me I see God giving Himself glory in the work of evangelization by His People (priests and lay faithful).
At night, I went to bed with the words of this Compline hymn in my mind:
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

Saturday, 11 July 2020. Pater sancte, sanctifica eos in veritate: sermo tuus veritas est. Sicut tu me misisti in mundum, et ego misi eos in mundum, dicit Dominus. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere.” Usual morning devotions.
Today is the 39th anniversary of the Priestly ordination of Archbishop Val Okeke. I remember that day in 1981. He was ordained by Archbishop (Cardinal) Francis Arinze in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha. Those ordained the same day with him were: Victor Ifeanyi, Pius Nweke, Marius Obiagwu, Godwin Okolo, Christopher Okoye, Paul Ezeoke (RIP) and Christopher Okoye (RIP). For them and all others, including our own Fr Oliver Ezeani, who over the years were ordained on 11 July, we offered today's Mass, praying: May the divine sacrifice we have offered and received, O Lord, give new life to your Priests and to all your servants, that, united to you in unfailing love, they may receive the grace of giving worthy service to your majesty. Through Christ our Lord. For the prayed: Requiescant in pace Domini.
At 4.00pm, I was at St Thomas' Parish, Uke, for Parish Community Rosary. Well attended. We meditated on the Luminous Mysteries in Igbo, using my new booklet Ekpere Rosari n'Ogbako Parishi. During my allocution, I strongly recommended daily recitation of rosary in families. We concluded the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Prayer for faith. We said it in Igbo, but here I provide also the English translation:

PRAYER FOR FAITH

Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of FAITH in You and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world.
Grant us a lively FAITH, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of You, and ever to see You and serve You in our neighbour; A FAITH, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life;
A courageous FAITH which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls;
A FAITH which will be our Pillar of Fire to lead us forth united; to kindle everywhere the fires of divine love; to enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death; to inflame those who are lukewarm; to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; so that - the battle of life over – all of us may reassemble, without the loss of any one, in the kingdom of Your love and glory. Amen.

ARỊRỊỌ MAKA OKWUKWE

O Dinwenụ anyị, nye anyị bụ ndị n’okpuru Marịa alụ agha, OKWUKWE nụụ zuru ezu n’ebe Ị nọ na nchekwube anyị n’ebe ọ nọ, nke enyere anyị iji meri ụwa. Nye anyị OKWUKWE dị ndụ ya na ezi ịhụnanya Gị
nke ga enyere anyị aka ịrụ ọrụ anyị niile sọsọ maka ihi ihụnanya Gị, ya na oge niile ka anyị na-ahụ Gị na efe gi n’ebe mmadu ibe anyị nọ; OKWUKWE siri ike na enweghị mmerube dịka okwute nke anyị ga esite na ya were obi añụrị kwusie ike n’ahụhụ niile na ọrụ,
na nsogbu niile nke ụwa.
OKWUKWE ga enye anyi obi ike mee ka anyị rụpụta nnukwu ọrụ maka Chukwu na nzọpụta nke mkpụrụobi
ghara ịtụ uche ọbụla.
OKWUKWE nke ga abụ ide ọkụ nke ndị otu Kristi niile,
nke ga n’edoko anyị ọnụ, na amụnye ọkụ nke ịhụnanya Chukwu ebe niile, na enye ndị nọ n’ọchichịrị
n’okpuru ọnwụ ihe, na eme ndị dị oyi ka ha dị ọkụ
na ewechiara ndị nọ n’ime njọ ndụ, na agbazi ụkwụ anyị n’ụzọ nke ndokwa. Ya bụ ọgụ nke ụwaa gachaa,
ka ndị otu Kristi niile were zukọta ọzọ, ghara inwe onye ọbụla furu efu n’alaeze nke ịhụnanya na otito Gị.
Amen.

Friday, 10 July 2020. I got up quite early at about 4.00am I quickly did my morning spiritual chores and mentally reviewed my activities today. Then I joined the rest of my community for part of our Usual morning spiritual activities. Domine, Dominus noster, quam admirabile est nomen tuum in universa terra! Before Him hidden in the tabernacles we present ourselves. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE from the the Magazine, The Priest; Six "non-negotiables" in preparation of homilies. They include: 1. Time 2. Prayer 3. Study 4. Organization 5. Concreteness 6. Evaluation. How do I apply these in the preparation of my homilies? After Benediction, I did not join my Iwene Tansi community for Mass. Instead I left immediately to have my breakfast. I travelled to Akokwa.
Before I left my compound, I sent a text message to Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma of Orlu diocese to let him know that I was coming into his territory for Mass. He gently replied almost immediately happily welcoming me to his ecclesiastical jurisdiction. At 9.40am, I was in St Barnabas' Church compound Akokwa for the funeral Mass of ma Veronica Ngozika Ekwelibe, aged 67. There was a delay in bringing the corpse from the mortuary in Onitsha to Akokwa. Security road blocks at the State borders. Patient waiting for about 40 minutes. Time for personal prayers for the deceased and interaction with many priests who came mainly from Onitsha archdiocese and Awka diocese. Thanks to Fr Nwokorobia, the parish Priest, who warmly welcomed us.
During the Mass, we prayed: O God, almighty Father, our faith professes that your Son died and rose again; mercifully grant, that through this mystery your handmaid Veronica, who has fallen asleep in Christ, may rejoice to rise again through him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I left for home immediately after Mass.
Evening came, and night followed: the end of the day.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Thursday, 9 July 2020. Early morning conversation with our Blessed Mother Mary. Usual morning spiritual activities: Adoro Te devote, latens Deitas. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “It's a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” Our hymn for the morning prayer: Alone with none but thee, my God, I journey on my way; What need I fear, when thou art near, O King of night and day? More safe am I within thy hand, than if a host did round me stand. Benediction.
Iuravit Dominus et non paenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech. We celebrated Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. We prayed for Priests. In the Preface we recalled: For he (Christ) is the true and eternal Priest, who instituted the pattern of an everlasting sacrifice and was the first to offer himself as the saving Victim, commanding us to make this offering as his memorial.
I had a quiet day which gave me the opportunity to read and reply to some of the messages I received through different instruments of the social media. It is always good to attend to those who care to reach out to us. But, long ago our Lord Jesus Christ said it all: Spiritus promptus est caro autem infirma!
Evening came, and night followed: the end of the day. To our Blessed Mother we turn:
« Sous l'abri de ta miséricorde, nous nous réfugions, Sainte Mère de Dieu. Ne méprise pas nos prières quand nous sommes dans l'épreuve, mais de tous les dangers délivre-nous toujours, Vierge glorieuse et bénie. »

THREE AFRICAN BISHOPS APPOINTED MEMBERS OF PCID
(L-R) Cardinal Nzapalaingi (CENTRAL AFRICA), Bishop Isizoh (NIGERIA) and Archbishop Desfarges (ALGERIA)

Wednesday, 8 July 2020. Usual morning devotions. We celebrated Mass FOR THE PROGRESS OF PEOPLES, and prayed: O God, who gave one origin to all peoples and willed to gather from them one family for yourself, fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire of your love and kindle in them a desire for the just advancement of their neighbour, that through the good things which you richly bestow upon all, each human person may be brought to perfection, every division may be removed and equity and justice may be established in human society.
In the Eucharistic Prayer V, n.4, we prayed: Open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters; inspire in us words and actions to comfort those who labor and are burdened. Make us serve them truly, after the example of Christ and at his command. And may your Church stand as a living witness to truth and freedom, to peace and justice, that all people may be raised up to a new hope.

APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
At 12.00 am, in the Vatican City, it was published in the Vatican News Bulletin that the Holy Father Pope Francis had appointed me together with others as Members of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Considering the widest publicity given in Nigeria to this appointment, I felt that I should explain a number of things here:

What is Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue?
The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) is the central office of the Catholic Church for promoting interreligious dialogue in accordance with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. It is the central hub in the Catholic Church for interreligious relations. However, dialogue is often carried out at the local level by particular churches, many of which are supported by regional or national dialogue commissions. The PCID works closely to support these commissions and encourages their formation in areas where they do not yet exist

What is the work of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue?
It has the following responsibilities:

to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between Catholics and the followers of other religious traditions;
to encourage the study of religions; and
to promote the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue

What is the structure of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue?
The PCID consists of a decision-making body, an advisory body and executive body.

1. DECISION MAKING-MAKING BODY
The Members of the Council is the PCID’s decision-making body. They are Cardinals and Bishops from around the world, appointed ad personam by the Pope because of their competence and quality. They are convened from time to time to discuss important issues and to set guidelines for the work of the Council. It is to this body that I have been appointed as a Member.
Important: It is to be noted that all in this category have their Ecclesiastical assignments and they are to work as PCID Members from their duty posts.

2. ADVISORY BODY
The PCID has an advisory body of around 50 advisors, called Consultors, who provide research, advice and information to the Council. The Consultors are specialists in religious studies or in the practice of inter-religious dialogue, hailing from all corners of the world.

3. EXECUTIVE BODY
The PCID’s executive body comprises the

President,
Secretary,
Under-Secretary,
Desk staff for Islam,
Desk staff for Africa (I served in this capacity from 1995 to 2015)
Desk staff for Asia,
Desk staff for New Religious Movements,
as well as a number of administrative and support staff.

These officers live in Rome and work in the PCID office.
I stayed in Rome for my studies and work from 1989 to 2015. It was all God's grace that, as a Vatican official, I have had the privilege of participating in the service of reaching out to people of other religions in different parts of the world.

Now, I have been invited to join again in the service of building bridges of understanding among people of different religious beliefs and traditions.

Here is the list of those appointed today:

Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, (PHILIPPINES) prefect of the Congregation for the Evanglisation of Peoples;
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga, (CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC) archbishop of Bangui;
Cardinal Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, (LAOS) vicar apostolic of Vientiane;
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, (INDONESIA) archbishop of Jakarta and military ordinary for Indonesia;
Cardinal Jean-Claude Höllerich, (LUXEMBOURG) archbishop of Luxembourg; and
Cardinal Michael Czerny, (CZECH REPUBLIC) under-secretary of the Section for Migrants and Refugees of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; and
Archbishop Lawrence Huculak (CANADA) of Winnipeg of the Ukrainians;
Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, (INDIA) bishop of Vasai;
Archbishop George Frendo (ALBANIA) of Tiranë-Durrës;
Archbishop Mark Tin Win (MYANMAR) of Mandalay;
Archbishop Jean-Marc Aveline (FRANCE) of Marseille;
Bishop Paul Yoshinao Otsuka (JAPAN) of Kyōto;
Archbishop Thomas Chung An-zu, (TAIWAN) of Taipei;
Bishop Raphy Manjaly (INDIA) of Allahabad;
Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico (ITALY) of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino;
Bishop Michael Joseph McKenna (AUSTRALIA) of Bathurst;
Bishop William Hanna Shomali, (PALESTINE) titular of Lidda;
Bishop Denis Chidi Isizoh, (NIGERIA) titular of Legia;
Bishop Patrick Joseph McKinney (GREAT BRITAIN) of Nottingham;
Bishop James Massa, (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) titular of Bardstown;
Archbishop Paul Desfarges (ALGERIA) of Algiers; and
Bishop Joseph Đình Đúc Đao (VIETNAM) of Xuân Lôc.

Deep down, here is my reaction to this appointment:

ENTIRELY FOR GOD. "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart." I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Father for this privilege. To the President of PCID, Cardinal Miguel Ayuso, it is always pleasant to work with you.

Tuesday, 7 July 2020. In nomine Iesu omne genu flectatur, caelestium, terrestrium et infernorum; et omnis lingua confiteatur quia Dominus Iesus Christus in gloria est Dei Patris. We followed our daily order of activities in the chapel. Silent Adoration. Moment of meditation. I reflected on this profound Quotes of St. Teresa of Calcutta from Brother Angelo Devananda’s “Mother Teresa: Contemplative in the Heart of the World,”:
We cannot separate our lives from the Eucharist; the moment we do, something breaks. …Our lives must be woven around the Eucharist. Ask Jesus to be with you, to work with you that you may be able to pray the work. You must really be sure that you have received Jesus. After that, you cannot give your tongue, your thoughts or your heart to bitterness.
Put your sins in the chalice for the precious blood to wash away. One drop is capable of washing away all the sins of the world. …
We must be faithful to that smallness of the Eucharist, that simple piece of bread which even a child can take in. …We have so much that we don’t care about the small things. If we do not care, we will lose our grip on the Eucharist —on our lives. The Eucharist is so small.
I was giving Communion this morning. My two fingers were holding Jesus. Try to realize that Jesus allows himself to be broken. Make yourselves feel the need of each other. The Passion and the Eucharist should open our eyes to that smallness: “This is my Body; take and eat”—the small piece of bread. Today let us realize our own littleness in comparison with the Bread of Life.
At Mass today, Votive Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, with the Church we prayed: As we venerate the most holy Name of Jesus, mercifully grant us, Lord, that, savoring its sweetness in this life, we may be filled with everlasting joy in our heavenly homeland.
I began to redesign my website with the new software tools I acquired. These new tools require that I read up the manual. Back to "school"! I am determined to learn very well the use of this software. Let me patiently study the manual.
Quiet evening. At night, to our Blessed Mother we turn:
O purest of creatures!
Sweet mother, sweet maid:
the one spotless womb
wherein Jesus was laid.
Dark night hath come down
on us, mother, and we
look out for thy shining,
sweet star of the sea.

Monday, 6 July 2020. I got up at about 12.00 midnight since I retired early last night. Usual early morning conversation with our Blessed Mother. Then I went to my table to read till about 4.45 am. I returned to bed briefly, then got up finally at 5.30 am to prepare for a new day with the Lord and His people.
Ricordiamo, o Dio, la tua misericordia in mezzo al tuo tempio. Come il tuo nome, o Dio, così la tua lode si estende ai confini della terra; di giustizia è piena la tua destra.
OUR TODAY'S THOUGHT: "ONLY trust someone who can see these three things in you: The sorrow behind your smile. The love behind your anger. And the reason behind your silence."
The language of the Mass was Italian. With the Church we prayed: O Dio, che nell'umiliazione del tuo Figlio hai risollevato l'umanità dalla sua caduta, donaci una rinnovata gioia pasquale, perché, liberi dall'oppressione della colpa, partecipiamo alla felicità eterna.
I continued my desk work.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus: Tu septiformis munere!

Sunday, 5 July 2020. 14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Suscepimus, Deus, misericordiam tuam in medio templi tui. Secundum nomen tuum, Deus, ita et laus tua in fines terrae; iustitia plena est dextera tua. Our most important activity at the beginning of any day is the meeting of the Lord in the Eucharist. O Sacrament most holy,
O Sacrament divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Usual morning spiritual activities. We had our community Mass and during the Prayer of the Faithful we presented the following intentions:

For the Church, that those among us who are wise and learned and prudent in the ways of the world may be converted and take their place among the little ones who understand the heavenly Father, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That Jesus, who holds all power hidden in His peacefulness, may calm and pacify the hearts of the powerful, inclining them to thoughts of justice and reverence before the gift of human life, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we who follow the just savior, who is gentle and humble, yet whose dominion shall be from sea to sea, may imitate His lowliness and rejoice in His salvation, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For our dear ones who are far from the grace of God and His holy sacraments, that our prayers and love may bring them back to the Lord who willingly lifts up those who are falling, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That the Lord, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, may come to the aid of those who need Him most in their time of illness and distress, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For our dear departed ones, in whom the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead once dwelt by their baptism that through the same Spirit they may enter into new life in the kingdom of heaven, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

At 9.50am, I was at St Theresa's parish, Nnobi, for a pastoral visit. As usual now, we began with the testing of temperature of those who assembled in the Church for Mass. Happily, all who came today had no case of high temperature. While testing the temperature, we supervised the sitting arrangement in the Church to meet the standard required by the the COVID19 safety protocol. We did not fully succeed when it came to the point of 100% compliance with putting on masks to cover the nose and the mouth. We try to protect the people from being infected by coronavirus. In manus tuas. Domine, commendiamus nostros corpores!
Veni, Sancte Spiritus! During the Mass, about two hundred persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. For them we prayed: Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum tuorum, quos, Baptismate regeneratos, confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodi.
Quick photo-taking session and reception immediately after Mass. Soon every person was on the way home. I had time with the parish priest to supervise parish records and books. We had discussion about some of the pastoral challenges in the parish. Lunch and personal interaction with the neighbouring parish priests and friends followed.
Back to Aguleri I was very tired. I went to bed quite early. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Saturday, 4 July 2020. Ait Maria: Exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo; quia respexit Dominus humilitatem ancillae suae. Usual rhythm of spiritual activities: Adoration, Meditation, Lauds, Benediction and Holy Mass. We celebrated "Mass of our Lady of Saturday". With the Church we prayed: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that your faithful, who rejoice under the patronage of the most holy Virgin Mary, may be freed by her motherly intercession from all evils on earth and merit the attainment of eternal joys in heaven.
  OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.”
Today five years ago, I performed my first priestly ordination as a Bishop. Rev. Father Charles Izuakor became my first spiritual son. I prayed for success in his priestly ministry.
  This afternoon, I was at Our Lady of Victory Church, Umueri. I came to pray with the People of God. Shortly before we began to say the rosary, I urged them to pay attention to the guidelines provided by experts on how to prevent coronavirus infection. Then I taught them about the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the place of the rosary in the Catholic theology. It was an excellent opportunity for me to address some of the pastoral challenges I noticed in the relationship between the people and the priests in the parish.
I led the recitation of the rosary, using the booklet which I prepared for Parish Community Rosary, entitled in Igbo, Ekpere Rosari n'Ogbako Parish. Today we meditated on the Luminous Mysteries. We devoted one decade to a sick priest from the town.  Ezigbo Nne m Marịa, Nne nke Chukwu, biko búrú ekpere m tata bugara Nwa Gị Jesu. Mee obi m ka o jupụta na grasịa nke Chukwu. Nyere m aka ibi ńdụ di mma n’ụwa a, ka m were soro ndị Mmụọọma na ndị Nsọ niile kwee ukwe otito nke Chukwu n’ala eze eluigwe.
  At the end I gave them blessing which was extended to all the members of their household absent.

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Triumph, all ye cherubim,
Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Solemn Monastic Profession at Our Lady of the Angels Cistercian Monastery, Nsugbe

Friday, 3 July 2020. Usual early rising morning conversation with our Blessed Mother Mary. With a good rest I had previous day, I was strong to start the new day. We followed our usual morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Create moments of silence in your soul if you want to hear the voice of God."
  Laetatus sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. Stantes eant pedes nostri in atriis tuis, Ierusalem. Today, I had on my programme: Solemn Monastic Profession of Monk Maria Emmanuel Kenechukwu ACHUGBU at Our Lady of the Angels Cistercian Monastery, Nsugbe. At 9.53am, I was in the monastery for the great event. It was the first time I witnessed perpetual profession in men's monastery. Providence granted me the privilege of presiding over the ceremonies.
It was truly a solemn celebration attended by the monastic communities from different parts of Nigeria, family members and many friends. The section for guests in the monastery chapel was full. With the Church we prayed: O God, who willed that the grace of Baptism should flourish in your servant, Maria Emmanuel Kenechukwu, so that he might strive to follow more closely in the footsteps of your Son, grant, we pray, that, constantly seeking evangelical perfection, he may add to the holiness of your Church and increase her apostolic zeal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
We called on all the Saints in heaven to join us in asking the Lord to accept the offering of self done by Maria Emmanuel Kenechukwu Achugbu. After pronouncing his vows and signing the document of oath, I said the following prayer of consecration over him:
Father in heaven, source of all holiness, creator of the human race, your love of us was so great that you gave us a share in your own divine life. Neither the sin of Adam nor even the sins of the whole world could alter your loving purpose.
At the dawn of history, you gave us Abel as an example of holiness. Later, from your beloved Hebrew people you raised up men and women graced with every virtue. Foremost among them all stands Mary, the ever-virgin daughter of Zion. From her pure womb was born Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Saviour of the world.
He came among us as our pattern of holiness; he became poor to make us rich, a slave to set us free. With love no words can tell, he redeemed the world by his Paschal Mystery and won from you the gifts of the Spirit to sanctify this Church. The voice of the Spirit has drawn countless numbers of your children to follow Christ. They leave all things to be one with you in the bonds of love and give themselves wholly to your service and the service of all your people.
Look with favour, then, on this your servant who has heard your call. Send him the Spirit of holiness; help him to fulfil in faith what you have enabled him to promise in joy. Keep always before his etes Christ, the divine teacher.
Give him perfect chastity, ungrudging poverty and wholehearted obedience. May he glory you by his humility, serve you with docility, and be one with you in fervent love.
May he build up the Church by holiness of life, advance the salvation of the world, and stand as signs of the Kingdom to come. Lord, protect and guide this servant of yours. At the judgement seat of your Son be yourself his great reward. Give him the joy of vows fulfilled. Made perfect in your love, may he rejoice in the communion of your saints and the praise you forever in their company.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God forever and ever. Amen.
Immediately after the Mass, we had group photograph. Then, I returned to Aguleri.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Te Deum laudámus: te Dominum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi cæli et univérsae potestátes.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim incessábili voce proclámant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus Apostolórum chorus;
Te Prophetárum laudábilis númerus;
Te Mártyrum candidátus laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum sancta confitétur Ecclésia:
Patrem imménsæ majestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, Christe.
Tu Patris sempitérnus es Fílius.
Tu ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem, non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo,
    aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, in glória Patris.
Judex créderis esse ventúrus.
Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni,
    quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.
Ætérna fac cum sanctis tuis in glória numerári.

Thursday, 2 July 2020. Our old way of concluding meditation in Latin came to mind: O Jesu, vivens in Maria, veni et vive in famulis tuis, in Spiritus sanctitatis tuae, in plenitudine virtutis tuae, in veritate virtutum tuarum, in perfectione viarum tuarum, in communione mysteriorum tuorum, dominare omni adversae potestate in Spiritu tuo ad gloriam Patris. Amen. We still say it in our community, but now in English language.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations. Don’t over-analyze your relationships. Stop playing games. A growing relationship can only be nurtured by genuineness. “
My body needed some rest today. I did not undertake any serious brain-work.
At 5.00am, I was at Umuoji for the Funeral Vigil Mass for Christian Ikenze Requiescat in pace.

Wednesday, 1 July 2020. Veneration of the Most Holy Eucharist. Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui: Præstet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque Laus et iubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: Negativity may misguide a person to see daylight as moonlight; and then he goes to sleep instead of rising up to work. No every irresponsible act is caused by laziness; negative attitudes take a bigger share!
Other usual morning spiritual exercises were done. Reflection on private prayers which priests say during Mass continued:

WHEN THE PRIEST TAKES A PARTICLE OF CONSECRATED HOST AND PUTS IT INTO THE CHALICE OF CONSECRATED WINE: May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.
PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your Death gave life to the world, free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood, from all my sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments, and never let me be parted from you. OR May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.
JUST AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING THE BODY OF CHRIST IN COMMUNION: May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
JUST AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IN COMMUNION: May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
DURING PURIFICATION OF VESSELS: What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.

At 10.00am, I was at Shanahan Hall Onitsha for the first Plenary Meeting of Onitsha Archdiocesan Priests since the lockdown. Happy reunion of brothers. I did not stay for the lunch, instead I went back to Aguleri immediately after the final prayers and blessing to mark the end the meeting.
Quiet evening. To our Blessed Mother we turn with the Latin sung Ave Regina caelorum, now recited in English:
Hail, O Queen of Heaven
Welcome, O Queen of Heaven.
Welcome, O Lady of Angels
Hail! thou root, hail! thou gate
From whom unto the world, a light has arisen:
Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,
Lovely beyond all others,
Farewell, most beautiful maiden,
And pray for us to Christ.

New Church foundation laid in Omor

New Rectory at Anaku

Keys to completed Church at Oba

Tuesday, 30 June 2020. MEMORIAL (OPT.) MASS OF BLESSED MICHAEL IWENE TANSI. O God, in the priest Blessed Cyprian Michael, you joined the apostolic zeal of a pastor to the way of life of a monk; grant us by his intercession, that persevering in prayer, we seek untiringly the coming of your kingdom.
OUR TODAY'S REFLECTION: “Priest of Jesus Christ, celebrate this Holy Mass as if it were your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.” Many priests have often wondered how they could keep to this advice. As newly ordained priest, I could remain focused and devout throughout the Mass. But with over thirty years in the priesthood completed, "familiarity" with Order of Mass, vessels, words, gestures, etc. began to set in. How would I return to the "original" fervour? Recently I started reflecting on the PRIVATE prayers which priests are made to say during the Mass. This could be the key to understanding the necessary disposition a priest must have in order to perform different functions during the Mass. For my reflection this period, I chose to read them slowly to deepen my understanding of the words prescribed for priests to be said silently.

BEFORE READING THE GOSPEL: Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.
AFTER READING THE GOSPEL AND KISSING THE BOOK: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.
DURING OFFERTORY AFTER POURING LITTLE WATER INTO WINE: By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
DURING OFFERTORY WHILE WASHING HANDS: Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

As today was the last day of the month, it provided good occasion for recollection. What did I achieve this week? Are there things I did which could have been done differently? Cor mundum crea in me, Deus, et spiritum firmum innova in visceribus meis.

Monday, 29 June 2020. SOLEMNITY OF SAINT PETER AND ST PAUL, APOSTLES. Isti sunt qui, viventes in carne, plantaverunt Ecclesiam sanguine suo: calicem Domini biberunt, et amci Dei facti sunt.

In the Preface, we discover the significance of today's solemnity:
For by your providence, the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul bring us joy:
Peter, foremost in confessing the faith,
Paul, its outstanding preacher,
Peter, who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel,
Paul, master and teacher of the Gentiles that you call.
And so, each in a different way gather together the one family of Christ;
and revered together throughout the world,
they share one Martyr's crown.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day's success.”
This morning, I had a special meeting to restore fraternity in one of our rectories. It was a very frank discussion with a truly happy ending. Those involved prayed over, blessed and embraced one another. Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum, habitare fratres in unum! Sicut unguentum in capite, quod descendit in barbam, barbam Aaron, quod descendit in oram vestimenti ejus; sicut ros Hermon, qui descendit in montem Sion. Quoniam illic mandavit Dominus benedictionem, et vitam usque in sæculum.

Candidates for Confirmation at Holy Trinity Farm Settlement Parish, Igbariam

Sunday, 28 June 2020. 13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus, iubilate Deo in voce exsultationis. We maintained our daily appointment with the Lord: We adored. We meditated. We prayed. We were blessed. We gladly joined in the banquet of the Lord - The invitation was the Lord's. Homo quidam fecit coenam magnam et misit servum suum hora coenae dicere invitatis ut venirent, quia parata sunt omnia. Venite, comedite panem meum et bibite vinum quod miscui vobis.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "If something is wrong, don’t blame others. Ask 'How can I help to put it right?'
Always remember that you create the atmosphere that surrounds you. If you want others to smile, you must smile. If you want others to give, you must give. If you want others to respect you, you must show your respect for them."
At 9.55 am, I was at Holy Trinity Parish Igbariam Farm Settlement for a Pastoral visit. This parish has a tiny community, mostly non-indigenes of Igbariam. Initially, the people that lived there were farmers working in government-sponsored farms. Now that most people have abandoned farm work, the number has dwindled. But there is a growing number of students studying at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Perhaps if hostels were to be built near Holy Trinity Church, the parish might witness a surging population, though it would be a temporary thing, since students come and go.
Soon after my arrival in the Church premises, it started raining. The initial torrential downpour helped me to understand the challenges the People of God face while attending Mass in the Church. The rain stopped even before we finished the introductory part of the Mass. One problem we faced today in this small Church was how to maintain the required social distance to avoid COVID19 infection. Domine, illustra faciem tuam, et salvi erimus! One hundred and three persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Quick photo taking protocol. I did not allow a long period of reception after the Mass. I had a "standing/hurried" interaction with the people. Soon every person was on the way home.
Back to Aguleri, I had a quiet evening. Good night, Lord. Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes, ut vigilemus cum Christo et requiescamus in pace.

Saturday, 27 June 2020. Gesegnet bis du, Jungfrau Maria, vom Herrn, dem erhabenen Gott, vor allen Frauen der Erde. Er hat dich so verherrlicht, dass dein Name nicht mehr untergeht bei den Menschen. I began the morning with my usual "brief moment" with our Blessed Mother. I came down from my bed in good form. Ehre si dem Vater und dem Sohn und dem Heiligen Geist. Wie in Anfang, so auch jetzt und alle Zeit und in Ewigkeit. Amen.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Always seek out the friendship of those who are strong where you are weak. None of us has all the virtues: even a Moses needed an Aaron. The work of a team, a partnership, a collaboration with others who have different gifts or different ways of looking at things is always greater than any one individual can achieve alone."
Usual morning rhythm of spiritual activities: Adoration, Meditation, Office of Lauds, Benediction and Holy Mass. We celebrated the Votive Mass of Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles. With the Church we prayed: O God, who gave the Holy Spirit to your Apostles as they prayed with Mary the Mother of Jesus, grant that through her intercession we may faithfully serve your majesty and extend, by word and example, the glory of your name.
From 9.00am to 2.20pm I hosted in my house a special closed door meeting of a special delegation/officers of All Hallows' Seminary Old Boys Association (AHOBA).
At 4.00pm, I was St John's Church Nsugbe for the Parish Community Rosary. The Church was 90% full, each person armed with his/her rosary. We all put our masks as were advised, and then tried to maintain the recommended safe distance. I led in the recitation of the rosary using the booklet I prepared. Today we followed the Mysteries of Light Before each decade we read a passage from the Bible. For today we read:
1. Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3,13-17)
2. The Wedding in Cana (John 2,1-11)
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom and the call to conversion (Mark 2,1-13)
4. The Transfiguration (Luke 9,28-36)
5. The Institution of the Eucharist (Mark 14,22-25)
As a community we recited in Igbo language this Prayer for Faith:
Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of FAITH in You and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world.
Grant us a lively FAITH, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of You, and ever to see You and serve You in our neighbour;
A FAITH, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life;
A courageous FAITH which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls;
A FAITH which will be our Pillar of Fire to lead us forth united; to kindle everywhere the fires of divine love; to enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death; to inflame those who are lukewarm; to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; so that - the battle of life over – all of us may reassemble, without the loss of any one, in the kingdom of Your love and glory. Amen.

I returned from Nsugbe to Aguleri at about 6.48pm and soon after I joined my household in the birthday celebration of the two seminarians, Celestine Ibegbunam and Emmanuel Aneke. Most of the domestic workers were present. The celebrants cut the birthday cake and danced. There were speeches. The seminarians were highly praised because they were always found working together, ever cheerful. After photo taking, I blessed them and took my leave.
Noctem quietam et finem perfectum concedat nobis Dominus omnipotens. Amen.

Friday, 26 June 2020. Redemisti nos, Domine, in Sanguine tuo, ex omni tribu et lingua et populo et natione, et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum. We followed the usual rhythm of our morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Never try to be clever. Always try to be wise."
Votive Mass of the precious Blood of Jesus. We prayed: O God, who by the Precious Blood of your Only Begotten Son have redeemed the whole world, preserve in us the work of your mercy, so that, ever honouring the mystery of our salvation, we may merit to obtain its fruits.
I did table clean-up today.

Thursday, 25 June 2020. Ianuas caeli aperuit Dominus, et pluit illis manna ad manducandum, et panem caeli dedit eis: panem angelorum manducavit homo. Usual morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "You will see much in life to distress you. People can be careless, cruel, thoughtless, offensive, arrogant and harsh, destructive, insensitive and rude. That is their problem not yours. Your problem is how to respond. No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. The same applies to other negative emotions: don’t react, don’t respond, don’t feel angry or if you do, pause for as long as it takes for the anger to dissipate, then carry on with the rest of your life. Don’t hand to others the victory of your own emotional state".
We celebrated Votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist. With the Church we prayed: O God, who accomplished the work of human redemption through the Paschal Mystery of your Only Begotten Son, graciously grant that we, who confidently proclaim, under sacramental signs, the Death and Resurrection of Christ, may experience continued increase of your saving grace.
At 10.00am, I was at St Raphael's Church Awkuzu for the funeral of ma Anthonia Anekwe Amakom. Being mother of a religious Sister, ma Anthonia attracted many Sisters and Priests to this Mass. Deus, cui proprium est misereri semper et parcere, te supplices exoramus pro famula tua Antonia, quam hodie ad te migrare iussisti, ut, quia in te speravit et credidit, concedas eam ad veram patriam perduci, et gaudiis perfrui sempiternis.
We all at Mass covered our faces with mask and observed the "social distancing" protocol. I reminded the people that the danger of COVID19 was real. The point is that there is still considerable confusion in our world today. Many ways of preventing the spread of this virus have been proposed. Nobody is 100% sure. My recommendation: let every person pay attention to the advice of the experts: personal hygiene, mask, physical distance, etc.
After the Mass, I went with the Parish Priest, Fr Victor Oyekwe, round the interior of the Church and I pointed out a few areas that must be repaired/retouched in preparation for the scheduled pastoral visit in the early weeks of August this year. I returned to Aguleri soon after this tour of the Church.
I did some table work in the evening. At night to God I turned:
All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

Wednesday, 24 June 2020. THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST. Early morning conversation with our Blessed Mother. Usual devotion to our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. In adoration: Je T'adore agenouillé(e), Ta divinité, qui sous ces figures vraiment est voilée: mon cœur se soumet à Toi, en Te contemplant, grâce à Ta présence dans ce sacrement.
La vue, le toucher, le goût se méprennent en Toi, seule l'ouïe est fiable, pour trouver la foi. Je crois Ta parole, c'est la vérité, car Tu es le Fils de Dieu et rien n'est plus vrai.
With the Church we pray: O God, who raised up Saint John the Baptist to make ready a nation fit for Christ the Lord, give your people, we pray, the grace of spiritual joys and direct the hearts of all the faithful into the way of salvation and peace.
I found this Whatsapp message quite interesting as food for thought: WHO IS A DIFFICULT PERSON?

If you think that everyone is wrong and you are always right. You are making yourself a DIFFICULT PERSON.
When you have something wrong to say about every good person or thing, You just might be a DIFFICULT PERSON.
If you have gradually become too hard to please. Beware, You are becoming a DIFFICULT PERSON.
When You argue about everything, even when there is no need for it. Be careful, you are becoming a DIFFICULT PERSON.
You know the reason why people do what they do...You pride yourself as a mind reader...Are you GOD? Of course, you are not; You are just a DIFFICULT PERSON.
If everyone around you walks on egg shells. They'd rather not talk to you....You are a DIFFICULT PERSON.
If you have a correction for everyone but none for yourself....YOU ARE A DIFFICULT PERSON.
If You never say I AM SORRY; or must be cajoled into saying it... You are a DIFFICULT PERSON.
If You are too adamant about forgiving others... You are a DIFFICULT PERSON

The message concludes:
Dearly Beloved, as a DIFFICULT PERSON you are to be very Careful; otherwise at some point in your journey, you might discover you are walking alone. DON'T BE A DIFFICULT PERSON.
At 11.00am, I was at the new EKKLESIA Gas station near Aguleri Round About. I was invited by Fr Celestine Aniofor to bless a new Gas Filling Station. A few priests and religious were present. Very many taxi cabs and Okada and Keke riders were there. I understand that on the day of the opening of a new Gas station, some litres of petrol are given free to these commercial drivers. Prayers done and blessing given, with my Secretary Fr. Innocent Udolisah, I headed to Waterside Maternity and Hospital Onitsha to visit the sick. I was back to Aguleri in time for a late lunch.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me

Tuesday, 23 June 2020. Insegnate a tutti i popli a osservare tutto chò che vi ho comandato", dice il Signore; '"io sono con voi tutti i giorni sino alla fine del mondo". We followed our usual morning spiritual activities. Today's Mass was for the Evangelisation of People. Italian was the language of our liturgy today.
My thoughts went to the biblical passage John 21,3: "Peter said, "I am going OUT to fish". Purposely I wrote the word "out" in bold capital letters. Peter went out to fish. He did not wait at the seaside to receive fish from friends. According to the Biblical passage, Peter and his companions did not catch anything that night until the Lord helped them. I celebrated the Mass of Evangelisation of Peoples because I am truly worried that our local Church seems no longer interested in "going out" to "fish". Fishes swim to our boat and then jump inside. Strangely in our own time we are running a Church of maintenance and no longer Church of mission. We wait for converts to come. What can we do to resuscitate the Mission/missionary Church spirit? What shall we do to get out of being a self sufficient Church that is not interesting "in going out fishing", in taking the Good News to distant lands, to rural and undeveloped areas? At the same time we do not want a begging Church, but a self reliant one. I dream of a hard working Church that does not go on her knees in Europe and America to beg for help. It is not pride: it is a sense of responsibility! So, today we pray: O Dio, che hai stabilito la tua Chiesa sacramento universale di salvezza per continuare l'opera del Cristo sino alla fine dei secoli, risveglia il cuore dei fedeli, perché avvertano l'urgenza della chiamata missionaria e da tutti i popoli della terra si formi una sola famiglia e sorga un'umanità nuova in Cristo nostro Signore.

Monday, 22 June 2020. Spiritus Domini super me, propter quod unxit me, evangelizare pauperibus misit me, sanare contritos corde. We celebrated optional memorial of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. Usual morning spiritual activities. At Mass we prayed with the Church: Deus, qui in beato Cypriano Michaele, presbytero apostolicum pastoris zelum monachi conversationi iunxisti, concede nobis, eius intercessione, ut in oratione perseverantes, regni tui adventum indesinenter quaeramus.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is a beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is life, fight for it!”—Mother Teresa.
Today, I spent some time uploading from my old storage device my earlier writings, hoping to publish them online. I was amazed to discover many write-ups I did in the past.
A happy conclusion of the day. Domine, Te decet hymnus!

With the Parish Council of Holy Family Awka Etiti.

Sunday, 21 June 2020. 12TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME. Dominus fortitudo plebis suae, et protector salutarium Christi sui est. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae, et rege eos usquaue in saeculum. Usual monrning spiritual activities: Adoration, Meditation, Lauds, and Benediction. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” Our intercessory prayers for today:

For the whole Church, that we may go out to meet the inevitable reality of persecution on earth for the name of Jesus, because we have been in advance the reward that our loyalty will bring us, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That those who work and suffer for life and for peace may refuse to be intimidated, but speak the truth with justice in the name of God, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For those who are feeling the pressure of divine testing in their lives as God probes their motives and their actions, that they may let themselves be converted, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we may have the courage to acknowledge Jesus before others, so that He will recognize us before the face of His heavenly Father, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For those who are caught in abuse, neglect, illness: for the forgotten lowly ones who fall to the ground unnoticed like the sparrows, that they may be comforted by those who realize how precious they are in God's sight, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
Four our faithful departed ones, that the grace of God and the gracious gift of Jesus Christ may overflow for them, purifying them and bringing them rejoicing into heaven, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

At 10.00 am, I was at Holy Family Parish for pastoral visit. On arrival, my assistants conducted the temperature control for all in the Church. I understand that eventually all within the Church premises were tested. There was no person with high temperature. We made efforts to observe social distancing and encouraged every person to wear masks. Solemn Eucharistic Celebration. Over three hundred persons received the sacrament of Confirmation.
After the Mass, I went over the parish books with Fr Augustine Muoghalu. Lunch. Then I had a "town hall" meeting with about sixty senior members of the parish in an open tent in front of the Church. Good interaction.
Back to Aguleri at about 5.30pm. Happy evening, ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
Lord, the day you gave is ended and we thank you. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Saturday, 20 June 2020. FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. Exsultabit cor meum in salutari tuo, cantabo Domino, qui bona tribuit mihi. We focus our attention on the Tabernacle to contemplate the splendour of the King who has taken his above inside the smallest space in my chapel. To Him we sing: Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine, cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Don't despise those little things you can do well; they contain tiny miracles that can amaze you and you will change the world. Be a world changer in your own way! We look up to you!"
We remembered in a special way and prayed for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart Mary, Mother of Christ. One of them, Sr Vera Mariette Nwankwo, works with us. At Mass with the Church we prayed: O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory.
At 10.00 am, I was at Ss John and Paul Church, Awada, for the wedding of Peter Ugwunonso and Chisom Perpetua Offorbike. Before the scheduling of this wedding, I did not know any of them. One day Peter appeared in my office. He said that he was nobody and had no person of substance behind him. He had never come close to any bishop before in his life. He was drawn to me by what he could not explain. Mustering courage after prayer, he decided to come to my office to beg me to come and bless his wedding. He believed that I would not reject him. I was impressed by his courage and, gladly, I accepted to preside at the wedding. As usual, I had a pastoral meeting with him and his bride yesterday evening. So, this morning we met in the Church.
  About five priests concelebrated. It was a very solemn nuptial Mass celebration. The special orchestra of the parochial Music Academy performed. In the Eucharistic Prayer III we prayed for them: Strengthen, we pray, in the grace of Marriage Perpetua and Peter, whom you have brought happily to their wedding day, that under your protection they may always be faithful in their lives to the covenant they have sealed in your presence. In your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.
  Father Victor Mbañusi played organised a good reception/lunch for all the priests. I was happy to meet two of our veteran priests residing in the rectory: Very Rev. Prof. Fr Godwin Okeke and Very Rev. Fr Michael Esotu. Both are ageing gracefully. From Awada, I returned briefly to Aguleri.
  At 4.00 pm, I found myself in St Mary's Church Alor for Parish Community Rosary. An event very well attended. The Church was indeed full. I had a slight challenge in enforcing "social distancing". The best I could do was to insist on the use of a mask to cover mouth and nose.
  I led the rosary following the arrangement I made in the booklet EKPERE ROSARI N'OGBAKO PARISHI. At the end of each decade, we said the short prayer I composed to improve our devotion to the Blessed Mother: Ezigbo Nne m Marịa, Nne nke Chukwu, biko búrú ekpere m tata bugara Nwa Gị Jesu. Mee obi m ka o jupụta na grasịa nke Chukwu. Nyere m aka ibi ńdụ di mma n’ụwa a, ka m were soro ndị Mmụọọma na ndị Nsọ niile kwee ukwe otito nke Chukwu n’ala eze eluigwe.
  I returned to Aguleri, very tired but with the joy of knowing that I accomplished a number of thing, thanks God who gave me the strength. Supper. Night prayer. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Friday, 19 June 2020. SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Cogitationes Cordis eius in generatione et generationem, ut eruat a morteanimas eorum et alat eos in fame.  As usual, we present ourselves to the Lord to adore Him and receive His blessing. Cor Iesu sacratissimum, miserere nobis. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "You might not always have the time to do big, over-the-top random acts of kindness. But every day there’s a chance to help, uplift or impact others in a positive way". Today's Preface articulated our celebration today: For raised up high on the Cross, he gave himself up for us with a wonderful love and poured out blood and water from his pierced side, the wellspring of the Church's Sacraments, so that, won over to the open heart of the Saviour.
    The confusion about the spread of Coronavirus continued to grow. While some countries were reporting improvement of the situation and lifting of some restrictions on movement, the number of Nigerians infected and affected continues to increase. What is happening? Are we being deceived? This is the wrong time to be sick or even to die in Nigeria. Many hospitals refuse or are barred from accepting sick people. Rightly or wrongly, most deaths are linked to COVID19. Too bad for those who have asthma or any respiratory problem! Peter's question to Christ, though in a different context, comes to mind: Domine, ad quem ibimus?
  I confined myself at home, gainfully using the time to accomplish the goals I set for myself. In the evening I had a session with the people to be wedded tomorrow morning. It was a good occasion to assess and update what they had learnt about marriage. As usual, it ended with arrangement for confession. I had a visiting priest available to administer the Sacrament of Penance.

Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

Sweet Heart of Jesus, font of love and mercy
Today we come, Thy blessing to implore.
Oh touch our hearts, so cold and so ungrateful
And make them Lord, Thine own for evermore.
Sweet Heart of Jesus we implore,
Oh make us love Thee more and more.

Sweet heart of Jesus, make us know and love thee,
Unfold to us the treasures of thy grace;
That so our hearts, from things of earth uplifted,
May long alone to gaze upon thy face.
Sweet Heart of Jesus we implore,
Oh make us love Thee more and more

Sweet Heart of Jesus, make us pure and gentle
And teach us how to do Thy blessed will;
To follow close the print of Thy dear footsteps
And when we fall, Sweet Heart, oh love us still.
Sweet Heart of Jesus we implore,
Oh make us love Thee more and more.

Thursday, 18 June 2020. Iuravit Dominus et non paenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech. Usual morning devotions. I reflected on what I read recently on WALKING. Its caption: "Walking is the best exercise!" It went on to expatiate:

Walk Away from arguments that lead you to nowhere but anger.
Walk Away from people who deliberately put you down.
Walk Away from any thought that reduces your worth.
Walk Away from failures and fears that stifle your dreams.
Walk Away from people who do not care for you and who are opportunistic.
Walk Away from things that poison your soul.

Then it recommends:

Give Yourself A Walk towards love, peace, kindness and goodness
Give Yourself A Walk to God's house and worship Him in Truth and in Spirit.
May God help us daily to walk in the right direction, to walk towards Him and with Him.

As we celebrated the Votive Mass of Jesus the eternal high Priest, we prayed: O God, who for your glory and the salvation of the human race willed to establish Christ as the eternal High Priest, grant that the people he has gained for you by his Blood may, through their participation in his memorial, experience the power of his Cross and Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I spent some time today proof reading a book draft from a friend. Very interesting work.

Wednesday, 17 June 2020. Before the Lord, hidden in the tabernacle but, ever present and ready to welcome us we prostrate. Holy God, we praise your name; Lord of all, we bow before you; all on earth your scepter claim,
all in heav'n above adore you. Infinite your vast domain, everlasting is your reign. OUR REFLECTION TODAY: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3,22-23).
I spent today rearranging my study room. Time has come for me to send away many of the books on my shelf. Somehow, I have not decided which institution to bequeath the great collection. Vias tuas, Domine, demonstra mihi et semitas tuas edoce me.
My day ended peacefully. Ego obdormivi et soporatus sum, exsurrexi, quia Dominus suscepit me.

Tuesday, 16 June 2020. Thanks be to God as a new day begins. Usual morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.” - Mark Twain.
At Mass, we presented the following intercessory prayers (Prayer of the Faithful):

That the church may make every effort to be perfect even as the Heavenly Father is perfect, according to the way given us by the Father's only Son, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For those who murder and then take possession, that they may meet a prophet upon their way, who will speak the truth about their sins and offer them a chance to make amends, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we may learn to obey the difficult command of Jesus to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us, putting our trust in His all-powerful grace, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who have asked for our prayers in a time of suffering and pain, sickness and grief, that God may cause His rain of compassion and mercy to fall abundantly upon them, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who have died, that they may be thoroughly washed of any guilt through God's merciful purification and brought before His face to rejoice in His goodness, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

Rainy season has fully come.
For a good part of the day, I paid attention to a paper written by a friend on which he asked me to comment.
Evening came and night came: the end of the day.

Te lucis ante términum,
rerum Creátor, póscimus,
ut sólita cleméntia
sis præsul ad custódiam.

Monday, 15 June 2020. Ascolta, Signore, la mia voce: a te io grido. Sei tu il mio aiuto, non respingermi, non abbandonarmi, Dio della mia salvezza. Usual activities at the beginning of a new day: Adoration, Meditation, Morning Prayers, Benediction, and Holy Mass (today, in Italian language). OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "You learn nothing from life if you think you are right all the time." With the Church at Mass we prayed: O Dio, fortezza di chi spera in te, ascolta beigno le nostre invocazioni, e poiché nella nostra debolezza nulla possiamo senza il tuo aiuto, soccorrici con la tua grazia, perché fedeli ai tuoi comandamenti possiamo piacerti nelle intenzioni e nelle opere. After Breakfast, I settled down at my table to continue working on my writing project. I had a telephone call from my bishop-friend who asked me why I was not already there at Onitsha to receive the Bishops. I opened my mouth and closed. O my God. Today, at St Martha house Onitsha, a meeting of Onitsha Provincial Bishops was scheduled. I confirmed that I would attend but forgot to put it in my diary. I quickly dressed up. My driver did not see the schedule for the Bishops' meeting in today's program, so he was relaxing in his home with his family. All my secretaries were already out for the assignments of the day. So, I grabbed my key, jumped into my car and drove off to Onitsha. The meeting started at about 11.00 am. I was there about 12.05 pm, in time to join in 70% of the deliberations. In attendance for the meeting were: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishops Michael Okoro, Hilary Okeke, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Callistus Onaga, Jonas Benson Okoye, Ernest Obodo and Denis Isizoh. Very smooth meeting. It ended at about 1.47 pm. Lunch for the Bishops followed. Although I knew that my lunch was already prepared at my home, I stayed back as a courtesy to interact with the visiting bishops.
My driver Onyeka joined me at Onitsha to drive me back to Aguleri. Thanks be to God for a good day, though busy. Usual evening activities: supper, reading, prayer, retirement to bed and expecting the miracle of a new day.

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus nostris,
sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.

Sunday, 14 June 2020. In Nigeria, the Solemnity of CORPUS CHRISTI is transferred from Thursday after Trinity Sunday to the next Sunday. In my chapel I started my day. Before the most precious divine Gift in the Catholic Church, indeed in the world, we prostrated and paid our homage: Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. (Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, having truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for mankind, from whose pierced side water and blood flowed: Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet] in the trial of death! O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus, O Jesus, son of Mary).
I had more than a "full house" for Mass today. My collaborators and holiday makers were all gathered in my chapel for the Eucharistic celebration. Filii tui sicut novellae olivarum in circuitu mensae tuae! With the Church we said the Opening Prayer: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. As on every Sunday, one of the two seminarians did the first reading while my close lay assistant Samuel Etim took the second. We recited together in English Lauda Sion Salvatorem. Lauda ducem et pastorem in hymnis et canticis. Quantum potes, tantum aude; Quia maior omni laude, nec laudare sufficis....
At 9.43am, I was at Oba. Today, we fixed the solemn ceremony of the dedication of St Joseph's Church, Okuzu Oba. I arrived ahead of the scheduled time because I wanted to supervise the measures taken to protect the People of God from being infected by the COVID19. Immediately I entered the Church, I instructed everybody to put on the face mask. They did it. Then I directed a few people to spread out to observe a reasonable distance advised by healthcare experts. Then I explained to them our plan to test the temperature of every person in the Church just to be sure that no person in Church had a fever (not necessarily coronavirus). They were all very willing and enthusiastic. We conducted an infrared thermometer temperature control. About four persons (children) had a high temperature. They were sent home immediately. After, we had a beautiful and solemn celebration. So, in the end, I issued a testament:

DIONYSIUS C. ISIZOH
Dei et Apostolicae Sedis gratia,
Episcopus Titularis Legiensis et Auxiliaris Onitshaensis

"Benedicite Dominum omnes electi eius agite dies laetitiae et confitemini illi."

Fidem facimus et testamur,
Ecclesiam istam Sancti Ioseph apud Obaensis
sollemniter Dei gloriae eiusque populi sanctificationi ad sacra mysteria celebranda dicatam esse.
Anno Domini Duomilaviginti Mensis Iunii Die Quattuordecim,
Datum Onitshaensis, sub sigillo nostro,

Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation at Okuzu OBA

Saturday, 13 June 2020. Here we are this morning before the Lord Jesus Christ. The song was welling up from inside of me:
Jesus, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
How good to those who seek!
MEMORIAL OF ST ANTHONY OF PADUA. Today, I prayed for all the Anthonys I have know here on earth, starting with my father and my brother, all the members St Anthony's society, especially those of them here in Nigeria, etc. I gave testimony that whenever I am looking for something, I invoke St Anthony I have always found the lost thing. With the Church we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, who gave Saint Anthny of Padua to your people as an outstanding preacher and an intercessor in their need, grant that, with his assistance, as we follow the teachings of the Christian life, we may know your help in every trial.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Never seek publicity for what you do. If you deserve it, you will receive it. If you don’t, you will be attacked. In any case, goodness never needs to draw attention to itself."
At 10.00am, I was at St Joseph's Parish Anaku for the blessing of the new rectory at Anaku. This rectory should have been blessed during my pastoral visit on 31 August 2019. For some last minute challenges from outside Anaku,the house was not ready. I thought that in matter of weeks, the house would be ready. It has taken these months. Being concerned that the Parish Priest's house up till now was grossly inadequate for priestly spirituality and pastoral activities, I took the decision to move Father Raph to this new edifice, even though not completed and furnished.
Good presence of the parishioners. I said the following prayers during the blessing:
Let us pray to our Heavenly Father for His blessing on this Rectory and on all who live here. (Moment of silence...) Loving Father, we gather here in the Name of Jesus Your Son and ask You for Your blessing. Bless + this Rectory and make it a house of prayer. In Your love, Bless + all who live here today, Bless + all who will live here in the future, and deepen their spirit of service to Your people. Let them be an example of prayer and praise for your honour and glory. Be their shelter when they are at home their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return. For all of us gathered here, Lord, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and lead us always in Your love. We ask this grace, holy Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Then I prayed for Priests:
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In time of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit, put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring Good News to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted. And may the gift of Mary, your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
I returned to Aguleri for lunch. Short rest. Then I set out for St Joseph's Church Okuzu Oba to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. About 293 received the Sacrament this evening. After the Mass, I went round the Church to be sure that it was prepared well for dedication the next day. I pointed out a number of things to be taken care of in preparation for the dedication.
Back finally to Aguleri shortly before 8.00pm. At night, I had very little sleep.

Friday, 12 June 2020. Cor Iesu Sacratissimum, miserere nobis. Today we celebrated Votive of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Usual morning spiritual activities. Usually the language for the Mass of Fridays is Latin. Adoration. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” - Maya Angelou.
Adoration. Office of Lauds. Holy Mass. With the Church we prayed: Clothe us, Lord God, with the virtues of the Heart of your Son and set us aflame with his love, that, conformed to his image, we may merit a share in eternal redemption.
I spent some time searching for information on how to protect the People of God this coming Saturday and Sunday during my forthcoming pastoral encounters with them. First, I acquired the infrared thermometers to check the temperature of every person in the Church. Then I purchased extra face masks. And further, I obtained information on how to arrange the Congregation to observe permissible distance apart. It was good news to learn from World Health Organisation (WHO) that those without COVID19 symptoms do not transmit the virus to others. But the credibility of WHO is very low worldwide. My prayer: Lord, I love your people. Please help me to protect them. Let me be able to serve them in your name without exposing any of them to danger.
Late evening, I took a walk round my compound, good moment to say the rosary. Night fall. Some hours of work.
Nocte surgentes vigilemus omnes,
semper in psalmis meditemur atque
viribus totis Domino canamus
dulciter hymnos,

Ut, pio regi pariter canentes,
cum suis sanctis mereamur aulam
ingredi caeli, simul et beatam
ducere vitam.

Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum.

Thursday, 11 June 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST BARNABAS, Apostle. Usual morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Meditation has taught me to be in the present moment and observe the present moment at the same time. Just breathe, follow your breath, and your intuition can take you from there.” ― Tara Stiles.
Adoration. Morning prayers and Mass. At morning prayers, we said the following intercessory prayers:

Since we have received from the apostles our heavenly inheritance, let us thank our Father for all his blessings. LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES.

Praise t you, Lord God, for the gift of Christ's body and blood, handed on by the apostles, to give us strength and life; LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES.
For the table of your word, served by the apostles, to bring us light and joy; LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES.
For your holy Church, built on the apostles, to make us all one body; LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES.
For the washing of baptism and penance, entrusted to the apostles, to cleanse our hearts from sin; LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES.

I used my time today to prepare the documents for the dedication of a Church on Sunday. I had the challenge of the printer for A3 cardboard paper. Mine suddenly stopped working. Thanks for the earlier decision and divine providence, I was able to acquire a HP printer for large printing jobs. It arrived in time to serve the purpose of printing the certificates. Preparation for the Confirmation and Dedication of St Joseph's Church, Okuzu OBA.
A quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

Wednesday, 10 June 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. My mind turned to the Great Mercy of God. Misericordias Domini in aeternum cantabo, in generationem et generationem annuntiabo veritatem tuam in ore meo. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” - Anne Lamott. At Mass today we prayed: O God, whose mercies are without number and whose treasure of goodness is infinite, graciously increase the faith of the people consecrated to you, that all may grasp and rightly understand by whose love they have been created; through whose Blood they have been redeemed, and by whose Spirit they have been reborn. Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation 1.
Gradually, we are coming out of the, so far, most extended inter-State lockdown since COVID19 pandemic invaded our world. Many people are tired of staying indoors without the end in sight. It is becoming, for some, a boring world. I understand that some people are contemplating committing suicide. Something interesting happened. A friend sent me this message, and I think it is worth sharing:
A movie theater announced that an 8-minute movie won the title of Best Short Film in the World.
So, it was decided to display this movie in the cinema for free, so that the largest crowd could gather to watch it. The movie began with a snapshot of a room ceiling that is devoid of any decoration and of any details, just a white ceiling...
3 minutes passed without the camera moving and it did not move to any other scene, or any other part of the ceiling in the same room.
Another 3 minutes passed without the camera moving and without changing the scene.
After 6 boring minutes, the viewers started grumbling. Some of them were about to leave the theater hall. And some of them objected to the officials of the house because they wasted their time watching a ceiling.
  Suddenly, before the majority became concerned and starting to leave, the camera lens slowly moved onto a wall without any details either until it reached down towards the floor. There a child appeared on a bed, who seems to be totally handicapped due to the spinal cord tear in his little body...
The camera slowly moved to the side of the handicap bed, showing a wheelchair without a back.
  The camera moved to the boring location of the ceiling again. This time it displayed a sentence: "We showed you only 8 minutes of this child's daily activity, only 8 minutes from the scene that this handicapped child watches all the hours of his life, and you complained and weren’t patient for only six minutes, you couldn't bear to watch it...
So know the value of every second of your life that you spend in wellness, and thank God for every blessing bestowed on you, and you will not feel its existence unless you lose it.”
  We suffer from quarantine and the curfew, which is, God willing, for a limited time. There are millions who live their entire lives in quarantine...
  Covid-19 has possibly made some of us take time to think about our many privileges.
Many are our blessings, most of which are taken for granted...

COVID19 Lockdown protocol duly observed. Work at my desk continued.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the end.  Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace. The Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Tuesday, 9 June 2020. Nel nome di Gesù ogni ginocchio si pieghi in cielo, in terra e sotto terra, e ogni lingua proclami che Gesù Cristo è il Signore a gloria di Dio Padre. Usual morning spiritual activities. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "One act of kindness per day, keeps selfishness away " - Macazinga Da Zing. Our Mass this morning was Votive Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The language of the Mass was, as usual on Tuesdays, Italian. We prayed in the Eucharistic Prayer II: Di noi tutti abbi misericordia: donaci di aver parte alla vita eterna, insieme con la beata Maria, Vergine e Madre di Dio, con gli apostoli e tutti i santi che in ogni tempo ti furono graditi: e in Gesù Cristo tuo Figlio canteremo la tua gloria.
At about 11.00am I paid a fraternal visit to the Priests working in Our Lady of Victory Parish, Umueri.
On arrival at the rectory, I met the pastor, Fr Augustine Okonkwo. Brief tour of the compound and recommendations on how to control the erosion in the compound.
The assistant pastor, Fr Thaddeus Ugwuoke, was out for Mass in one of the outstations - Ss Peter and Paul Church. I went there to see him too. I was pleasantly surprised to see the church building erected there. Hopefully my next pastoral visit to the parish will be held in that venue. Fr Ugwoke was just about to begin Mass when I arrived. I greeted the people briefly, blessed them and then returned to Aguleri.
Quiet evening. Then, the night came. With the psalmist (4,7-8), my prayer:
You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine.
I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.

Monday, 8 June 2020. Usual morning first ejaculatory prayers to our Blessed Mother. Before the Lord we bow our heads in adoration. To our Lord hidden in the tabernacle we sing:
O strength and stay upholding all creation,
who ever dost thyself unmoved abide,
yet day by day the light in due gradation
from hour to hour through all its changes guide.

Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending,
an eve untouched by shadows of decay,
the brightness of a holy death-bed blending
with dawning glories of the eternal day.

Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving,
through Jesus Christ thy co-eternal Word,
who with the Holy Ghost by all things living
now and to endless ages art adored.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Our willingness to be kind should not be predicated on how someone else will respond; rather, it should stem simply from knowing that God desires for us to be kind." - Kristin Demery
Mass of the 10th Week in Ordinary time. The language of our Mass was Italian. With the Church we prayed: O Dio, sorgente di ogni bene, ispiraci propositi giusti e santi e donaci il tuo aiuto, perché possiamo attuarli nella nostra vita.
At 10.15am, I was in Office at Aguleri. On instruction, my Secretary Fr Innocent Udolisah controlled the number of persons who came to see me. I needed to leave the office by 1.00pm. Mission accomplished. I left the office on time. Lunch. Brief rest.
I was at Onitsha shortly before 4.00pm for the monthly administrative meeting I hold with Archbishop Val Okeke. Usually we meet to compare notes and coordinate our pastoral ministries in the Archdiocese. It is also a moment of prayer for the People of God entrusted to our care, and for ourselves to be good and exemplary pastors. The meeting usually ends with a fraternal meal. So, it was today. I was back to Aguleri before 8.00pm.
Happy conclusion of today. In thanksgiving:
We praise you, Father, for your gifts
Of dusk and nightfall over earth,
Foreshadowing the mystery
Of death that leads to endless day.

Within your hands we rest secure;
In quiet sleep our strength renew;
Yet give your people hearts that wake
In love to you, unsleeping Lord.

Your glory may we ever seek
In rest, as in activity,
Until its fullness is revealed,
O source of life, O Trinity.

Sunday, 7 June 2020. TRINITY SUNDAY. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
We confess our faith when we sing:
Firmly I believe and truly
God is Three, and God is One;
and I next acknowledge duly
manhood taken by the Son.

Adoration aye be given,
with and through the angelic host,
to the God of earth and heaven,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
On this special day, I remember some of the simple but powerful prayers we were taught in All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha. Yes, we begin every day by invoking the Most Blessed Trinity: Blessed be the Holy and undivided Trinity now and for ever. Amen. Then we continue: LET US PLACE OURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HUMBLY ADORE HIM. All of us then respond: Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore You with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign Majesty. Amen.
Usual adoration and morning meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love." William Wordsworth.
At Mass, with the Church we prayed: God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.
I prayed in a special way for our Archdiocese: our Archbishop, Priests, Religious Men and Women and our the Lay Faithful. I begged the Lord: May your love be upon us, O Lord. Bless our efforts to serve you. Please, Lord, bless the work our hands.

Saturday, 6 June 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. We gradually begin to ease the restrictions of COVID19 in Anambra State. We are cautious not to make any mistake. Today I prayed the Lord to bless me and the People of God I would encounter as I decided to return to full pastoral engagement from now on. The first event planned was to go to our Blessed Mother to ask for her intervention. So, in the evening I went to St Peter's Parish Ojoto for Parish Community Rosary.
At 4.30pm, I was in Ojoto. There was a good turn out of the parishioners. I spent some minutes to talk about our Blessed Mother Mary, about the events in Fatima and the Spanish Flu (almost similar to our situation today). Then I explained the use of the booklet I prepared for Parish Community Rosary. This booklet was prepared in English and Igbo. The one used this evening was in Igbo language. I introduced a prayer which I composed to be said at the end of each decade. Here below in English and Igbo, not exact translation of one another:

O Blessed Mother Mary, lead me to your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, help those in need: give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God’s People, assist the Clergy, and intercede for the Religious. May all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection. Amen.

Ezigbo Nne m Marịa, Nne nke Chukwu, biko búrú ekpere m tata bugara Nwa Gị Jesu. Mee obi m ka o jupụta na grasịa nke Chukwu. Nyere m aka ibi ńdụ di mma n’ụwa a, ka m were soro ndị Mmụọọma na ndị Nsọ niile kwee ukwe otito nke Chukwu n’ala eze eluigwe.

I returned home immediately after the Community Rosary. It is my intention to fill all Saturdays with a similar gesture - Parish Community Rosary - each Saturday in a different parish in the Regions assigned to me in our archdiocese.

O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Blessing and laying of the foundation of St Luke's Church, Omor

Friday, 5 June 2020. ST BONIFACE Martyr. Usual morning devotions. Adoration. Meditation.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein.
Office Lauds. Benediction. Lord our God, in this great sacrament we come into the presence of Jesus Christ, your Son, born of the Virgin Mary and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith in this fountain of love and mercy drink from it the water of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Holy Mass followed.
At 10.50am, I was at the site for the new Church of St Luke, Omor for the blessing and laying of the foundation stone. Fr Paul Ihebighi, the Parish of St Paul's Omor and the administrator of St Luke's Independent Station, was there. Soon Fr Patrick Egwuatu arrived. He is the Parish Priest of the mother-Parish, Christ the King Parish Omor. The People came in good number. His Royal Highness, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, the principal donor of the Church to be built here arrive with some of his cabinet members. Simple but colorful ceremony. Here are some of the prayers said on this occasion:

Lord, you fill the entire world with your presence
that your name may be hallowed through all the earth.
Bless all those who have worked
or contributed to provide this land
on which a church will be built.
Today may they rejoice in a work just begun,
soon may they celebrate the sacraments in your temple,
and in time to come may they praise you for ever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

With faith in Jesus Christ,
we lay this stone on which a Church will rise.
May it be a place of sacrament and a source of grace,
to the glory of the Father who with the Son and Holy Spirit
lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

I was back in time for lunch in my house. For the rest of the day, I continued my desk work.
Usual conclusion of my day. I thanked the Lord for the blessings of the day.

Labor is sweet, for thou hast toiled,
And care is light, for thou hast cared;
Let not our works with self be soiled,
Nor in unsimple ways ensnared:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

For all we love, the poor, the sad,
The sinful, unto thee we call;
O let thy mercy make us glad;
Thou art our Jesus and our all:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Thursday, 4 June 2020. Usual morning interaction with our Creator. Adoration. The first reading at Mass is taken from letter of Paul to Timothy. I remember Fr Timothy Anunobi who used to respond to every line of the letter as if Paul addressed it to him directly and personally. I feel now the same. Here are some of the the phrases that touched me:

we shall live with Christ
Remember the Good News
we shall live with him.
we shall reign with him.
but he is always faithful,
for he cannot disown his own self.
Remind them of this; and tell them in the name of God
Do all you can to present yourself in front of God

This morning, I began to read from the June edition of the Magazine THE PRIEST this excellent write-up on The Importance of Creating Active, Vibrant Archives, by Eric Fair. It is first of all about preserving Church documents and goods. The first line establishes the importance: "Without historical records, we would be unable to tell the full story of our faith journey." From my experience in the Vatican City, I know very well that the importance of preserving documents and the property. Now, at home, I realize that it is not always well done in some diocesan curiae and parishes. Let me go through this good article to see how we can improve on what we already have on ground.
At Mass, we used the Eucharistic Prayer IV. It is truly right to give you thanks, truly just to give you glory, Father most holy.... Look, O Lord, upon the Sacrifice which you yourself have provided for your Church, and grant in your loving kindness to all who partake of this one Bread and one Chalice that, gathered into one body by the Holy Spirit, they may truly become a living sacrifice in Christ to the praise of yoür glory.
Usual activities during the COVID19 lockdrown.
Retire to sleep after the day's work. Good night, Lord.
Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us, more than in past days,
With purity and inward peace:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Do more than pardon: give us joy,
Sweet fear, and sober liberty,
And loving hearts without alloy,
That only long to be like thee:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Wednesday, 3 June 2020. YOUNG MARTYRS OF UGANDA. Many years ago I had several opportunities to visit Uganda and to go on pilgrimage to Namugongo - the place where the twenty young people were burnt and killed because of their faith in Christ. With young people across Africa in a special meeting promoted by the Holy See, I have had the privilege of celebrating Mass in the Basilica of Namugongo.
Today here in my chapel, at Mass we prayed: O God, who have made the blood of Martyrs the seed of Christians, mercifully grant that the field which is your Church, watered by the blood shed by Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, may be fertile and always yield you an abundant harvest.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it."
The first reading of the Mass today is my favourite Biblical quotation. The passage started having special meaning to me when it was read to me on the day I took the oath of office in the Chapel of Propaganda Fide in Rome.
"I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling".
In the intercessory prayer for the Vespers today:
We praise you, Christ our Saviour, example and strength of the martyrs:

Because you have loved us to the end, WE PRAISE YOU, CHRIST THE LORD.
Because you have brought us to this day with the gift of faith intact, WE PRAISE YOU, CHRIST THE LORD.

Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. To our Saviour we sing:
The day is done, its hours have run;
And thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace hath won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Tuesday, 2 June 2020. Respice in me, et miserere mei, Domine,, quoniam unicus et pauper sum ego. Vide humilitatem meam et laborem meum, et dimitte omnia peccata mea, Deus meus. Usual morning activities.
This morning I was thinking about the challenges of preaching the Good News of Christ during this period of coronavirus pandemic. Suddenly some questions came up in my mind:

Where are the prosperity Gospel preachers?
Where are our Priest-miracle workers?
Where are those "specially" anointed and powerful priests that attract thousands of persons to their adoration and deliverance centres?
Where are those who offer revelations about the future of their followers?
Why have they not performed miracles on those infected by the virus?
Have they gone into hiding?

I hear that one of them (in Cameroon) who claimed he could cure coronavirus and was himself infected and he died.
This is a sober moment to reflect on the deceit of those prosperity Gospel preachers.
My conclusion today: In the face of the COVID19 pandemic, God is offering us new opportunity to recover and return from the misadventure of "fake ministries, deceitful claims of miracles" that have almost drowned the right practice of Catholic faith in our part of the word.
I remember this prayer I learnt as a child:
Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of FAITH in You and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world. Grant us a lively FAITH, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of You, and ever to see You and serve You in our neighbour;
A FAITH, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life; A courageous FAITH which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls; A FAITH which will be our Pillar of Fire to lead us forth united; to kindle everywhere the fires of divine love; to enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death; to inflame those who are lukewarm; to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; so that - the battle of life over – all of us may reassemble, without the loss of any one, in the kingdom of Your love and glory. Amen.

Monday, 1 June 2020. First day of the month. I noticed that, as commong practice around here, many well wishers send greetings with prayers for the new month. I began my day in the usual way with bedside short conversations with our Blessed Mother. At Lauds, we celebrated the memorial of St Justin the Martyr. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: - “If you can see yourself as an artist, and you can see that your life is your own creation, then why not create the most beautiful story for yourself?”
Today's special feast, now made obligatory in the Universal Church's calendar: FEAST OF MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH. It is celebrated Monday immediately after Pentecost. Erant discipuli perseverantes unanimiter in oratione cum Maria, matre Iesu. At Mass, with the Church we prayed: God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also, grant, we pray, that with her loving help your Church may be more fruitful day by day and, exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples.
Gradually the days of the lockdown are counted. I decided to return to the field, while observing some of the basic protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus, to offer my pastoral services to the People God. During the Spanish flu, our Blessed Mother appeared to the Fatima kids and encouraged them to pray. I will in the coming months promote Saturday rosary in parishes. I will lead by example, Unless there is another more urgent pastoral commitment, I intend to go to parishes every Saturday for "Parish Community Rosary". I'd also resume Pastoral visits. Dan Schutte's missionary song I have made my own. Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
So, I sat down throughout today to draw the plan of my pastoral activities. My prayer: Doce me, Domine, bonitatem, disciplinam et scientiam. And, Lord, make me instrument of your love.

Bigard 85/Centenary Priests with Fr Denis Ononuju (Requiescat in pace) - 10th front row from Right.

SUNDAY, 31 May 2020. PENTECOST SUNDAY. On entry into my chapel, the decoration of the altar by our seminarians (Celestine Ibegbunam and Emmanuel Aneke) set the mood of the solemnity of the day. In addition to my closest assistants, all the holiday makers in the compound were in the chapel. My brother, Ogbuefi Gabriel Isizoh, was also present. His son, Jude Ikechukwu Isizoh, one of the holiday makers, received First Communion today.
The hymn for the Office of Lauds was in Latin: Veni Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, imple superna gratia, quae tu creasti pectora. At Mass we prayed: O God, who by the mystery of today's feast sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation, pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth and, with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers.
Prayer of the Faithful in different languages: English, Latin, Italian and Igbo, reflecting the xenolalia of the first Pentecost. We used the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer 1). For Jude Ik Isizoh, the high point of today's celebration was when he came forward and I said "Body and Blood of Christ", he brought out his tongue and received our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist for the first time. My prayer for him: May the Body and the Blood of Christ keep you safe for eternal life. Amen.
After Mass, we had photo-taking opportunities. Then we had an elaborate breakfast. All of us ate together in my dining hall in honour of Jude Ik. Isizoh who was visibly happy today. I recall how happy I was when I received first Communion on 20 August 1964. How time flies! Jesus the same, yesterday, today and for ever.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

SATURDAY, 30 May 2020. Erant discipuli perseverantes unanimiter in oratione, cum mulieribus et Maria Matre Iesu, et fratribus eius, alleluia. Adoration. Meditation. From time to time, I read some pages of In sinu Iesu. A thought about self-improvement. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is a myth – as in being able to remake ourselves.” Usual morning spiritual exercises. At the end of Mass, I reminded my collaborators of the Holy Father's special request for rosary today. I invited each and everyone to make out time today to say the rosary in private or with another.
At 9.00am, I was in Brothers of Stephen's Novitiate to celebrate with Mass Fr Jude Oboshi BSS on his 76th birthday. I have Jude Oboshi from my days in All Hallows Seminary Onitsha when he was a plumber employed in St Charles Borromeo Hospital. He later joined the Brothers of St Stephen as a lay brother. The Religious Institute asked him to proceed to the priesthood in order to serve the Congregation. I found Fr Jude Oboshi a consistent man, simple, straight-forward, honest, hardworking, humble...and holy. Fr Emmanuel Ndubuisi BSS also concelebrated this Mass of thanksgiving. Together we prayed for Fr Jude Oboshi: O God, the Father of every gift, we confess that all we have and are comes down from you; teach us to recognize the effects of your boundless care and love you with a sincere heart and with all our strength. At the end of the Mass, which was attended by Br Pantaleon Okafor (BSS Superior General) and some other Brothers, we sang "Happy Birthday to you."
This evening, I took a walk round my compound while, at the same time, joining the Holy Father spiritually to say the rosary to implore our Blessed Mother’s intercession and protection amid the coronavirus pandemic.
After the rosary, I visited all the holiday makers in my compound and, in conversation with them, it was a buona serata.

FRIDAY, 29 May 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST POPE PAUL VI. This is an optional memorial, but I remember this great man well as one of the modern Popes. It was in 1974 that I heard his voice for the first time during the national Holy Year Celebration. That time there was no video network connections. The organizers of the Holy Year played his recorded voice over the loudspeaker in Ogbe Stadium, Benin City. For me, it was the voice of God himself. He died on 6 August 1978 when I was already in the senior seminary, on apostolic work at Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha after first-year philosophy. I was privileged to be in Rome for his beatification on 19 October 2014. His canonization took place on 14 October 2018. This Pope brought the Second Vatican Council to a happy conclusion, and he supervised the implementation of most of the Conciliar resolutions. He was the first Pope to set foot on African soil.
Usual morning devotions. The programme of activities of the day was more or less like yesterday.

THURSDAY, 28 May 2020. As we approach Pentecost, we hear more and more songs to and about the Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,
From thy bright heav’nly throne,
Come take possession of our souls,
And make them all thy own.

Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The living spring, the living fire,
Sweet unction and true love.
Usual morning spiritual exercises. The activities we put together every morning help us to try to align whatever we do during the day to God's will. We do not always get everything right, but we try to place the Lord at the centre. In its simplest form, our prayer is what I have set out above in Latin: Doce me, Domine, bonitatem, disciplinam, scientiam. We attempt to renew our efforts every day.
Adoration and Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway.
OFFICE OF LAUDS. Before BENEDICTION, we said the following prayer: O God our Father, grant to your faithful the privilege to raise a song of praise to the Lamb sacrificed for us and hidden in this holy mystery, that we may one day be able to contemplate him in the splendour of your glory. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Mass. Short period of physical exercises. Breakfast. The day began smoothly.
With the great hope that the days of COVID19 control are numbered, I began organising my pastoral activities for the rest of the year, starting in June 2020.
Happily the day is concluded with the Compline Hymn:
En toi, Seigneur, nos vies reposent
Et prennent force dans la nuit ;
Tu nous prépares à ton aurore
Et tu nous gardes dans l’Esprit.

Déjà levé sur d’autres terres,
Le jour éveille les cités ;
Ami des hommes, vois leur peine
Et donne-leur la joie d’aimer.

Vainqueur du mal et des ténèbres,
O Fils de Dieu ressuscité,
Délivre-nous de l’Adversaire
Et conduis-nous vers ta clarté

WEDNESDAY, 27 May 2020. Usual morning devotions. Adoration. Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ― William Faulkner.   At Mass today, with the Church, we prayed: Graciously grant to your Church, O merciful God, that, gathered by the Holy Spirit, she may be devoted to you with all her heart and united in purity of intent.
  At 9.45am, I was at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity for the Funeral Mass for Fr Charles Okeke-Odogwu, aged 41. This death pained me very much. Here was a young man unassuming, devoted, full of energy, ready to go extra mile in sacrificing himself for his parishioners. Occasionally he had to trek some kilometres when it was not possible because of water to drive to his parish. He was not an apostolic noise maker. He would do his work effectively without complaint. He never sang his praises. He was a perfect gentleman. It was a pleasant experience to work with him. His life on earth was short, but great was his achievements both seen and unseen. In prayer: Hear with favor our prayers, which we humbly offer, O Lord, for the salvation of the soul of Charles, your servant and Priest, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints.
  Archbishop Valerian Okeke presided at the Mass, Fr Benjamin Ogbunuko gave the homily, while I did the Final Commendation. His parents were present at the Mass. What a painful experience. Our faith instructs us, following the words of the Lord: Ego sum resurrectio et vita, qui credit in me etiam si mortuus fuerit vivet, et ominis qui vivit et credit in me no morietur in aeternum. His mother was crying all the time. May God console them in a most adequate way.
For the first time, following my recommendation, in all the parishes of Onitsha archdiocese, Holy Masses were offered simultaneously for a deceased Priest. I hope that it will become a regular practice. Only very few priests, especially the classmates, were in the Basilica for the Mass.
Immediately after Mass, I returned to Aguleri.

TUESDAY, 26 May 2020. Ego sum primus et novissimus; et vivus et fui mortuus, et ecce sum vivens in saecula saeculorum, alleluia. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Success is a journey, not a destination."As usual, we concluded our morning meditation with some ejaculatory prayers:
V. Most Holy Name of Jesus,
R. We adore You
V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
R. Make our hearts like Yours
V. For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion,
R. Lord, have mercy on us and on the whole world
V. Our Blessed Mother, Undoer of Knots
R. Intervene for us.
V. All you Angels and Archangels,
R. Intercede for us.
V.  St Joseph most holy guardian and the head of the Holy Family,
R. Protect us.
V.  St Charles Lwanga and all You Martyrs of Uganda,
R. Pray for us.
V.  Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi,
R. Pray for us.
Office of Lauds, Benediction and Holy Mass. For a good part of today I was indoors, fully committed to completing the project already undertaken.
At 4.30pm, I was in Oroma Etiti Anam for the Funeral Vigil Mass for our beloved Fr Charles Okeke-Odogwu. Despite the lockdown and restrictions in place to prevent large assemblies, the parishioners of Holy Cross Parish came out in large numbers, almost all of them in their masks and maintaining permitted social distance. About 10 priests concelebrated. Fr Charles Okeke Odogwu became the second parish priest of Holy Cross Parish Oroma Etiti Anam to die you in active service. The first was Fr Gilbert Ohai. Requiescant in pace.
Back to Aguleri at about 6.43 pm. Quiet evening. And the night came. O Lord, may you grant us a quiet night and perfect end.

SOME OF THE NIGERIAN BISHOPS PRESENT IN ROME FOR THE CEREMONY ON 25 May 1985:
(L-R) Bishop Albert Obiefuna (Awka), Bishop Brian Usanga (Calabar), Cardinal Ekandem (Ikot Ekpene), New Cardinal Arinze, Bishop Ephraim Obot (Idah), Bishop Anthony Gbuji (Issele Uku) and Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya (Onitsha).
[Not in the photo, but present in Rome for the occasion: Bishop Gabriel Ganaka (Jos)]

MONDAY, 25 May 2020. Usual morning spiritual exercises. Adoration. Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” - Sam Walton
Today, thirty-five years ago, at the age of fifty-three, Archbishop Francis Arinze received a red biretta from Pope John Paul II, and thus was created a Cardinal. A large delegation from Nigeria led by Archbishop Ezeanya came to Rome for the event. We thank God for Cardinal Arinze's life. He is now 87 years of age, 62 years a Priest, 55 years a Bishop, and 35 years a Cardinal. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam!
Our attention is gradually turned towards the coming of the Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,/ From thy bright heav'nly throne,
Come take possession of our souls,/ And make them all thy own.
Thou who art called the Paraclete,/ Best gift of God above,
The living spring, the living fire,/ Sweet unction and true love.

SUNDAY, 24 May 2020. SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER. This morning I should have been in Abuja with Fr Innocent Udolisah to celebrate WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY. As Liaison Bishop of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria responsible for Communications in Nigeria, I should have travelled to Abuja to celebrate Mass at St Gabriel's chapel, live on AIT Television, to commemorate this annual event. Such Mass is usually given nationwide coverage by different Television and Radio houses. On account of the COVID19 lockdown, we could not go to Abuja. I delegated the Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat to deputise on my behalf. Here is the Holy Father, Pope Francis' Message for this year:

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 54th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
“That you may tell your children and grandchildren” (Ex 10:2) Life becomes history
I would like to devote this year’s Message to the theme of storytelling, because I believe that, so as not to lose our bearings, we need to make our own the truth contained in good stories. Stories that build up, not tear down; stories that help us rediscover our roots and the strength needed to move forward together. Amid the cacophony of voices and messages that surround us, we need a human story that can speak of ourselves and of the beauty all around us. A narrative that can regard our world and its happenings with a tender gaze. A narrative that can tell us that we are part of a living and interconnected tapestry. A narrative that can reveal the interweaving of the threads which connect us to one another.
1. Weaving stories: Human beings are storytellers. From childhood we hunger for stories just as we hunger for food. Stories influence our lives, whether in the form of fairy tales, novels, films, songs, news, even if we do not always realize it. Often we decide what is right or wrong based on characters and stories we have made our own. Stories leave their mark on us; they shape our convictions and our behaviour. They can help us understand and communicate who we are.
We are not just the only beings who need clothing to cover our vulnerability (cf. Gen 3: 21); we are also the only ones who need to be “clothed” with stories to protect our lives. We weave not only clothing, but also stories: indeed, the human capacity to “weave” (Latin texere) gives us not only the word textile but also text. The stories of different ages all have a common “loom”: the thread of their narrative involves “heroes”, including everyday heroes, who in following a dream confront difficult situations and combat evil, driven by a force that makes them courageous, the force of love. By immersing ourselves in stories, we can find reasons to heroically face the challenges of life.
Human beings are storytellers because we are engaged in a process of constant growth, discovering ourselves and becoming enriched in the tapestry of the days of our life. Yet since the very beginning, our story has been threatened: evil snakes its way through history.
2. Not all stories are good stories “When you eat of it … you will be like God” (cf. Gen 3:4): the temptation of the serpent introduces into the fabric of history a knot difficult to undo. “If you possess, you will become, you will achieve…” This is the message whispered by those who even today use storytelling for purposes of exploitation. How many stories serve to lull us, convincing us that to be happy we continually need to gain, possess and consume. We may not even realize how greedy we have become for chatter and gossip, or how much violence and falsehood we are consuming. Often on communication platforms, instead of constructive stories which serve to strengthen social ties and the cultural fabric, we find destructive and provocative stories that wear down and break the fragile threads binding us together as a society. By patching together bits of unverified information, repeating banal and deceptively persuasive arguments, sending strident and hateful messages, we do not help to weave human history, but instead strip others of their dignity.
But whereas the stories employed for exploitation and power have a short lifespan, a good story can transcend the confines of space and time. Centuries later, it remains timely, for it nourishes life.
In an age when falsification is increasingly sophisticated, reaching exponential levels (as in deepfake), we need wisdom to be able to welcome and create beautiful, true and good stories. We need courage to reject false and evil stories. We need patience and discernment to rediscover stories that help us not to lose the thread amid today’s many troubles. We need stories that reveal who we truly are, also in the untold heroism of everyday life.
3. The Story of stories Sacred Scripture is a Story of stories. How many events, peoples and individuals it sets before us! It shows us from the very beginning a God who is both creator and narrator. Indeed, God speaks his word and things come into existence (cf. Gen 1). As narrator, God calls things into life, culminating in the creation of man and woman as his free dialogue partners, who make history alongside him. In one of the Psalms, the creature tells the creator: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth” (139:13-15). We are not born complete, but need to be constantly “woven”, “knitted together”. Life is given to us as an invitation to continue to weave the “wonderful” mystery that we are.
The Bible is thus the great love story between God and humanity. At its centre stands Jesus, whose own story brings to fulfilment both God’s love for us and our love for God. Henceforth, in every generation, men and women are called to recount and commit to memory the most significant episodes of this Story of stories, those that best communicate its meaning.
The title of this year’s Message is drawn from the Book of Exodus, a primordial biblical story in which God intervenes in the history of his people. When the enslaved children of Israel cry out to Him, God listens and remembers: “God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew” (Ex 2: 24-25). God’s memory brings liberation from oppression through a series of signs and wonders. The Lord then reveals to Moses the meaning of all these signs: “that you may tell in the hearing of your children and grandchildren… what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord” (Ex 10:2). The Exodus experience teaches us that knowledge of the Lord is handed down from generation to generation mainly by telling the story of how he continues to make himself present. The God of life communicates with us through the story of life.
Jesus spoke of God not with abstract concepts, but with parables, brief stories taken from everyday life. At this point life becomes story and then, for the listener, story becomes life: the story becomes part of the life of those who listen to it, and it changes them.
The Gospels are also stories, and not by chance. While they tell us about Jesus, they are “performative”[1]; they conform us to Jesus. The Gospel asks the reader to share in the same faith in order to share in the same life. The Gospel of John tells us that the quintessential storyteller – the Word – himself becomes the story: “God’s only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known” (Jn 1: 18). The original verb, exegésato, can be translated both as “revealed” and “recounted”. God has become personally woven into our humanity, and so has given us a new way of weaving our stories.
4. An ever renewed story The history of Christ is not a legacy from the past; it is our story, and always timely. It shows us that God was so deeply concerned for mankind, for our flesh and our history, to the point that he became man, flesh and history. It also tells us that no human stories are insignificant or paltry. Since God became story, every human story is, in a certain sense, a divine story. In the history of every person, the Father sees again the story of his Son who came down to earth. Every human story has an irrepressible dignity. Consequently, humanity deserves stories that are worthy of it, worthy of that dizzying and fascinating height to which Jesus elevated it.
“You” – Saint Paul wrote – “are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:3). The Holy Spirit, the love of God, writes within us. And as he writes within us, he establishes goodness in us and constantly reminds us of it. Indeed, to “re-mind” means to bring to mind, to “write” on the heart. By the power of the Holy Spirit, every story, even the most forgotten one, even the one that seems to be written with the most crooked lines, can become inspired, can be reborn as a masterpiece, and become an appendix to the Gospel. Like the Confessions of Augustine. Like A Pilgrim’s Journey of Ignatius. Like The Story of a Soul of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. Like The Betrothed, like The Brothers Karamazov. Like countless other stories, which have admirably scripted the encounter between God’s freedom and that of man. Each of us knows different stories that have the fragrance of the Gospel, that have borne witness to the Love that transforms life. These stories cry out to be shared, recounted and brought to life in every age, in every language, in every medium.
5. A story that renews us Our own story becomes part of every great story. As we read the Scriptures, the stories of the saints, and also those texts that have shed light on the human heart and its beauty, the Holy Spirit is free to write in our hearts, reviving our memory of what we are in God’s eyes. When we remember the love that created and saved us, when we make love a part of our daily stories, when we weave the tapestry of our days with mercy, we are turning another page. We no longer remain tied to regrets and sadness, bound to an unhealthy memory that burdens our hearts; rather, by opening ourselves to others, we open ourselves to the same vision of the great storyteller. Telling God our story is never useless: even if the record of events remains the same, the meaning and perspective are always changing. To tell our story to the Lord is to enter into his gaze of compassionate love for us and for others. We can recount to him the stories we live, bringing to him the people and the situations that fill our lives. With him we can re-weave the fabric of life, darning its rips and tears. How much we, all of us, need to do exactly this!
With the gaze of the great storyteller – the only one who has the ultimate point of view – we can then approach the other characters, our brothers and sisters, who are with us as actors in today’s story. For no one is an extra on the world stage, and everyone’s story is open to possible change. Even when we tell of evil, we can learn to leave room for redemption; in the midst of evil, we can also recognize the working of goodness and give it space.
So it is not a matter of simply telling stories as such, or of advertising ourselves, but rather of remembering who and what we are in God’s eyes, bearing witness to what the Spirit writes in our hearts and revealing to everyone that his or her story contains marvellous things. In order to do this, let us entrust ourselves to a woman who knit together in her womb the humanity of God and, the Gospel tells us, wove together the events of her life. For the Virgin Mary “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2: 19). Let us ask for help from her, who knew how to untie the knots of life with the gentle strength of love:
O Mary, woman and mother, you wove the divine Word in your womb, you recounted by your life the magnificent works of God. Listen to our stories, hold them in your heart and make your own the stories that no one wants to hear. Teach us to recognize the good thread that runs through history. Look at the tangled knots in our life that paralyze our memory. By your gentle hands, every knot can be untied. Woman of the Spirit, mother of trust, inspire us too. Help us build stories of peace, stories that point to the future. And show us the way to live them together.
Rome, at Saint John Lateran, 24 January 2020, the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales

Franciscus PP

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[1] Cf. Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Spe Salvi, 2: “The Christian message was not only ‘informative’ but ‘performative’. That means: the Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be known–it is one that makes things happen and is life-changing”.

SATURDAY, 23 May 2020. Populus acquisitionis, annuntiate virtutes eius, qui vos de tenebris vocavit in admirabile lumen suum, alleluia. Usual first ejaculatory prayers to our Blessed Mother before coming down from my bed. It is always wonderful to begin the day in friendship with our heavenly mother.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Life is too good to be taken for granted."
We started having problems with our Inverter. Darkness - patient till the electric generator would be connected. Need to save costs. I remembered the words of St Paul and I adapted it to suit our situation: Quis nos separabit a praesentia Christi? Nobody. Thanks to Fr Innocent Udolisah who applied his technical knowledge to keep us out of total darkness. Ecce lux. Short time to prepare for morning prayers. Soon we were in the chapel. On our knees we presented ourselves to the Lord. Tantum ergo Sacramentum, Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: Præstet fides supplementum sensuum defectui. Genitori, Genitoque, Laus et iubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
At Mass, the Communion Anthiphon reminded us of Christ's prayer for us: Father, I wish that, where I am, those you gave me may also be with me, that they may see the glory that you gave me, alleluia.
Throughout today, I continued my desk work, with the prayer: Mon Dieu, donnez-moi la sérénité d'accepter les choses que je ne puis changer, le courage de changer les choses que je peux, et la sagesse d'en connaître la différence.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Sub tuum praesidium
confugimus,
Sancta Dei Genetrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias
in necessitatibus nostris,
sed a periculis cunctis
libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen.

FRIDAY, 22 May 2020. ST RITA OF CASCIA. I remember, as part of annual excursion by the Nigerian Priests and Religious in Rome, going to Cascia many many years ago to venerate this popular saint in Italy. Rita of Cascia (Born Margherita Lotti 1381 – 22 May 1457) was an Italian widow and Augustinian nun venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.After Rita's husband died, she joined an Augustinian community of religious sisters, where she was known both for practicing mortification of the flesh and for the efficacy of her prayers. Various miracles are attributed to her intercession, and she is often portrayed with a bleeding wound on her forehead, which is understood to indicate a partial stigmata. She is the patron saint of sterility, abuse victims, loneliness, marriage difficulties, parenthood, widows, the sick, bodily ills, and wounds.
One of my old Nigerian friends, Ichie Oruefi, love this saint so much that he built a chapel in his house in honour of the holy woman. Today I prayed for Ichie and his family. In a special way, I remembered his wife, who passed on about two years ago. Requiescat in pace.
Adoration. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: “Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ― William Faulkner. At Mass, we said the following intercessory prayers:

That the church may go on speaking in the name of Jesus and refuse to be silenced, knowing that the Lord is with her, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That God, who mounts His throune amid shouts of joy, may give to the rulers of the earth the light and strength to follow His ways of justice and life, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we may come before the throne of grace with confidence, carrying all the intentions of our hearts, knowing that the Father will do anything we ask for in Jesus' name, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who are in labour during a time of darkness and pain, that Jesus may bring them the joy which no one can take from them, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That our faithful departed may see Jesus int he kingdom of heaven, and that no one may be able to take this joy away from them, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

I spent the day indoors, following the lockdown instructions on how to prevent the spread of COVID19.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

THURSDAY, 21 May 2020. SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD.
The Church in the Introit of today's asked the question that were asked to Disciples: "Men of Galilee (Viri Galilae), why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go. Alleluia." -->

During the Office of Readings, to mark this special day, with the whole Church, let us sing:
Te Deum laudámus: te Dominum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi cæli et univérsae potestátes.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim incessábili voce proclámant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus Apostolórum chorus;
Te Prophetárum laudábilis númerus;
Te Mártyrum candidátus laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum sancta confitétur Ecclésia:
Patrem imménsæ majestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, Christe.
Tu Patris sempitérnus es Fílius.
OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”
Lauds. Benediction, and Holy Mass. I remembered Bishop Peter Okpaleke today on the anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination in 2013. May God bless his new episcopal ministry in Ekwulobia.
I spend these quiet days to plan how to relaunch myself into full ministry after this long lockdown. I have been praying for a new springtime of faith in the Church of our time. I'll do my best to help to gather "the pieces" after this unprecedented challenge to the Catholic faith and practice. Entirely for God.

WEDNESDAY, 20 May 2020. Confitebor tibi in populis, Domine, et narrabo nomen tuum fratribus meis, alleluia. Usual morning devotions. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

During Mass, we said the following intercessory prayers:

For the Church and her leaders,s that the example of St Paul's apostolic zeal may invigorate the new evangelization and bring generous hearts to place their lives at the service of the Gospel, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For the deep conversion that our world needs in order to engage in a culture of life, so that the peace which is the fruit of justice and mutual respect may be restored to us, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who are still searching for an Unknown God, and yet trying in vain to find Him in the works of their own genius and art, that God may open their hearts to the humility of faith, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all those who are still unable to bear the fullness of truth, that the Spirit of truth sent by Jesus may strengthen their hearts and open their eyes to see His glory, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who have asked for our prayers, for those we hold in our hearts, and for our beloved dead, Lord, hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

I am still forging ahead with my many projects. Deus, illustra faciem tuam!

A Delegation of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha Old Boys Association (AHOBA)
present at Mons. Igboaja's Funeral

TUESDAY, 19 May 2020. I woke up quite early, at about 3.30 am. I was thinking all through the night about my good friend Monsignor Eugene Ugonna Igboaja of Enugu diocese who would be buried today. At 6.00 am, I was in my chapel briefly for a short prayer. Then I had breakfast and was ready to set out for Enugu. It was necessary to leave early because all the borders of Anambra State were closed down. There was heavy security guarding all entry points to the State. Only those on essential services were allowed to cross the borders. I had a quick breakfast. My driver was punctual. We set out for Awka to meet a delegation of All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association (Mons. Igboaja was an old boy of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha). To guarantee free passage at our State border, I requested and got a Police escort. We had a smooth journey to Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu.
Monsignor Eugene Ugonna Igboaja impressed me because of the many sterling qualities I found in him. As a young man, he was focused. He knew what he wanted in life and set out to get it. He was a brilliant scholar, clear-headed, and apostle of the pen, writing and publishing many well-thought-out books. He was an action man. Once convinced about anything, he would set out to achieve it, even using unorthodox means (like throwing stones at the window of his bishop to get his attention), He simplicity was disarming. Although"philosophically an intellectual", he manifested child-like faith. My father, who knew him at the prayer ground of Ugwu di nso, enjoyed his down-to-earth sermons and his spiritual leadership. His classmate and very close friend, Fr Professor Benedict Ebo, was my philosophy teacher. I admired their friendship and came to love them both.
I recall that in January 2018, I invited SEPARATELY Mons. Igboaja and Father Eboh to visit me at Aguleri for a celebration of the 44th anniversary of their Priestly ordination. None of them knew that I invited the other. Eboh arrived first. After settling down in the room I assigned to him, we went out to stroll around my compound. From time to time, Igboaja would call to ask for direction, but Eboh did not know. Finally, Igboaja arrived and saw Eboh. I was thoroughly entertained to see how the greeted themselves. They arrived on 26th and departed on 28th January 2018. A special moment of a get-together to celebrate the gift of the priesthood. Around the Lord's table in my chapel, we broke the Bread and ate the Food of the Angels on 27 January 2018! We sang for both of them: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchizedek. It turned out to be the last anniversary of their priestly ordination celebrated together.
Before they left my house on 28 January 2019, Igboaja gave me a gift of a collection of his writings (FOURTEEN IN ALL): Tired in the Morning, Lessons from Bishop Eneja, Ready to Die, The Rise and Fall of Education Today: the Role of Mission and Private Schools in an Educationally Decadent Nation, Forgotten by God, Priest and Religious as Impact Makers, Who is Mad?, Ten Steps to Sainthood, Time on my Hand, A Sad Priest is a Tragedy, Too Busy to Love, Silenced by Love, Wisdom Through Foolishness, and A Mission of Happiness. Also, he forgot his rosary in my sacristy. Within one year of this encounter, Mons. Igboaja developed cancer of the tongue - something I never heard of before. I referred to this development in my journal entry for 27 January 2019. He recovered sufficiently for a thanksgiving celebration on 10 August 2019. During the Mass, I got the opportunity to address Mons. Igboaja. I rejoiced with him. Then I informed him that he forgot his rosary in my house during his visit some months earlier. When later he told me about his sickness in the hospital, I understood why the rosary was forgotten in my house. God wanted this rosary to be a bond with him during the period of his sickness. The rosary was left in my house to be used to pray for him. I did say the rosary for him. On that 10th August 2019, I brought it back to him. But before the Mass, I had time to say the rosary, thanking our Blessed Mother for Mons. Igboaja's recovery. Mission accomplished. I solemnly returned his property to him. He got up and embraced me. There was thunderous applause in the Church for this short drama.
   Less than two weeks after this celebration, Mons. Igboaja returned to UK hospital for a medical check-up. Ok.
      His New Year 2020 message read: "My Lord, in the first 6months of 2019, when I was hospitalized in Britain, battling with cancer of the tongue, you accompanied me with your UNDILUTED SOLIDARITY. I pray that in the New Year, 2020, you will always DO YOUR BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE WHEREVER YOU ARE. May the New Year equally bring you nearer to God in thoughts, in words and action."
   On 28 February 2020, he wrote: "My Lord, there is a new development!!!!! They have found another growth under my tongue. I am booked for minor surgery (biopsy) on Tuesday, March 3rd. God bless you." I replied: "My God! I feared this when I saw you last. I'll keep telling God about you. Courage, my brother."
    He eventually returned home later in March. The rest is history. He died, and today we gathered for the funeral Mass at the special arena within the compound of Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu.
   On arrival, I paid a courtesy visit to Bishop Callistus Onaga at his Independence Layout Enugu. Together we came the arena for funeral Mass. I had occasion to see Mons Igboaja in the casket before the Mass. For today's Mass in attendance were the following Bishops: Anthony Gbuji, Callistus Onaga, John Okoye, Godfrey Onah, Denis Isizoh, and Ernest Obodo.
At the burial ground, I sang for him again that song that reminds us that it was God that chose us and not the other way round: Iuravit Dominus et poenitebit eum. TU ES SACERDOS IN AETERNUM SECUNDUM ORDINEM MELCHIZEDEK. Eugene Ugonna Igboaja, may you rest in perfect peace in the Lord. Praesta, quaesumus, Domine, ut anima famuli tui Eugenii sacerdotis, quem in hoc saeculo commorantem sacris muneribus decorasti, in caelesti sede gloriosa semper exsultet. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
  I returned safely back to Aguleri. There was usual strict border control. The security officers even tested our temperature before entering Anambra State territory. Quiet evening and peaceful night.
O sanctissima, o piissima,
dulcis Virgo Maria!
Mater amata, intemerata,
ora, ora pro nobis.

Tu solatium et refugium,
Virgo Mater Maria.
Quidquid optamus, per te speramus;
ora, ora pro nobis.

MONDAY, 18 May 2020. Le Christ, ressuscité des morts, ne meurt plus; sur lui la mort n'a plus aucun pouvoir, alléluia. Before the Lord in the tabernacle, we kneel in adoration: Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "True blessing comes in the dress of sweats, never delaying to wave bye to the excuses and procrastination. True blessing lies in hard work!"
Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. Our intercessory prayer today:

For the church, that the Spirit who bears witness on behalf of Christ may make her witness strong even in the face of persecution, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That Christians may reach out to praying hearts, as Paul did to Lydia, that the number of people who stand up for the right to justice and to human dignity may increase in the world, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we who have been with Jesus from the beginning of our lives may testify to Him as Lord by our faith, our moral truth, and our joy, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all who are suffering, especially those who have asked for our prayers, that they may experience the divine love and healing that will bring a new song of praise and exultation into their hearts, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That our beloved dead may sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful enrolled in heaven, Lord hear us: LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

Happy birthday my kid brother - CheChe. May God shower His abundant blessings on you and your family.
Concluding prayer for today's Compline: Lord, give our bodies restful sleep; and let the work we have done today be sown for an eternal harvest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUNDAY, 17 May 2020. SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER. Vocem iucunditatis annuntiate, et audiatur, annuntiate usque ad extremum terrae: liberavit Dominus populum suum, alleluia.
For my meditation on our Blessed Mother, the question is: WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? And here is a response for my reflection today: "Remembering Mary in my prayer life has become a daily spiritual practice. I frequently begin my day with the Rosary. Throughout the day as I think about others, I will reach out to Mary with one of the Litany of Loreto prayer ejaculations: Mary, help of the sick; Mary, Queen of Peace. I have also asked penitents to reach out to Mary when they struggle with issues of purity: Mary, most pure; Mary, most chaste, pray for me. I include myself in these prayers, too." —Father Richard Klingeisen, Reedsville, Wisconsin.
Today I ventured out of my residence for a pastoral visit since COVID19-lockdown protocol was put in place. I was at St Kevin's Parish Nnobi. We tried to observe all that was imposed on us: face masks, social distancing, the brevity of sermon and ceremonies, etc. About 181 persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. These candidates occupied a good part of the Church. Most others stayed outside under canopies provided for today's Mass.
It was challenging for me to wear a mask all the time. To compound the situation, with zucchetto and mitre on the heard, more than half of the face covered with a piece of cloth that trapped part of the air breathed out - making me inhale it again, with a pair of reading glasses, I was in for a difficult moment in the Church. It was like I was choking during the Mass. I had to endure it. Already, I taught the people of God to offer their inconveniences to God as part of our prayer for the end of the coronavirus pandemic and atonement for our sins. The thought of this offering to God gave me much relief.
Immediately after the Mass, I asked those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation to leave the Church and those who stayed under the canopies to come inside the Church. I had a good interaction with them, and I responded to some of their questions. Quick reception organized for me followed this period of interaction. Soon we were all on our way to our homes.
Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

SATURDAY, 16 May 2020. Consepulti estis Christo in baptismo, in quo et resurrexistis per fidem operationis Dei, qui suscitavit illum a mortuis, alleluia. Saturday, a day for Mary. Early conversation with our Blessed Mother. Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous. Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes, et Jésus le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pauvres pécheurs, maintenant et à l’heure de notre mort. Amen.
Usual morning devotions of Adoration, Meditation, Lauds and Holy Mass. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Friendship is like an investment; the best type yields the best profit for you! It's not just about making friends; it's about making right friends for the right reasons!"
My meditation on our Blessed Mother, the question is: WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? And here is a response for my reflection today: "Every priest has a mother, but one day she passes away, leaving the priest orphaned. Once the priest loses his mother, he is cared for by our Blessed Mother Mary in every moment of his life. What keeps him going forward is the love and care and motherly blessings he countlessly experiences in his life, and he is no more orphaned. May Blessed Virgin Mary bless all the priests of the world." —Father George Nellikunnel, Springfield, Illinois"
When my mother was alive, we used to celebrate her birthday today. It used to be a special day for her and my niece Ifunanya and nephew Chidubem, both MauMau's children. Three of them were born the same day but different years. I wish our little kids: BUON COMPLEANNO! I prayed that they might grow in wisdom and knowledge before God and human beings. Exchange of greetings through Family WhatsApp forum.
I was, as usual, at home due to COVID19 forced holidays. No dull moment as I pushed forward in developing the projects before me.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Lord, we thank you. In te ipso enim vivimus et movemur et sumus.

FRIDAY, 15 May 2020. Cor Iesu Sacratissimum, miserere nobis. Usual morning devotions here at Blessed Iwene Tansi Community. Silent adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament. All I notice around me is silence. God in the tabernacle is silent. I remember an article I read, entitled "When God seems silent." One line I remember is: "God's silences are his answers." So, before the Lord hidden in the Tabernacle who is silent, what answers are am I getting here? Adóro te devóte, látens Déitas, Quæ sub his figúris, vere látitas: Tibi se cor meum totum súbjicit, Quia, te contémplans, totum déficit.
Returning to the meditation on our Blessed Mother, the question is: WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? And here is a response for my reflection today: "The Blessed Mother plays an important role as an intercessor. I remember before being ordained that my bishop said to me, "Always keep the Blessed Mother close to you.”I have remembered that and so formed the habit of a daily Rosary, always asking for her help and intercession." —Father Todd Nance, Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
Lauds. Holy Mass. Since last week, we have been hearing the readings recounting the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit in the mission of the Apostles. Today, I prayed deeply for the guidance of the Spirit in my own episcopal ministry. I asked God especially that I be always disposed to seek the promptings of the Spirit in whatever direction I take in the work of evangelization. For the Intercessions, we collectively presented to the Lord the following intentions:

That the Holy Spirit may continue to move in the church today, creating unity and peace among her members: Lord, hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That the church may be a beacon of moral uprightness in the world, and that her light may be welcomed by those in positions of power and influence: Lord, hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we, who have been called friends by our Lord Jesus Christ, may truly understand His Heart and keep His commandments to love each other: Lord, hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That Jesus, who called us and appointed us to go forth and bear fruit, may accept our prayer on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters, and bring them healing, grace and strength: Lord, hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That God, whose mercy towers to the heavens and whose faithfulness is higher than the skies, may welcome our deceased loved ones into His holy kingdom: Lord, hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

Busy afternoon. First draft of my project completed. Quiet night. In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. Redemisti nos, Domine, Deus veritatis.

THURSDAY, 14 May 2020. FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS, Apostle. I prayed especially for Fr Matthias Okpala. Usual morning devotions.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? I reflected on this response: “The Blessed Mother is the primary patron saint for priests. I believe as a priest my goal is to seek to love Jesus as she did. She knew and loved Jesus best on earth —with a pure heart. This is my ideal.”—Father Michael Quinn, Sausalito, California.
At Mass this morning we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal.
The COVID19 lockdown is still in place. So, I stayed indoors, doing what I love to do: reading, writing, etc.
The day ended happily. To our Blessed Mother during this Paschal time we turn:
Regina caeli laetare, alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia:
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia:
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

WEDNESDAY, 13 May 2020. Usual morning invocations of our Blessed Mother at rising. Adoration of the exposed Sanctissimum in the chapel.  Sweet Sacrament divine, earth's light and jubilee, in thy far depths doth shine thy Godhead's majesty; sweet light, so shine on us, we pray, that earthly joys may fade away: sweet Sacrament divine.
  WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? Today, I considered this reponse: ""Since 1972, when my grandparents brought me on pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fátima, I have always felt the close presence of Our Lady, who has guided my 32 years of priesthood as a model of love and humility. It has been a very personal and private presence until my last visit to Lourdes three years ago. I finally worked up the nerve to bathe in the waters of Lourdes. As soon as I was lowered into the waters, I began to cry like a baby. I felt so passionately that Our Lady interceded for me, and that my sins, my fears, my doubts were all washed away in 10 seconds. She remains my guide, my hope and my Mother. "—Father Frank Nelson , Seaford, New York.
Special remembrance of the first visit of our Blessed Mother at Fatima. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. During this COVID19 pandemic, we remember what happened about 1918/1919 when the Spanish flu struck the world. Among the people killed were Jacinta and Francisco of the Fatima fame. Our prayer is to have an end to the COVID19 pandemic. I found this online prayer for healthcare workers:
Restoring and healing God, thank you for medical workers everywhere, embodying sacrificial love in these challenging times putting the welfare of others before their own staying away from their family and loved ones comforting the concerned and bereaved reassuring the anxious and vulnerable working to heal and restore people who are ill. Be their guide, strength, wisdom and hope.
We pray for those in authority to do right by them for proper protective equipment to be provided and for their dedication to be met with much gratitude and appreciation when they return home, exhausted.
  And we pray for medical workers around the world, where resources and protective equipment are always in short supply, not only now but always. May these extraordinary times lead to deep and necessary changes in how our world works, resulting in a genuine effort to address the profound injustice of life expectancy being determined by geography, to awaken us all to the reality of how connected we all are and to work together to create the community and world we all want to be part of. So help us, God, Amen.

TUESDAY, 12 May 2020. Laudem dicite Deo nostro, omnes qui timetis Deum, pusili et magni, quia facta est salus, et virtus, et postestas Christi eius, alleluia. Usual morning spiritual activities.
I started reading the survey section of the May 2020 edition of the magazine, The Priest. The question for the priest-readers is: WHAT ROLE DOES THE BLESSED MOTHER PLAY IN YOUR PRIESTHOOD? I considered this question important, needing adequate response from me as individual. I have chosen to use everyday one of the responses by the priest-readers of magazine as my meditation/reflection material. So for today: "I consecrated myself to her three years before my ordination. She has gently yet profoundly deepened my relationship with Jesus, and she has helped me to avail myself frequently of the Sacrament of Mercy and Eucharistic Adoration, which together have brought fruitfulness to my life and work as a priest. I would like to keep growing in my filial relationship with her so that she becomes to me who she was to her beloved son, Jesus." —Father Rendell Torres , Whitehall, New York.
Adoration. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. The COVID19 kept me seated at home to continue the work already begun.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.
Ave, Regina caelorum,
Ave, Domina Angelorum:
Salve, radix, salve, porta
Ex qua mundo lux est orta:

Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Vale, o valde decora,
Et pro nobis Christum exora.

A SIGNIFICANT DAY IN THE LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP ALBERT OBIEFUNA. Sunday, 12 April 2009 (Easter Sunday) - Mons. Denis Isizoh concelebrated Holy Mass with Archbishop Albert Obiefuna in Germany. For several weeks after his first throat surgery and subsequent radiation therapy, the Archbishop could neither celebrate Mass nor receive Holy Communion. He described this period and today's celebration in his own words/writing: "From October 22nd 2008, the day of the first operation and opening of the throat I could not receive Holy Communion, nor could I celebrate the Eucharist. this was the saddest aspect of my illness, Since I could not swallow there was no way I could receive Holy Communion or take the precious blood. This very sad condition lasted from October 22nd 2008 till Easter Sunday April 12th 2009. On Easter Sunday April 12th 2009 1 began to celebrate Mass again. It was for me the day of my resurrection. I have no way of describing the agony I felt in my soul during those days when everybody feared I would die. How could I have died without receiving the Eucharistic Lord?"

MONDAY, 11 May 2020. Surrexit pastor bonus, qui animam suam posuit pro ovibus suis, et pro grege suo mori dignatus est, alleluia. The day started in the usual way. Activities in our chapel - Adoration, Meditation, Office of Lauds and Holy Mass.
Reflecting on the courage to move on despite negative criticisms sometimes encountered in life, OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "You will meet a lot of people in your life; some laugh with you, others will laugh at you; some will love to clean your mess, others will love to mess you up! Love all, but choose carefully the one who stays close to you forever! The dreams you have that may meet mockeries from the lips of negative people will yield the success that will squeeze tears from their eyes later! Dare to resist every negative criticism and persist to make it happen!"
Two great events happened in Onitsha archdiocese on this date but in different years.
  On 11 May 1985, Mons. Stephen Nweke Ezeanya was consecrated Archbishop of Onitsha. I was there live as deacon on that occasion in Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha. This morning, at Mass in my chapel, I recalled that great, happy event in the life of the Church. It was Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya who ordained me priest.
On 11 May 2011, in far away USA, Archbishop Albert Obiefuna passed on. He suffered very much because of throat cancer. In the early stages of his sickness, I assisted him, especially when he was in Germany for treatment. I was particularly touched, despite his grave condition, he was present in Ogbunike for my sacerdotal silver jubilee. When I expressed surprise that he came to Ogbunike, he said: "I cannot be absent for your celebration." In the evening today, at 4.30pm, I was at St Albert's Church Oraukwu (Archbishop's home parish) to celebrate Mass of anniversary. Many people were in attendance. I asked Fr Barth Okonkwo to give a sermon on aspects of his life. I made few remarks on his life too, highlighting particularly his Eucharistic devotion. He indeed introduced the chapel of adoration in Nigeria. For him, with the Church, I prayed: Da, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus, ut anima famuli tui Alberti episcopi, cui familiae tuae curam tradidisti, cum multiplici laboris fructu gaudia Domini su ingrediatur aeterna. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus per omnia saecula saeculorum.
  I am looking forward to the dedication of the Church of St Albert Oraukwu on Sunday, 18 October 2020.
On my way back, I visited St Kevin's Parish Nnobi to see the extent of their preparation for my pastoral visit the upper Sunday. Not much on ground. Fr Chris Ngwu told me that he was working very hard to get everything in place.
Back to Aguleri. Quiet evening. To our Blessed Mother I commend myself and all my assistants, and with St Bernard Clairvaux pray:
Domina nostra, Mediatrix nostra, Advocata nostra,
tuo Filio nos reconcilia,
tuo Filio nos recommenda,
tuo Filio nos representa.

SUNDAY, 10 May 2020. FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER. Cantate Domino canticum novum, quia mirabilia fecit Dominus; ante conspectum gentium revelavit iustitiam suam, alleluia. We started the day in our usual way.
Reflecting on the importance of being a person of integrity, OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "To maintain your integrity, just maintain your words in sanctity, and your works in sincerity. You can't be really trusted when your works of today are standing against your words of yesterday!" Other spiritual activities followed.
No external function today.

SATURDAY, 9 May 2020. We started the day with our usual morning devotions. Before the Lord hidden in the tabernacle we kneel: Adoremus in aeternum Sanctissimum Sacramentum.
Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes
Laudate Eum Omnes Populi
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia eius
Et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
Gloria Patri Et Filio et Spiritui Sancto
Sicut erat in Principio et Nunc et Semper
et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Reflecting on the relationship between learning and humility, we have this OUR TODAY'S OUOTE: "If you want to go to a place you have never been before, you have to ask questions you have never asked before. Don't feel shy to ask questions about things you don't know!"
Office of Lauds. Holy Mass. Every day I have the privilege of listening to a short homily given by one of my Secretaries. All of us in our little community are enriched. After each homily, we observe a short period of silence to internalise the Word of God. Then intercessory prayers (Prayer of the Faithful) follow. Today we prayed:

For the church in her holy ministers, that like Paul and Barnabas they may speak the word of God and words of truth fearlessly especially in times of opposition, Lord hear us :; LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For leaders of nations that are known to be formed by centuries of Christian tradition, that they may radiate the light of Christian values to the watching world, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That our words and deeds may be a true reflection of the work of the Father, and that we may be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all the intentions that weigh heavily on our hearts, that we may glorify the Father in the Son by believing that if we ask for help with confidence in the name of Jesus, He will do greater deeds than we know how to expect, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For our faithful departed ones, that Jesus may show them the face of the Father unveiled in the clear light of heaven, Lord hear us: LORD GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

Usual everyday working-breakfast with my secretaries during which we discuss our activities for the day. Occasionally visiting priests join us for such business-like meal.
Quiet morning and afternoon hours, which I gainfully used for the projects already undertaken. In moments like this, Reinhold Niebuhr's prayer comes to mind: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. ... Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other."
At 4.15pm, I was at the Convent of the Immaculate Heart Sisters in Aguleri for Mass for our amiable Sister Mary Lelia Idigo who died in a car accident on 28 April 2020, This was the last place she lived. The Mass was attended by all the Sisters of the community together with few persons who live nearby. I concelebrated the Mass with my secretary, Fr Innocent Udolisah. For Sister Mary Lelia we prayed: Praesta quaesumus, omnipotens Deus, ut anima famulae tuae, Maria Lelia, qua pro Christi amore perfectae caritatis viam percurrit, in adventu gloriae tuae laetetur et cum sororibus suis de regni tui beatitudine gaudeat sempiterna. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
To my Guardian Angel I pray:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this night, be at my side,
to light and guard, rule and guide. Amen.

FRIDAY, 8 May 2020. Seigneur, par ton sang tu as racheté pour Dieu des hommes de toute race, langue, peuple et nation. Tu en as fait pour notre Dieu un royaume de prêtres, alléluia. Our Easter Hymn:
Alleluia! King eternal,
You the Lord of lords we own:
Alleluia! born of Mary,
Earth your footstool, heaven your throne:
You within the veil, have entered,
Robed in flesh, our great High Priest:
By your Spirit, left us heavenward,
In the Eucharistic feast!
Considering how best to use our time, especially during this COVID19 lockdown, OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "When you come across an excellent invention, what it should tell you is that someone used most of his sleeping time as his thinking time... and he kept doing the same until his good became better and his better became the best!"
The Priests most hit by the lockdown are those who are ONLY parish priests without any other assignment. Since the lockdown, these priests spend days at home without the people to engage them in conversation or other activities. Since they depend only on offertory collection for their feeding, some of them have now very little to eat. It is reported that some are experiencing depression. How should they cope with such depression. I found some recommendations by Fr David Songy of the Capuchin Province of Mid America, in this month's edition of The Priest. Here are some of the recommendations:

Daily Orientation: What do I do today? How can I use my time? Should I wait till tomorrow"Taking time at the beginning of a day to orient oneself can contribute to feelings of stability and diminished stress.
Self-Care components (physical, health, emotional health, social support, ministerial environment, spiritual health and leisure) are necessary.
A familiar routine reduces Stress. Getting up at the same time, keeping a fixed prayer schedule and continued exercise ad work all contribute to a sense of equilibrium.
Reducing unproductive thinking decreases stress: excessive worry, projecting the future or trying to solve problems that cannot be solved in the present moment.
Limiting necessary, difficult activities can reduce stress. Some problems cannot be be avoided: payment of bills, obtaining necessary information on appropriate precautions to take in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, etc. But spending hours and hours on television and internet is counter-productive.
More contacts with friends reduces stress.
Personal fulfilment lessens the impact of significant stress.

I spent the day reasonably well. Thanks be to God.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. With our Blessed Mother we rejoice..
Regina caeli laetare, alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia:
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia:
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

THURSDAY, 7 May 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. Our Easter hymn:
Alleluia! Heavenly High Priest,
Here on earth our help, our stay;
Alleluia! Hear the sinful
Cry to you from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
Earth's Redeemer, hear our plea,
Where the songs of all the sinless
Sweep across the crystal sea.
Meditating today, it struck me that those who always tell of their great achievements in the past and gloat over their present activities tend to remain stunted in their progress through life. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Three rules to obey! 1. Don't be over-impressed by your past glories! 2. Don't be scared by your future stories! 3. Be hopeful to get out of today's miseries!"
At 10.15am I was at the Novitiate of Brothers of St Stephen Nkwelle Ezunaka for the funeral of Br Augustine Ugwuoke. I had slight problem with my car while coming. We were able to fix the problem. Our prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the soul of your servant Augustine, who for love of Christ walked the way of perfect charity, may rejoice in the coming of your glory and together with his brothers may delight in the everlasting happiness of your Kingdom. Archbishop Val Okeke presided. Fr John Bosco Okafor gave the homily. I did the final Commendation.
I spent the rest of the day in Aguleri.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
En toi, Seigneur, nos vies reposent
Et prennent force dans la nuit ;
Tu nous prépares à ton aurore
Et tu nous gardes dans l’Esprit.

Déjà levé sur d’autres terres,
Le jour éveille les cités ;
Ami des hommes, vois leur peine
Et donne-leur la joie d’aimer.

Vainqueur du mal et des ténèbres,
O Fils de Dieu ressuscité,
Délivre-nous de l’Adversaire
Et conduis-nous vers ta clarté !

WEDNESDAY, 6 May 2020. Confitebor tibi in populis, Domine, et narrabo nomen tuum fratribus meis, alleluia. I started the day with my usual ejaculatory prayers to our Blessed Mother. Normal rhythm of spiritual activitiesç Adoration. Meditation. Office of Lauds, which we usually start with the introductory prayer to Divine Office:
V. Lord, open our lips.
R. And we shall praise your name.
Lord God, I offer this Divine Office to you, together with the adoration and praise of the angels and saints in heaven, as well as that of all the priests of your Church and all other consecrated persons. I present to you, holy Father, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this chorus of prayer, made holy in the Heart of Jesus and made one with His most holy prayer. May all the words of this prayer be acts of pure love, adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction, trust, and surrender to your holy Will. Let this prayer be for my weak self a spiritual communion, an act of humility, and of perfect self-denial; and may it be a sacrifice of praise and glory to you, O Blessed Trinity. Amen.
Our reflection on our attitude to success and achievement. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "In all things, may the victory come to us while the glory goes to God. We can't handle the glory... It only brings pride! We can handle the victory... It brings a joyful life!"
Today I began to assemble the sources for the book on traditional devotional practices for priests. Sit splendor Domini Dei nostri super nos, et opera manuum nostrarum confirma super nos et opus manuum nostrarum confirma.
Evening intercessory prayers:

In Christ, who was raised from the dead, the Father has opened for us the way to eternal life. Let us pray to him: R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.
God of our fathers, in the resurrection you glorified your Son; grant us true repentance that we may walk in newness of life. R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.
You have brought us to Christ, the shepherd and guardian of our souls; keep us faithful to him, under the guidance of our pastors. R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.
From the Jewish people you chose Christ's first disciples; show the children of Israel that your promises are fulfilled. R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.
Remember the orphans, the widows and the homeless of our world; your Son has reconciled men with God, do not abandon them now. R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.
You called Stephen to yourself as he bore witness to Jesus; welcome the faithful departed who have loved and desired you. R. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE THROUGH THE VICTORY OF CHRIST.

I stayed beyond midnight at my desk. With the psalmist (4,6) I exclaim: "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe." - Maiorem dedisti laetitiam in corde meo, quam cum multiplicantur frumentum et vinum eorum. In pace in idipsum dormiam et requiescm, quoniam tu, Domine, singulariter in spe constituisti me.

TUESDAY, 5 May 2020. Waking up with this air of Easter music by Jean Tisserand: O filii et filiae, Rex caelestis, Rex gloriae. Morte surrexit hodie. Alleluia. Usual morning spiritual and physical exercises. A Morning Hymn:
Alleluia! Not as orphans
Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us;
Faith believes nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him
When the forty days were o'er,
Shall our hearts forget his promise,
"I am with you evermore"
Our reflection on human encounters and relationships. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "People will walk in and walk out of your life, but the one whose footstep made a long lasting impression is the one you should never allow to walk out.... Dismiss false friends as early as possible. Do it before they dig out the dream seeds you've planted! The earlier, the better; the quicker, the safer! "
At Mass today we prayed: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, celebrating the mysteries of the Lord's Resurrection, we may merit to receive the joy of our redemption.
A thought flashed through my mind today about my ministry in the first three years of my priesthood. I remembered one of our devotions of having half-day adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On First Fridays, we used to devote it to Reparation for the sacrileges committed against our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We used to have a book for concluding the Eucharistic adoration, which contained long prayer of Reparation. Where is this book today? I do not see it anywhere. Our young priests today do not have all the tools they need to perform their sacred functions. I resolved today to put together the prayers that made up this devotional practice for First Fridays and Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I hope to have this published after the COVID19 forced holidays. Deus in adiutorium meum intende.
Busy evening. Prayers. Supper. By 9.20pm I was already eager to go to bed.
Gesù, luce da luce, sole senza tramonto,
tu rischiari le tenebre nella notte del mondo.

In te, santo Signore, noi cerchiamo il riposo
dall’umana fatica, al termine del giorno.
Se i nostri occhi si chiudono, veglia in te il nostro cuore;
la tua mano protegga coloro che in te sperano.

Difendi, o Salvatore, dalle insidie del male
i figli che hai redenti col tuo sangue prezioso.
A te sia gloria, o Cristo, nato da Maria vergine,
al Padre ed allo Spirito nei secoli dei secoli. Amen.

MONDAY, 4 May 2020. Christus resurgens ex mortuis iam non moritur, mors illi ultra non dominabitur, alleluia. Usual morning spiritual activities.
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
His the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus, out of every nation,
Has redeemed us by his blood.
In silence before the Lord. Adoration. Meditation. OUR TODAY'S QUOTE: "Excuses will not take you far, they will take you out. The success of your many excuses doesn’t mean you will run away from the work. It means the work will run away from you!"
There was one question, which the Priest-readers were invited to submit their replies, in April 2020 edition of the magazine the Priest: "WHEN DO YOU KNOW IT IS TIME TO GO ON RETREAT? Some priests replied:

It’s time to go on retreat when the week for your annual retreat rolls around. On an annual basis, appreciate [the opportunity to set aside at least a week for a retreat. Leaving one’s retreat to be determined by when it seems like it’s time to go is probably a risky path to travel. A retreat requires making plans with the retreat director and getting time off from one’s ministry, and these are often not easy things to arrange. Planning an annual time for a retreat will help ensure the retreat actually happens. Arranging for one’s retreat deserves as much careful planning as arranging for one’s vacation. --Father Austin Fleming, Belmont, Massachusetts
It is recommended that one schedules a retreat on a regular basis, the same time every year. This will help with making the care of one's spiritual health more systemic. I would also make a recommendation that you should allow yourself time for spiritual direction and time for a spiritual retreat when one has had a major loss or a significant challenge in one's ministry and personal life. In short, retreats are not luxuries but necessities. --Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez , Des Plaines, Illinois
When I notice my mind constantly focuses on the problem-solving mechanism, even during my prayer time, and when I catch myself frequently distracted during the celebration of Mass, it definitely becomes obvious. --Father Joseph Nguyen, McMinnville, Oregon
The time comes when I feel spiritually drained, and then I know I need to make my retreat. --Father Paul Hartley, Glasgow, Missouri
It's always time to go on a retreat if you can arrange it. But practically speaking, it is good to have a routine. Mine is to make one during the beginning of Advent to prepare for the Incarnation. --Father L. Vallone, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania
When the dryness becomes self-evident in your homilies, in your prayer, in the lackluster of your peace and joy, it is time to renew your heart with the Lord. --Father Benjamin Flores, El Paso, Texas
Usually when I have a sense of weariness and tiredness that makes me feel as though I do not want to do the next task or go into the office. That can happen more than once a year. --Father Kenneth Koehler, Westminster, Colorado.

I asked myself if the annual retreat scheduled for all priests of our archdiocese is enough for me. Do I get real value from it? Do I need more than one period of retreat in a year? Which one do I find more beneficial: a retreat directed by a moderator or the one I programme and self-direct? I am still reflecting....
Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
Usual daily lockdown activities. Evening intercessory prayer:

Rejoicing, let us pray to Christ the Lord, who sheds glory on the universe through his resurrection. R. CHRIST, OUR LIFE, HEAR US.
Lord Jesus, you joined your disciples on the way to Emmaus; accompany your Church on her journey through life. R. CHRIST, OUR LIFE, HEAR US.
May we, your faithful, not be slow to believe; give us the courage to proclaim your victory over death. R. CHRIST, OUR LIFE, HEAR US.
Look upon those who have not recognized your presence in their lives; let their hearts rejoice in the knowledge of their Saviour. R. CHRIST, OUR LIFE, HEAR US.
You are the judge of the living and the dead; grant to the faithful departed forgiveness of their sins. R. CHRIST, OUR LIFE, HEAR US.

We thank God for the gift of today. As I retire, I turn to our Blessed Mother Mary with the beautiful prayer of Father Claude Bernard:
Memorare O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

SUNDAY, 3 May 2020. FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER. Misericordia Domini plena est terra; verbo Domini caeli firmati sunt, alleluia. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought, TODAY'S QUOTE: "Don't be too full of yourself because of how people hail you. When your head is swelling, it means there is more empty space to fill in there!" After the Second Reading of the Office of Readings to day: The good shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, is risen from the dead: for the sake of his flock, he was willing to endure death, alleluia. Christ has been sacrificed for us, our paschal victim: for the sake of his flock, he was willing to endure death, alleluia.
At Mass today, with the Church we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal.
I had no external Mass today. Still observing, though in a moderated form, the COVID19 Lockdown Protocol, I was at my desk working. I hope that at end of this sit-at-home forced break, I'll be able to record some things achieved ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
At 5.00pm, I received some of my family members. One of my nieces, Mrs Ifeanyi Uchendu, brought her baby for baptism. She was accompanied by a large number of family members. It was a joy to baptise my first grand nephew. Ifechukwu (God's property) who was baptised Giovanni (John, meaning "God is gracious"). At different stages during the Rite of Baptism, these prayers were said for the infant Giovanni:

Giovanni Ifechukwu, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Saviour by the sign of his Cross. I now trace the Cross on your forehead, and invite your parents and godparent to do the same.
By the mystery of your death and resurrection, bathe thischild in light give him the new life of baptism and welcome him into your Church.
Through baptism and confirmation, make him your faithful follower and a witness to your gospel.
Lead him by a holy life to the joys of God's kingdom.
Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendour of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set him free from original sin, make him a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Saviour; may he strengthen you with his power. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
May you have strength in the power of Christ our Saviour, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life. Amen.
Giovanni, you have become a mew creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven. Amen.
Receive the light of Christ.
The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen.

We thank God for the new Catholic member of our family. Records of this baptism are to be found in the Baptismal Register of St Joseph's Parish, Aguleri. At the end, I offered supper to all who came.

I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.

Approaching and interacting with People of African Traditional Religion.

Oldest man in town. Exemplary Christian. God bless you, brother.

Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!

The infant was attracted to the pectoral Cross of the Bishop.

Announcing the Good News of Christ in Ala n'Onugwa - Olumbanasaa.

May Almighty God bless you: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

On foot trekking into Igbedor. We must take the Gospel to ends of the world!

A night to remember. Blessing the People of Aguleri after unveiling the Grand Statue of Bl Iwene Tansi.

Reaching out to every one in the name of Christ.

Bishop Denis Isizoh... Encounters ... Rural Evangelisation.

SATURDAY, 2 May 2020. MEMORIAL OF ST ATHANASIUS. In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os eius, et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus; stolam gloriae induit eum, alleluia. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: This month we celebrate the 450th anniversary of the death of St John of Avila. One of the things I remember about this great saint is his recommendation for the establishment of seminaries, which hitherto were non-existent. He wrote extensively on the Priestly life. I have chosen to reflect on his Pearls of Wisdom for Priests:

Love the Church
Work for unity and reconciliation.
Remember who you are.
Seek support of your brothers.
Simplicity of life.
Be ready to go where you are needed.
Make sure you do God's will.
Help others to grow in holiness
Trust in God's mercy.
Treasure the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother.

St John's Treatise on the Priesthood emphasised: "The Priest...is the face of the Church; and just as in the face is reflected the beauty of the entire body; likewise the clergy must be the principal beauty of the Church. As priests, we cannot forget that "We are not alone in our attempts to follow and make the Lord present to others. Those who intercede for us as we prostrated on the floors of our cathedrals during the rite of ordination continue to cheer us on until the day we enjoy their friendship in heaven.
I begin to feel sad about the COVID19 lockdown. I truly enjoy rural evangelisation. These days I cannot reach out as I used in the past. I say this prayer which I found online:
‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38-39)
God of heaven and earth, in these times of isolation, apart from loved ones distant from friends away from neighbours thank you that there is nothing in all of creation, not even coronavirus, that is able to separate us from your love. And may your love that never fails continue to be shared through the kindness of strangers looking out for each other, for neighbours near and far all recognising our shared vulnerability, each of us grateful for every breath, and willing everyone to know the gift of a full and healthy life. Keep us all in your care. Amen.

FRIDAY, 1 May 2020. FEAST OF ST JOSEPH THE WORKER. This morning I got up quite early, at about 1.20 am. Whatever the reason, I felt well-rested. Recalling that today was and still is a special day in my life, I decided not to try to sleep again. Instead, even in my nightwear, I slipped into my chapel and said the rosary and some personal prayers. I returned to my room, but my phone suddenly became very busy. I received many greeting from friends, well-wishers, family members, bishops and priests, from near and far. All were assuring me of their prayers and saying kind words. I picked up my phone to read some of these messages. It was then I realised that many more messages came soon after midnight. On this day, five years ago, I was consecrated Bishop at the Square of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha by His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze. Archbishop Valerian Okeke and Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem were the two principal co-Consecrators. All of them chosen by me. I learnt when I was appointed that, once not the Pope himself as Principal Consecrator, the bishop-elect has the privilege of deciding who will consecrate him. About forty bishops took part in my consecration. My appointment was announced in the Vatican City on 6 February 2015, and I was consecrated on 1 May 2015.
Every day, I realise more and more that to be a bishop is a privilege. No person is ever worthy of it. I owe everything to God and to all those I have encountered in my life and ministry. I accept all my imperfections, and I work very hard to improve myself.
The Opening Prayer that day of my Episcopal ordination is still fresh in my memory: O God, the eternal Shepherd, who, governing your flock with watchful care, choose to join Denis, your servant and priest, to the College of Bishops this day, grant, we pray, that by his holiness of life, he may everywhere prove to be a true witness to Christ Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
  My favourite biblical quotation has always been the Letter of Paul to Timothy:  "I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." (2 Timothy 1,6-14).
  Choosing to have a tranquil but prayerful celebration, I invited to lunch one of my classmates. I prayed God to bless all my assistants who help me to respond to my vocation, my colleagues in Episcopate and the Priesthood, all the lay faithful that support my ministry, those that pray for me, those that challenge me to bring out the best in me, all those that need my care, et cetera. Today is one of the days I remember the prayer we learnt in the seminary. It is called The Prayer for a Christian Youth. I think that it applies to every age. Today I considered it very appropriate to say it:

THE PRAYER OF A CHRISTIAN YOUTH
  O Lord, give me courage to do what is hard; courage to say no to sin; courage to hold off the quitter in me.
Give me a clean mind and clean speech; clean eyes and clean hands. Let me cherish cleanness, and recognize that it brings happiness. Let me appreciate that in purity all good things grow.
Give me a gift for kindness, so that I may never hurt another. Teach me to control my temper and my tongue, so that they do not become the instruments of cruelty. I know my own importance, Lord, but let me never fail to see that others have importance, too.
Give me strength of spirit to defeat self-pity. If I am lonesome, lead me to the knowledge that to be loved I must be lovable; that I will have no real friends until I earn them.
Give me that bigness I will need to be cheerfully obedient. Remove from my personality a sullen spirit. Teach me to take orders, so that some day I will know how to give them reasonably.
Give me zest and drive to conquer laziness. Never let me feel that I can be served without serving, or get without giving. Instruct my heart in the love of work, so I may know the joy of rest.
Give me that peace of mind which comes from knowing that I will never lead another to sin. By your grace, may no one be cheapened because he kept my company. Let all who love me, learn to love you more.
Give me, finally, such brightness, laughter and grace, that you will find in me a temple which will please you as Mary pleased you Amen,

THURSDAY, 30 April 2020. Cantemus Domino: gloriose enim magnificatus est. Fortitudo mea et laus mea Dominus, et factus est mihi in salutem, alleluia. With my entire household we began with the adoration of the Sanctissimum.
O memorial of our Lord's death,
Living Bread that gives life to man,
Grant my soul to live on You,
And always to savor your sweetness.

Lord Jesus, Good Pelican,
wash my filthiness and clean me with Your Blood,
One drop of which can free
the entire world of all its sins.

Jesus, whom now I see hidden,
I ask You to fulfill what I so desire:
That the sight of Your Face being unveiled
I may have the happiness of seeing Your glory. Amen.

Food for thought: "The success gate is far at the end of the long failure corridor. Keep moving no matter how many potholes you step into. You will get there with time!" Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
I was still confined to my home today, observing Coronavirus Lockdown protocol. How I long to return to full ministry, attending to my beloved flock. Why this Coronavirus? My prayer: Deus, converte nos, illustra faciem tuam, et salvi erimus? I recited the whole PSALM 80 and then decided to say it regularly to ask God to save us from the plague of COVID19.

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!

Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbours;
our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches;
it sent out its branches to the sea,
and its shoots to the River.
Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
Turn again, O God of hosts;
look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
the stock that your right hand planted.
They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Inauguration of Ekwulobia diocese & Installation of Bishop Peter Okpaleke
St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia - 29 April 2020.

WEDNESDAY, 29 April 2020. Usual morning rhythm of spiritual activities. In adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Eucharist, I meditate slowly on the words of Adoro Te devote latens deitas by St Thomas Aquinas:
I devoutly adore you, hidden deity,
Who are truly hidden beneath these appearances.
My whole heart submits to You,
And in contemplating You, it surrenders itself completely.

Sight, touch, taste are all deceived in their judgment of you,
But hearing suffices firmly to believe.
I believe all that the Son of God has spoken;
There is nothing truer than this word of Truth.
At 8.30am, I left home for Ekwulobia - venue of the inauguration of a new diocese and installation of its first bishop. In front of the St Joseph's Church Ekwulobia, the following bishops gathered: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishops Hilary Okeke, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Jonas Benson Okoye, Denis Isizoh, Solomon Amatu, Godfrey Onah, John Okoye, Callistus Onaga and Ernest Obodo. Few selected religious men and women and lay faithful were admitted into the Church.
On this special occasion, all those to participate in the ceremonies wore masks on their faces and maintained six feet distance between two persons to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It was quite a spectacle to see all the bishops fully vested in their episcopal vestment and covering their faces with masks. The procession was in a single file, with six feet distance between two persons.
Archbishop Valerian Okeke, as delegate of the Apostolic Nuncio, introduced the Mass. Immediately, all were seated and Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor welcomed all the participants, including Governor Willie Obiano, and explained briefly the process that led to today's event.
Two documents were read: the first, Benignitatis Domini divitias, with which Pope Francis created Ekwulobia diocese having St Joseph Ekwulobia as the cathedral; the second with which Bishop Peter Okpaleke was appointed the first Bishop of the diocese. Both documents were read in Latin and English.
Then Bishop Okpaleke was led to the Episcopal See of Ekwulobia diocese. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam!
The Bishops and some selected persons came forward and greeted the new Bishop of Ekwulobia. Immediately after, Gloria in excelsis Deo was intoned in Igbo. Bishop Okpaleke continued and completed the Mass.

The First Act of Bishop Peter E. Okpaleke (the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese) :
Appointment to some Key Offices.
(1) Vicar General - Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka.
(2) Vicar for the Clergy - Rev. Fr. Charles Umeoji.
(3) Episcopal Vicar Achina Region - Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Okeke.
(4) Episcopal Vicar- Akpu Region- Rev. Fr. Basil Ezekeli.
(5) Episcopal Vicar Ekwulobia & Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Onwuatuegwu
(6) Diocesan Chancellor- Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo.
(7) Judicial Vicar - Rev. Fr. Francis Ekejindu.
(8) Diocesan Financial Administration - Rev. Fr. Kizito Okoli.
(9) Director of Communications and Catechesis - Very Rev. Msgr. Jerome Madueke.
(10) Coordinator of Missions -Rev. Fr. Jude Ezeokana.
(11) Secretary to the Bishop - Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeokeke.
(12) Assistant Secretary to the Bishop for Statistics- Rev. Fr. Callistus Umeokoli.
(13) Bursar of the Episcopal Household -Rev. Fr. Kenneth Udokogu.
(14) Diocesan Education Secretary- Rev. Fr. Vitalis Azike.
(15) Director of J.D.P.C - Rev. Fr. Simon Anigbogu.
(16) Vocation Director - Rev. Fr. Linus Ibekwe.
Director of Projects - Rev. Fr Jude Mbanefo
I returned safely back home. Evening came, and night came: end of the day.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done

TUESDAY, 28 April 2020. Laudem dicite Deo nostro, omnes qui timetis Deum, pusilli et magni, quia facta est salus, et virtus, et potestas Christi eius, alleluia.
Remembering my days in All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, our morning prayer usually began with the following prayer: "Blessed be the Holy and undivided Trinity now and for ever. Amen. Then: LET US PLACE OURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HUMBLY ADORE HIM: Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore You with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign Majesty. Amen."
What we learnt and did over fifty years ago, we still do today. God is great!
The book, In Sinu Iesu, offers me today's Food for thought: "What I want above all else is that my priests be saints, and for this, I offer them my presence in the Eucharist. Yes, this is the great secret of priestly holiness."
During the Office of Lauds we prayed:

By his own power Christ rebuilt the temple of his body, when it was torn down by death. Let us pray to him with joy. LORD, GRANT US THE BLESSINGS OF YOUR RESURRECTION.
Lord Jesus, in your risen body you brought the good news of salvation to the women and the apostles; let us be your witnesses in this present age. LORD, GRANT US THE BLESSINGS OF YOUR RESURRECTION.
You gave all men the promise of rising from the dead; make us heralds of your gospel, bringing me new hope. LORD, GRANT US THE BLESSINGS OF YOUR RESURRECTION.
You appeared to the apostles and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them; pour out on us the Spirit who creates and renews. LORD, GRANT US THE BLESSINGS OF YOUR RESURRECTION.
You promised to be with your disciples to the end of time; stay with us throughout this day and remain with us for ever. LORD, GRANT US THE BLESSINGS OF YOUR RESURRECTION.

This evening I received the sad news of the car accident along Nkwelle Ezunaka/Nsugbe road and the death on the way to the hospital of Sr Lelia Idigo IHM. This death marks an exit of a truly noble and good person, very generous, ready to assist, always playing the role of a big sister, etc. Her last community was IHM Convent here in Aguleri. A prayer for her: Grant, we pray, almighty God that the soul of your handmaid Lelia, who for love of Christ walked the way of perfect charity, may rejoice in the coming of your glory and together with her sisters may delight in the everlasting happiness of your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord.

Recalling the joys of Easter:
Regina caeli laetare, alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia:
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia:
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Gaude et lætare Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia

MONDAY, 27 April 2020. Usual morning devotions. Adoration of the Lord hidden in the tabernacle. The book In Sinu Iesu teaches us how to initiate and sustain conversation between God and us. I read this passage and it became my Food for thought: "Many priests do not have a real and practical faith in my Eucharistic presence. Do they not know that the Eucharist encloses within itself all the merits of my Passion? Let them recover the faith of their childhood. Let them come to find me there where I am waiting for them and I, for my part, shall work miracles of grace and holiness in them." Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
Lockdown protocol fully observed today. Usual desk work activities.
At vespers: The disciples rejoiced, alleluia, alleluia. They saw the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. This is the work that God requires: believe in the one whom he has sent, alleluia.

Searching for prayer of the moment, I found this online:

Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession during Coronavirus pandemic

For the health workers tending the seriously ill
for the scientists working on a vaccination
for the researchers analysing data and identifying trends
for the media outlets working to communicate reality
for the supermarket workers, hygiene and sanitation providers
for the good news stories of recoveries and effective planning
for the singing from balconies by locked-down communities
for the recognition that isolation doesn’t need to mean loneliness
for the notes through letterboxes offering help and support
for the internet and telephones and technology that connects
for the awakened appreciation of what is truly important
Thanks be to God.

For those who are unwell and concerned for loved ones
for those who were already very anxious
for those immune suppressed or compromised
for those vulnerable because of underlying conditions
for those in the ‘most at risk to coronavirus’ categories
for those watching their entire income stream dry up
for those who have no choice but to go out to work
for those who are afraid to be at home
for those who are more lonely than they've ever been
for those who are bereaved and grieving.
God be their healer, comfort and protection,
be their strength, shield and provision
be their security, safety and close companion

And raise up your Church
to be your well-washed hands and faithful feet
to be present to the pain
to respond with love in action
if even from a safe distance.

God, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

SUNDAY, 26 April 2020. THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER.
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
His the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus, out of every nation,
Has redeemed us by his blood.

Alleluia! Not as orphans
Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us;
Faith believes nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him
When the forty days were o'er,
Shall our hearts forget his promise,
"I am with you evermore"?
Usual morning spiritual exercises. Food for thought: "Embrace the power of little things and you will build a tower of mighty things. Mighty things are made up varieties of little things put together!" With the short responsory during Office of Lauds we prayed: Have mercy on us, Christ, Son of the living God, alleluia, alleluia. You have risen from the dead. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Benediction. Holy Mass. My chapel was full. I had my closest collaborators together with Coronavirus holiday makers. Very happy celebration!
I was at my desk and made significant progress in the updating of my private "Pastoral". The new printing will be a significant improvement of the edition I did two years ago.
With the new Anambra COVID19 protocol issued yesterday, there was relaxation of the lockdown instruction in our archdiocese. Masses could now be celebrated, each person maintaining "social distance" from the other. It became compulsory for every person to wear mask once outside home. Many expressed great joy that they could now participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion.

Searching for a prayer for the moment, I found this one online:

A prayer for a global pandemic
‘Love…bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.’ (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)
Loving God,
strengthen our innermost being with your love that bears all things
even the weight of this global pandemic
even the long haul of watching for symptoms
of patiently waiting for this to pass
watching and waiting,
keeping our gaze fixed on you,
and looking out for our neighbours near and far.
Instil in our shaken souls
the belief and hope that all things
are possible with your creative love
for strangers to become friends
for science to source solutions
for resources to be generously shared
so everyone, everywhere, may have what they need
for your perfect love that knows no borders
may cast out any fear and selfishness that divides.
May your love that never ends
be our comfort, strength and guide
for the wellbeing of all and
the glory of God.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

SATURDAY, 25 April 2020. SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST. Adoration: Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Food for thought: "Don’t be too worried for having too many things unaccomplished. Make a deal; accomplish only one thing; one special thing today. Repeat this tomorrow. It will amaze you how much you’ll get done in a week!" At Mass today we prayed: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that what we have received from your holy altar may sanctify us and make us strong in the faith of the Gospel which Saint Mark proclaimed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I was just thinking about various recommendations by experts on how to control the spread of Coronavirus. One of the most standard suggestions was to encourage every person to wash his or her hands for 20 to 30 seconds. One of the questions that would naturally come to mind is: must we wear STOP WATCH to check the time. I think we could use the occasion of handwashing to say short prayers. Here is my proposal: Thirty Seconds Prayer while washing hand to fight spread of Coronavirus: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be. One will discover that by the time one finishes these three traditional prayers, one would have covered thirty seconds. So, I have started promoting "THIRTY SECONDS PRAYER" (TSP).
Still observing Lockdown Protocol. Here below is another address by Governor Wille Obiano. Good news.
_____________________________________________________________________________
A Special Broadcast on Covid-19 by the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano on Saturday April 25, 2020 to Update Ndi Anambra on the Latest Development.

Ndi Anambra, ekenem unu.

Once again, I am here to give you an update on our fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Anambra State.
When I addressed you on Wednesday this week, I informed you that a second post-treatment test on our Index Case had returned negative and that I had directed the Commissioner of Health to ensure his immediate discharge from our

Protective Care Center.
Well, I am delighted to inform you that our Index Case has been discharged and has re-united with his family. Ndi Anambra, his speedy recovery further confirms my earlier assurances that we have made the necessary preparation required to fight Covid-19. So, I urge you not to fear but rather exercise your faith in God. Covid-19 is not a death sentence. And if we fight together and do what is expected of us, we shall win!

Update on the Results of Contacts of Index Case:
Ndi Anambra in my last broadcast to you, I informed you that we had submitted the samples of the 36 people that had direct contact with the Index Case for testing. I am happy to announce here today, that the results have all returned negative. All in all, we have sent 68 tests out of which only one returned positive (and that was our Index Case). However, we are awaiting the result of just one sample at the moment. With these results, we are encouraged to do more together to ensure that our beloved state is safe for all of us. We are encouraged to work harder, to fight harder and to sacrifice even more to keep Anambra State free from Coronavirus.

Letting in some fresh air:
Ndi Anambra, following the outcome of all the tests we have conducted so far and the impressive cooperation we have received from our people in these past few weeks, we are encouraged to make a few adjustments to our strategy against the pandemic in the following areas -

All food markets including restaurants and bars in Anambra State are to reopen for normal business with immediate effect. However they must comply with the principles of social distancing. They are to provide hand-washing points with soap and hand sanitizers at the entry points into the markets.
Today makes it 28 days since we locked all our markets. As result, I have scheduled a meeting with the leaders of all the markets in Anambra State for Monday, April 27, 2020 to review our position and agree on when to reopen our markets.
All our boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed. Only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities are allowed passage after a thorough check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries. The illegal motor parks operating at the boundaries shall be quickly dismantled with immediate effect. Crossing the boundaries on foot is not allowed. The law enforcement has been directed to see to that.
With regards to religious groups, leaders of the church should ensure that worshippers comply with the standards protocols of Covid-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, use of hand sanitizers, social distancing and regular washing of hands. Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being.
Movement within Anambra State has now been reopened.
The directive on the wearing of face masks remains fully in force. Nobody should step out of their homes without wearing a face mask.
We shall continue to emphasize strict compliance with the globally accepted Covid-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules.

Ndi Anambra are advised to contact the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC) once they feel unwell. The PHEOC numbers are 09034728047. 08117567363,09034668319, 08163594310,08145434416. WhatsApp: 09033605959. SMS: 09074285546

Appreciation of Donors:
I am most grateful to Ndi Anambra for your donations both to the state and to the various communities. We shall keep updating the list of donors to ensure that no one is left out or denied due recognition.
You may visit www.absradiotv.com for details.

Appreciation of Healthcare Workers:
In conclusion, Ndi Anambra, we must continue to appreciate our health workers who occupy the frontline position in the fight against this pandemic. Their commitment to our collective well-being should inspire us to take more responsibility for our health and the health of our communities. We shall continue to remember them in our prayers meditations.
However, to encourage more commitment from our healthcare workers, I am delighted to announce that the 4 doctors who handled our Index Case, along with the 2 nurses, the pharmacist, the cleaner and the ambulance driver who took him to the Preventive Care Center shall be awarded a Medal of Honour from the Government of Anambra State and a cash award that will be announced subsequently. It is my hope that this gesture will encourage our healthcare workers to do more in the future.

We must also thank the law enforcement agents who are putting in so much work to ensure that our people comply with the observances of Covid-19. On behalf of the good people of Anambra State, I say “thank you” to you all! I’d also like to announce here that members of the Civil Society Organization have been co-opted into the Covid-19 Committee.
Ndi Anambra, no society was ever adequately prepared for Covid-19. Every society has been responding to this pandemic in its own way and within its own ability. In Anambra, we have responded to it as a government, as a people and as individuals. And I am delighted to say that the outcome has been so far, so good!
Umu nnem, let’s keep fighting together, praying together and looking out for each other. I am sure that if we sustain this spirit, we shall all be winners in the end!
Thank you!

God bless Anambra State
God bless Nigeria
Dalunu

Willie Obiano
Governor

FRIDAY, 24 April 2020. Redemisti nos, Domine, in sanguine tuo, ex omni tribu, et lingua, et populo, et natione, et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum et sacerdotes, alleluia. In adoration, we pray: Lord our God, in this great sacrament we come into the presence of Jesus Christ, your Son, born of the Virgin Mary and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith in this fountain of love and mercy drink from it the water of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Food for thought: "To wake up every morning is miracle. To make a good use of every day is an appreciation of miracle. To waste the entire hours of each day is ungratefulness towards a miracle already given and received!" Office of Lauds. After Benediction: Cor Iesu sacratissimum, miserere nobis.. Holy Mass.
Every day, we are bombarded by very many persons using social media. Fake news. False alarm. The most irritating part of it is what we get from some of the Nigerians who claim to be abroad. Sometimes they send warning to us about the dangers of COVID19 and the immediate precautions to take. They do this in such a condescending way to give the impression that they are educating stupid people who do not have brains. They warn us as if they know better. They say ridiculous things with an air of superiority. They dismiss the efforts made by experts here at home. They condemn our government. The problem is that they succeed in misguiding some of home-people. We are witnessing the most considerable abuse of social media. God save us.
False alarms. Fake news. These help to create tension here at home and they constitute new virus pandemic. They say that we are fighting three viruses in Nigeria: coronavirus, hungervirus and false-infovirus! Each of them can lead to fatality.
Evening and night prayers. Good night, Lord.
Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria,
a saeculo non esse auditum, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia,
tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia,
esse derelictum.
Ego tali animatus confidentia,
ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro,
ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto.
Noli, Mater Verbi,
verba mea despicere;
sed audi propitia et exaudi.
Amen.

THURSDAY, 23 April 2020. Deus, dum egredereris coram populo tuo, iter faciens eis, habitans in illis, terra mota est, caeli distillaverunt, alleluia. Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, celebrates the memorial of his heavenly patron, St George. Usually we remember him at every Mass we celebrate, but a special prayer for him on a day like this: O God, who chose your servant Francis in succession to the Apostle Peter as shepherd of the whole flock, look favorably on the supplications of your people and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth, he may confirm his brethren and that the whole Church may be in communion with him in the bond of unity, love and peace, so that in you, the shepherd of souls, all may know the truth and attain life eternal.
Food for thought: "Choose to be at peace with yourself and you will never have any battle to lose. Find yourself every reason and season to share your peace with others!" Our other morning spiritual activities were carried out as usual.
Lockdown protocol still in place.
At night, turning to the Lord:

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

WEDNESDAY, 22 April 2020. Confitebor tibi in populis, Domine, et narrabo nomen tuumfratribus meis, alleluia. With my household we assembled before the Lord in adoration. THANK YOU, LORD:

My Lord Jesus Christ, we believe that You are really here in this Sacrament. Night and day You remain here compassionate and loving. You call, You wait for, You welcome everyone who comes to visit You.
We thank You, Jesus my Divine Redeemer for coming upon the earth for our sake and for instituting the Adorable Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in order to remain with us until the end of the world.
We thank You for hiding beneath the Eucharistic species Your infinite majesty and beauty, which Your Angels delight to behold, so that we might have courage to approach the throne of Your mercy.
We thank You dear Jesus, for having become the priceless Victim, to merit for us the fullness of heavenly favors.
Awaken in us such confidence in You that their fullness may descend ever more fruitfully upon our souls.
We thank You for offering Yourself in thanksgiving to God for all His benefits, spiritual and temporal which He has bestowed on us.
Grant us grace and perseverance in your faithful service. Amen.

Food for thought: "People who score zero are not only those who do not participate in the game, but also those who play very well but have no goal in focus!"
Office of lauds. Holy Mass. Walk. Breakfast.
The Lockdown experience of indoor activities continued. I was pained to hear of so many persons suffering from hunger because they could not out to find their daily bread. I tried in my own little way to help, starting with those around me - my workers, some of the religious institutions around me, relatives of my assistants, my own relatives, etc. Nothing is too small to give. Some people far away needed cash to support their families. In Nigeria today, it is easy to do online transfer. I became interested in helping, without noise, the challenged ones around, remembering these words of wisdom: "You don’t need to travel far to make people happy. When you make people nearer to you happy, people farther away from you will surely come. Keep doing it!"
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Te lucis ante términum,
rerum Creátor, póscimus,
ut pro tua cleméntia
sis præsul et custódia.

Procul recédant sómnia
et nóctium phantásmata;
hostémque nostrum cómprime,
ne polluántur córpora.

Præsta, Pater piíssime,
Patríque compar Unice,
cum Spíritu Paráclito
regnans per omne sǽculum.
Amen

TUESDAY, 21 April 2020. Gaudemus et exsultemus et demus gloriam Deo, quoniam regnavit Dominus Deus noster omnipotens, alleluia. Usual morning spiritual activities. Food for thought: "Wisdom does not only reflect itself in a person’s knowledge of what to say. It appears also in his knowledge about how to say it and when it should be said!"

A friend asked me to provide LITANY OF HUMILITY. I found this, which is spiritually very deep, if carefully meditated upon:

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

As Lockdown protocol required, I was indoors working with my computer.

Ah it is already midnight! As I moved to my bed this Italian song came to my mind:

Resta con noi, signore, la sera
Resta con noi che avremo la pace
Resta con noi, non ci lasciar
La notte mai più scenderà
Resta con noi, Non ci lasciar
Nelle vie del mondo, signor

Ti porteremo ai nostri fratelli
Ti porteremo lungo le strade
Resta con noi, Non ci lasciar
La notte mai più scenderà
Resta con noi, Non ci lasciar
Per le vie del mondo Signor

MONDAY, 20 April 2020. Usual prayers to our Blessed Mother at the start of a new day. With my household, we prostrated before our Lord Jesus Christ: the Head of our house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation. We prayed to him: O Jesus living in Mary, come and live in your servants. In the spirit of your holiness, in the fullness of your power, in the perfection of your ways, in the reality of your virtues, in the communion of your mysteries.Have dominion over every adverse power, in your own spirit, to the glory of the Father. Amen.
Food for thought: "There are four types of environments; the one that can help destroy you, the one that can help improve you, the one that can destroy the improved you and the one that can improve the destroyed you. Watch out and be vigilant!" Holy Mass.
I was home throughout the morning period, busy at my desk. Yes, I made good use of my time.
At 2.00 pm, I stepped out of my house. With my mask, I covered my face, accompanied by my secretaries; we joined the convoy of the governor to visit the site of the new airport under construction at Umueri. I was very highly impressed by what I saw. Five different major international companies engaged in the construction work at the same. We supervised the runway, the drainage system, the control tower, the hanger and the halls. It is incredible! All the workers were highly motivated. This project is not in the news. The governor wants it that way. After the tour, which took us about three hours, I prayed for the governor, Anambra State government, the workers and their families, and then blessed them. I hope to return to the site and follow the progress of the work. The whole project is scheduled to be completed next year.
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia,
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia,
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

SUNDAY, 19 April 2020. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Quasi modo geniti infantes, rationabile, sine dolo lac concupiscite, ut in eo crescatis in salutem, alleluia. Usual morning spiritual activities. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Let God direct your steps. The main reason why many steps fail is that people know God is an expert in directing steps, but they don’t want to give him the contract."
Divine Mercy Sunday is a recent addition to the Church’s calendar, and it has links to both private revelation and the Bible and it is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, which recommended a particular devotion to the Divine Mercy. At Mass today, we prayed: God of everlasting mercy, who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast kindle the faith of the people you have made your own, increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed, that all may grasp and rightly understand in what font they have been washed, by whose Spirit they have been reborn, by whose Blood they have been redeemed.
I am still observing the Lockdown protocol of the State, which Onitsha archdiocese has mostly endorsed. Concerning my desk work activities, I am happy to report that I have discovered the original Good Friday Passion narrative of St John's Gospel arranged separately for singing by Christus, Chronista and Synagoga. As we had it in the past, now I have it in three volumes. Each has appropriate music printed for only a particular cast. I plan to reprint and bind the three in Rome during my next visit.
The day passed quietly. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Most merciful Jesus,
I turn to You in my need.
You are worthy of my complete trust.
You are faithful in all things.
When my life is filled with confusion, give me clarity and faith.
When I am tempted to despair, fill my soul with hope.
Most merciful Jesus,
I trust You in all things.
I trust in Your perfect plan for my life.
I trust You when I cannot comprehend Your divine Will.
I trust You when all feels lost.
Jesus, I trust You more than I trust myself.
Most merciful Jesus,
You are all-knowing.
Nothing is beyond Your sight.
You are all-loving.
Nothing in my life is beyond Your concern.
You are all-powerful.
Nothing is beyond Your grace.
Most merciful Jesus,
I trust in You,
I trust in You,
I trust in You.
May I trust You always and in all things.
May I daily surrender to Your Divine Mercy.

SATURDAY, 18 April 2020. SATURDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER. Eduxit Dominus populum suum in exsultatione, et electos suos in laetitia, alleluia. Day starter with our Blessed Mother Mary. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Refuse to be small no matter how many times people insist on squeezing you. The very people who carelessly call you “Hey” are the same who will cheerfully call you “Hi” when you continue to drive your life positively." During Mass we said the following intercessory prayer:

For our shepherds in the Church, who continue Peter and John's ministry by speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus, that they may be as fearless in their witness as were the first apostles. Lord hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That the witness of Christian prophets who proclaim the right to human dignity for all in Jesus' name, may be heard and heeded by world leaders. Lord hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That we many never hear the Lord's rebuke for unbelief and hardness of heart., but respond generously to His command to take the Good News to every creature. Lord hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
That Jesus may continue to show His power in the lives of ordinary men and women who will be recognized as His companions by their joy, courage, and power to heal hearts in His name. Lord hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
For all the intentions recommended to our prayer, for the loved ones we hold in our hearts, and for our dear ones who have entered the mystery for death, that the resurrection of Jesus may be grace and life for them all. Lord hear us. LORD, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

Throughout today, I was home working. Lockdown protocol still enforced. Good news in Anambra State. See Governor's broadcast below.

We, Lord, with faithful hearts and voice, alleluia.
on this thy rising day rejoice. alleluia.
O thou, who power o’came the grave, alleluia.
by grace and love us sinners save. alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
_______________________________________________________________________________
ON COVID-19 THE BROADCAST OF ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNOR:

A Special Broadcast on Covid-19 by the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano on Saturday April 18, 2020 to Update Ndi Anambra on Contact Tracing and Progress of the Index Case.*

Ndi Anambra ekenem unu.
One week ago, I announced to you that our dear state had recorded an Index-Case of the Covid-19 pandemic that has forced the world to a standstill in the past few months.

I assured you that my Team and I had made the necessary arrangements to give Ndi Anambra a fighting chance against the pandemic. Today, I am delighted to announce that the report reaching me from the Protective Care Center indicates that our Index Case is responding very well to treatment. In fact, the first post treatment result from the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) returned Negative for SARS-CoV 2. However, following the standards which have been rigorously applied by NCDC since the outbreak of the pandemic in Nigeria, he will go for a second round of test before he can be conclusively declared negative. We shall continue to remember him in our prayers as he fights his way back from this illness.

Update on Contact Tracing:
As I assured in my last broadcast, our medical team has successfully tracked 39 people who had direct contact with the Index Case. Out of this number, 5 are in our Protective Care Center while the rest are quarantined at home. The people in our Protective Care Center are stable and have shown no symptoms of the virus so far. Similarly, the people in Home Quarantine are being closely monitored in strict compliance with the WHO guidelines on Covid-19 containment.
Meanwhile, 6 people out of the 39 contacts have tested negative for Coronavirus. These are people who met directly with the Index Case 14 days ago. Ndi Anambra, this is something to be cheerful about.
Similarly, out of 20 samples tested for the virus from Anambra State so far, only the Index Case returned Positive. The rest are negative. Ndi Anambra, this result gives us enough elbowroom to fight this monster by adhering to the principles of Social Distancing, maintaining a thorough personal hygiene and obeying government directives and policies on the Covid-19 pandemic. I have no doubt that if we keep the rules, we shall be in good position to kick Covid-19 out of our dear state.

Anambra State Covid-19 Law:
I am delighted to announce the Anambra State House of Assembly has successfully passed the Anambra State Covid-19 Law which has been accented to by the Governor.

Flattening the Curve on the Pandemic:
Umu nnem, I want to thank you all for taking the inconvenience created by the Covid-19 pandemic with calm dignity and complying with government directives in the past one week. I wish to assure you that if we raise our level of compliance a little higher for the remaining week of this lock down and ensure that there is no new case of the virus among us, we shall review the continued lock down of our beloved state. So, I urge you to keep your heads up and don’t relax your defence just yet.

Ndi Anambra, experience has shown that the best defence against Covid-19 is eternal vigilance. The virus has a tendency to surprise people who lose concentration; and once it is allowed a room to flourish, it occupies space in full. Ndi Anambra, we cannot afford to lose concentration against Coronavirus. For this reason, we wish to re-strengthen the following measures we have adopted against it -

All boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed. Only vehicles conveying essential commodities and supplies are allowed to enter Anambra State after a proper check and confirmation by Security Agents.
All inter-city/inter-community movements in the State (e.g Awka-Onitsha, Onitsha-Nnewi, Ozubulu-Ihiala etc) remain suspended. Ndi Anambra are strongly advised to stay where they are until the lock-down is over. For example, those in Awka should remain in Awka, those in Aguleri should remain in Aguleri, people in Nnewi should remain in Nnewi except when the movement is extremely necessary.
All motor parks in the State remain closed.
Food markets in Anambra State are to open only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Traders and customers in these markets must always maintain the principles of Social Distancing during the transaction process.
The wholesale medical drug market (Ndi Ogbo Ogwu) in Onitsha is permitted to open only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please note that any stores/shops located in the markets not dealing on food items or medical drugs remain closed. The security agents have been directed to ensure a rigorous enforcement.
Commercial banks in Anambra State are encouraged to maintain skeletal services especially on market days.
All farmers in Anambra State are directed to return to their farms with immediate effect. This is to allow them participate fully in the current planting season. I also wish to urge Ndi Anambra to return to the farms because that is the only way we can fend the impending hunger that Covid-19 has created.
Ndi Anambra are encouraged to wear face masks whenever they step out of their homes for any reason, wash their hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds each time, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cough/sneeze into folded elbows and practice Social Distancing at all times.
People on essential services e.g. Health workers, journalists, and factory workers producing essential commodities are not affected by this lockdown. Security agents enforcing the lockdown order should take note of this.
Ndi Anambra are advised to contact the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC) once they feel unwell. The PHEOC numbers are 08030953771, 08145434416, 08117567363, 08058967320.

Ensuring our Food Supply after Covid-19:
Ndi Anambra, Covid-19 has forced the world to prioritize its needs. In Anambra State, we are seriously looking at the effect of the pandemic on food supply while it lasts and in the near future. Consequently, we have come up with a short term plan that will ensure that food supply is not adversely affected in the state after Covid-19. To achieve this, we have taken the following steps:

1. Secured 3000 hectares of arable land in the agricultural belt of the state for large scale farming during this planting season. This initiative is expected to take over 2000 youths off the labour market.
2. Ordered the purchase of 7 Tractors to be deployed in the cultivation of the land.
3. Empowering women and youths by providing them with cages for poultry and feedstock for birds.
4. Commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs at subsidized rates to farmers.

Umu nnem, I have no doubt that a strict implementation of this initiative shall give us food security during this pandemic and afterwards.

Covid-19 Prerogative of Mercy:
Fellow citizens, the world is going through an extraordinary time. The moment calls for acts that will renew and restore our faith in our humanity. It is as result of this that I have decided to exercise my Prerogative of Mercy and release 54 prisoners from the four correctional facilities in Anambra State. I hope that this decision will not only bring hope and joy to some families but that it will also help to decongest our correctional facilities.

The Nkpor Incident:
Umu nnem, the clash between a group of youths and some security operatives at Nkpor that resulted in the unfortunate death of one person and injuries to other is extremely regrettable. It is one avoidable incident which we must not permit to happen to us again. The Government of Anambra State will foot the medical bills of the injured as well as underwrite the burial costs of the deceased. However, in the interest of peace in our communities, I wish to appeal to Ndi Anambra to refrain from anything that would lead to a head-on collision with the police. I also appeal to the police to adopt best practices in dealing with the challenges that this difficult moment will most certainly provide. May the soul of the departed young man rest in perfect peace! Amen.

Palliatives for the Youths:
Ndi Anambra, this administration has always prioritized the youths in all our activities. It is on account of this that we have decided to extend a similar gesture we gave to senior citizens above 70 years to Anambra youths this time around. In specific terms, we shall soon be handing out 400 bags of rice per community to each of the 181 communities in Anambra State. The bags of rice shall be distributed to the youths of these communities through the same channels that were used in distributing the ones meant for the senior citizens. It is my fervent hope that this gesture will go a long way in alleviating the pains of Covid-19 on our youths.

Appreciation of Donors and Communal Response to Covid-19:
Ndi Anambra, I am delighted to announce that since my last broadcast, the call for support to our efforts to fight against Covid-19 has attracted more favourable reactions from our people. Donations have poured in from individuals and groups who wish our dear state well. I am particularly impressed that these donations have not only come from the rich and mighty among us but also from the everyday people who struggle to feed their families. That is the spirit of Igwe bu ike (the communal spirit). That is the Spirit of Anambra. As a result of this, our new list of donors is so long that I will not be able to read it now. However, we shall continue to update the list online where everyone can see it. You may visit www.absradiotv.com for details.

Ndi Anambra, I must not fail to acknowledge our brothers and sisters who have taken up the challenge of reaching out to the vulnerable ones in their respective communities. I am daily updated on the enormous relief materials distributed by kind-hearted people in various communities and I say “thank you” to everyone who has done that for our people. The Government alone cannot meet all the expectations of the people in these trying times. Dalunu o! Oga abalu unu o!
Ndi Anambra, in conclusion, it should be clear to us now that we hold the key to our own peace of mind and to our collective survival. God has shown us tremendous mercy. It is up to us now to help ourselves by complying with the directive on lock-down for the remaining week of the exercise by maintaining Social Distancing, washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds, using alcohol-based hand-sanitizers, wearing a face mask whenever we step out of our homes and coughing/sneezing into our folded elbows.
It shall be well with us!
God bless Anambra State
God bless Nigeria
Dalunu

Willie Obiano
Governor

FRIDAY, 17 April 2020. FRIDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER. Eduxit Dominus populum suum in spe, et inimicos eorum operuit mare, alleluia. Usual morning spiritual activities. Food for thought; The book: Succeeding in Parish Ministry by Dave Heney, makes an interesting reading for priests. In the Gospel of Luke 10, four steps are identified as important for a priest who wants to succeed in a parish community:

building trusting relationships
understanding the local culture
tending the wounded
speaking the Good News in a language that fits the local culture.

Since this week, during Mass, we have been using Eucharistic Prayer III in Italian to make all the members of our community become very familiar with it. And so inter alia we prayed: Celebrando il memoriale del tuo Figli, morto per la nostra salvezza, gloriosamente risorto e asceso al cielo, nell'attesa della sua venuta ti offriamo, Padre, in rendimento di grazie questo sacrificio vivo e santo. Guarda con amore e riconosci nell'offerta della tua Chiesa, la vittima immolata per la nostra redenzione; e a noi, che ci nutriamo del corpo e sangue del tuo Figlio, dona la pienezza dello Spirito Santo perché diventiamo in Cristo un solo corpo e un solo spirito.
COVID 19 Lockdown protocol still in place. Significant progress in my indoor desk work activities.
‘I heard the angels witness bear, alleluia.
Jesus is ris’n; he is not here; alleluia.
Go, tell his followers they shall see, alleluia.
thine and their hope in Galilee.’ alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

THURSDAY, 16 April 2020. THURSDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER. Victricem manum tuam, D0mine, laudaverunt pariter, quia sapientia aperuit os mutum, et linguas infantium fecit disertas, alleluia. Before the Lord in the tabernacle, on bended knee, we adore, recalling that beautiful composition of St Thomas Aquinas:
Je t'adore dévotement, Dieu caché
Qui sous ces apparences vraiment prends corps,
À Toi, mon cœur tout entier se soumet
Parce qu'à te contempler, tout entier il s'abandonne.
Food for thought: "Consistency is the foundation of virtue." Our holy Mass in Italian. We said the Preface of Easter I: È veramente cosa buona e giusta, nostro dovere e fonte di salvezza, proclamare sempre la tua gloria, o Signore, e soprattutto esaltarti in questo giorno nel quale Cristo, nostra Pasqua si è immolato. È lui il vero Agnello che ha tolto i peccati del mondo, è lui che morendo ha distrutto la morte e risorgendo ha ridato a noi la vita. Per questo mistero, nella pienezza della gioia pasquale, l'umanità esulta su tutta la terra, e con l'assemblea degli angeli e dei santi, canta l'inno della tua gloria.
Santo, Santo, Santo il Signore Dio dell'universo...
Indoors today, observing Lockdown protocol. Wonderful time to continue my desk work.
‘I saw the tomb of my dear lord,
I saw himself and him adored,
I saw the napkin and the sheet,
that bound his head and wrapped his feet.’

WEDNESDAY, 15 April 2020. WEDNESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER. Venite, benedicti Patris mei, percipite regnum, quod vobis paratum est ab origine mundi, alleluia. Usual morning devotions. Office of Lauds:
Life died, but soon revived again, alleluia.
and even death by it was slain, alleluia.
Say, happy Magdalen, oh say, alleluia.
what didst thou see there by the way? Alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
At Mass today, as every day this week, we recited Gloria in Italian: Gloria a Dio nell'alto dei cieli e pace in terra agli uomini di buona volontà. Noi ti lodiamo, ti benediciamo, ti adoriamo, ti glorifichiamo, ti rendiamo grazie per la tua gloria immensa. Signore Dio, Re del cielo, Dio Padre Onnipotente, Signore Figlio unigenito Gesù Cristo, Signore Dio, Agnello di Dio, Figlio del Padre Tu che togli i peccati del mondo abbi pietà di noi, Tu che togli i peccati del mondo accogli la nostra supplica, Tu che siedi alla destra del Padre abbi pietà di noi, perchè Tu solo il Santo, Tu solo il Signore, Tu solo l'Altissimo Gesù Cristo, con lo Spirito Santo, nella gloria di Dio Padre. Amen.
These days many people have plenty of time at their disposal during the Stay-at-home protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some of them share their thoughts on different issues through the Social Media. One of such caught my attention. I invite you to reflect on it with me as today's Food for thought:
THE BIG PICTURE IN LOCKDOWN

In as much as COVID19 pandemic is regrettable by what it portends for inclement times , I also want to say it can also be a blessing in disguise. Brainstorming with a friend, we came to the conclusion that this is the best time to ask ourselves serious questions so as to reinvent oneself.
If you have been working for a company for more than 5yrs and you don't have 100k savings ... *You need to think*
If you have been doing a particular hustle for more than 5yrs and notting to show for it.. *You need to think.*
If you've spent one month at home under Lockdown drawing from your reserves without cash inflows from other sources......

YOU NEED TO THINK.

IF You've spent 30 days at home browsing the internet, responding to greetings in Facebook, looking up pictures in Instagram, watching YouTube videos, responding to WhatsApp chats, calling everyone and nobody is calling you....
IF you've spent 30 days at home eating delicacies,drinking choice wine, sleeping, watching movies and exercising in your gym without reading a word from any book.....
30 days Lockdown means 720 idle hours.
720 idle hours translates to 43,200 minutes of idle time.
8 Man hours worktime per day translates to 240 hours lost time or capacity under utilization or inefficiency index.*Life has given us almost a month to think about ourselves and come out with a Grand Strategy and productive plan to stem the tide.
What we are facing now is almost the same thing retirees face when they retire and even worse.
One thing to note for sure is that, at the end of this pandemic, many businesses will suffer severe setbacks and new ones will emerge out of thick skin.
Start-Ups will swallow SMEs, Digital media will bury traditional media, Artificial Intelligence will take out unskilled labour.
Billionaires will feel the heat and new ones will need longer time to emerge.

ACTION PLAN

So, ask yourself, which side will I belong to when this Lockdown is over?
Meanwhile, as we speak, most companies are also typing their own *redundancy* letters to be distributed .
Don't spend your time waiting for *COVID-19* daily statistics and doing all manner of social media challenge.
SIT AT HOME . LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE, THINK. STRATEGIZE and COME OUT STRONGER

GOOD TO KNOW

*Schools in USA and UK are not shutdown but reverted to online academics.*
*The financial services sector(Wall street NASDAQ)in USA and UK are not shutdown but trading online.*
*Certified online courses are not shutdown but running unimpeded.*

WHAT ABOUT US?

It is only in the third world that the Lockdown is considered holidays without electricity, ventilators,test kits and face masks.

WE TAKE NOTE:

The Game Changers after the Lockdown are:
Smart Thinkers.
Multi super skill innovators.
Creative inventors.
Ideas Merchants.
Cost reduction strategists.
Market share readers.
Competition induced drivers.
These boils down to the search for "HOT BRAINS" or High Level Human Capacity index cases for Strategic Turnarounds and Corporate rebound.

WHAT TO DO.

Think diversification.
Think Advisory Consultancy.
Think Capacity building.
Think Technology.
Think Skills set innovation.
Think HighTech Agriculture.
Think Start-Ups.
Think Time Management.
Think Study.
Think impact speaking and writing.
Think the Push factor or Psychological drivers.
Think Strength* Conservation. Plan: Where to be.
When to be there.
What to do.
How to do it
What to say.
How to say it.
When to quit.

TIME, TASK AND TIDE DEFINES STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT.
THINK! THINK!! THINK!!!

TUESDAY, 14 April 2020. TUESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER. Aqua sapientiae potavit eos; firmabitur in illis, et non flectetur, exaltabit eos in aeternum, alleluia. I find this short prayer very useful to focus my mind on the activities of the day in union with God: "Lord, help me to receive this day as your gift... (pausing to remembering the particulars on my calendar) ...and to transform each moment, each encounter, each conversation into joy and to offer the entire day back to you in gratitude."
Usual morning spiritual activities with my closest collaborators. Morning Mass for the rest of the week in Italian language, with Eucharistic Prayer III. Our community has successfully integrated Italian as one of the languages for Mass. During the Holy Mass today we prayed: O Padre, che fai crescere la tua Chiesa, donandole sempre nuovi figli, concedi ai tuoi fedeli di esprimere nella vita il sacramento che hanno ricevuto nella fede.
Staying at home to observe the Lockdown protocol, I started updating my private "Pontifical" for my Episcopal ministry. This is the third edition. Inside this book, I put in an organized manner different texts for the liturgical ceremonies I celebrate. I arrange them in such a way that I do not need to carry many liturgical books around.

Filled still with Easter joy!

The guiltless Son, who bought your peace, alleluia.
and made his father’s anger cease, alleluia.
Then, life and death together fought, alleluia.
each to a strange extreme were brought. alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

MONDAY, 13 April 2020. EASTER MONDAY. In Anambra State and in most other States in Nigeria, we are in a period of lockdown and stay-at-home to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Today, I had scheduled to dedicate the Church of St Anthony, Igbariam, but I had to postpone it in order to obey the directives of Anambra State government which discouraged large gathering of people.
Without exposing the Sanctissimum for adoration, our community spent some minutes before the Lord. Food for thought: "Easter is the feast of tombstones taken away, rocks rolled aside. God takes away even the hardest stones against which our hopes and expectations crash: death, sin, fear, worldliness. Human history does not end before a tombstone, because today it encounters the 'living stone,'the risen Jesus" (Pope Francis). No Office of Lauds. Holy Mass with some members of my household and holiday makers. I always enjoyed the singing of Victimae paschali laudes. But today we recited it in English (ICEL translation):

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
offer sacrifice and praise.
The sheep are ransomed by the Lamb;
and Christ, the undefiled,
hath sinners to his Father reconciled.
Death with life contended: combat strangely ended!
Life's own Champion, slain, yet lives to reign.

Tell us, Mary: say
what thou didst see upon the way.
The tomb the Living did enclose;
I saw Christ's glory as He rose!
The angels there attesting;
shroud with grave-clothes resting.

Christ, my hope, has risen:
He goes before you into Galilee.
That Christ is truly risen
from the dead we know.
Victorious King, Thy mercy show!
Amen. Alleluia.

The rest of the day was spent quietly. In a lockdown situation, I found myself digging into my computer to discover many great projects not fully developed because of pressure of pastoral engagements. This is a golden opportunity to complete them and even to develop new ones. I am profoundly grateful to God for the creative mind and persevering spirit He has given me. Very many persons have helped me along the way. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Bring, all ye dear-bought nations, bring, alleluia.
your richest praises to the king, alleluia.
That spotless Lamb, who more than due, alleluia.
paid for his sheep, and those sheep you, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

SUNDAY, 12 April 2020. EASTER SUNDAY. The melody of the introit played clearly in my head. Here is a translation: I am risen, and I am always with you, alleluia; you have placed your hand upon me, alleluia; your wisdom has been shown to be most wonderful, alleluia, alleluia. O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you know when I sit down and when I rise up.

Yes, I remembered the old popular Easter song:
Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Mass at 6.45am in my chapel. Family celebration with close assistants and relatives.
At the end of Mass, I allowed all my assistants to touch base with their biological families. I sent the seminarians, Celestine and Emmanuel, home to spend the day with their people. To each of all my collaborators I gave small packet - a Happy Easter gift. Then I took off to visit my only sister MauMau and her family at Awka. With me were Floxy, Gloxy, Chibuike, Buubu, Ntuntu nwa, Mmeso and Ik. Truly a family reunion. Very happy day for me - even playing Ludo game with them and all other extended family members I met at Awka. Over ten years I never had such strong family joy-filled experience. We had both lunch and supper at Awka, returning home at night. What a beautiful way of celebrating Easter!

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

SATURDAY, 11 April 2020. HOLY SATURDAY. Christ became obedient to death for our sake, even to death on the Cross. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the name, that is above very name. As we did yesterday, this morning at 6.45am, I was in the chapel with my household for OFFICE OF READINGS cum OFFICE OF LAUDS.
Quiet day of reflection and prayer.
At 8.30pm, my entire household and holiday makers assembled in front of the entrance door: for the Service of Light: blessing of fire and the veneration of the Easter candle. Procession upstairs to my chapel. Fr Michael Odenigbo carried the Easter Candle and sang three times at different points on our way to the chapel: Lumen Christi. And, on each occasion, we responded: Deo gratias. Fr Innocent Udolisah proclaimed the Exsultet.
Old Testament Readings with appropriate prayers. The Gloria in excelsis Deo. New Testament Readings. Solemn Alleluia. Blessing of Water and Renewal of Baptismal Promises. Sprinkling of Holy Water.
Vidi aquam egredientem de templo, a latere dextro, alleluia:
et omnes ad quos pervenit aqua ista, salvi facti sunt, et dicent: alleluia, alleluia.
At the end of Mass: Easter blessing. Ite Missa est, alleluia, alleluia....Deo gratias, alleluia, alleluia.
From the chapel we proceeded to the refectory, where I had supper with my Secretaries, Seminarians, Assistants and holiday makers. HAPPY EASTER.
_________________
TODAY WE HEARD THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FIRST CASE OF TESTED CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN ANAMBRA STATE. HERE IS GOVERNOR'S BROADCAST

A Special Broadcast on Covid-19 by the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano on Saturday, April 11, 2020 as Anambra Records her 1st Case.
Ndi Anambra ekenem unu.
I want to update you on the latest developments in our efforts against Coronavirus in Anambra State.
First, I have to thank you all for complying with the directive on the Covid-19 pandemic in Anambra State. I must thank the traders in all the 63 major markets in Anambra State for heeding the directive on the closure of our markets. I also thank the traditional rulers, leaders of the church, the PGs and other community leaders who have assisted the government in ensuring that people comply with the directives from the state. However, as it has turned out, the fight has just started!
Anambra’s 1st Covid-19 Case:
Ndi Anambra, I regret to announce that despite our proactive measures to insulate our dear state from this pandemic, we recorded the first case of Coronavirus in the state yesterday. The index case came in from Lagos. He has been placed in one of our Protective Care Centers. At the same time, we have commenced aggressive Contact Tracing to ensure that everyone he came in contact with is brought into the net for a professional handling that will save lives.
Ndi Anambra, I urge you not to panic over this. It did not take us by surprise. We are adequately prepared to handle the situation. We have trained enough manpower on how to handle Covid-19 cases and our Protective Care Centers are among the best in the country at the moment. On the strength of this, I urge you to stand strong in prayer and faith. We shall flatten the curve on this case to prevent further spread of the virus.
Measures to Prevent Further Spread:
Ndi Anambra, following the recording of the first case of Coronavirus in Anambra State, it has become extremely necessary to tighten the measures we had taken earlier on the pandemic. To achieve that, we shall take the following steps –

The restriction on movement is hereby extended by two weeks. This time, we are placing a comprehensive Lock down on Anambra State. We shall not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups. Only people on essential services are permitted to move around in the delivery of those services to the people. Ndi Anambra are advised to stay indoors to avoid getting contaminated by this virus. The security agencies will enforce the restriction on movement this time and they have my authorization to make arrests where necessary to keep our dear state safe.
All boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed. There will be no vehicular or human traffic across all the boundaries of Anambra State. Only vehicles delivering essential services are permitted after a comprehensive check and authorization by security operatives at the boundaries.
Frequent washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds as well as the regular use of hand sanitizers are strongly recommended. In fact, everyone is expected to carry a hand sanitizer with him or her at any given time.
Everyone is expected to stay indoors with their families and loved ones. However, anyone who wishes to step outdoors for any reason at all must wear a face mask. Anyone who violates this directive stands a chance of arrest and prosecution.
Handshaking, hugging and all other forms of physical contact are strongly discouraged. Ndi Anambra are also advised to minimize contact with door handles and hand rails and commonly used surfaces in different locations.
A distance of 6-feet must be maintained during interaction with people. Everyone is advised to keep a reasonable social distance when holding a conversation with someone else.
Ndi Anambra are advised to contact the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC) once they feel unwell. The PHEOC numbers are ‪08030953771‬, ‪08145434416‬, ‪08117567363‬, ‪08058967320‬.

Update on Preventive Care Centers:
Our 250-bed Preventive Care Center at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mbaukwu/Umuawulu and the 16-bed Preventive Care Centre at the General Hospital Onitsha are all up and running at the moment. The two Surge Centers at Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umueri General Hospital that Fidelity Bank and Access Bank offered to equip are almost ready too. So, we are prepared to give ourselves a fighting chance against this pandemic.
Gratitude to Donors
Ndi Anambra, it gives me great joy to see that this pandemic has brought out our well known communal spirit. I am impressed with the way our socially responsible brothers and sisters have responded to the economic hardship imposed by Coronavirus on us all by handing out relief materials and money to their neighbours. That is one of the ways we can ensure strict compliance with the principles of social distancing and overcome this plague. I must thank everyone who has shown compassion to his/her neighbour during this period. That is the spirit of the season. It is also the spirit of Easter!
Similarly, I must express our profound gratitude to those who have donated money and other material support to boost our efforts at the state level. So far, we have received the following donations in cash and equipment from the following people:

UBA Plc – N28, 500,000
Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo- N10M
Ibeto Petrochemical – N10M
J. I Ejison of Ejison International Ltd - N5M
Dr. Clem Nwogbo (Awka Millennium City)N5M
Chief Ejeson Ukeje N5M
Chief Daniel Chukwudozie (Dozzy Oil) N2M
Senator Victor Umeh N2M
His Royal Highness, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Ojoto) N1M
Ezeemo Godwin Chukwunenye N500,000
Obinna Okechukwu Nwosu N3000
7Com Enterprises N2000
Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Chisco) N10M
Aguleri World Forum N2M
Dr Godwin Okafor (WINCO Foam) N2M
Cutix Plc, Medical equipment and supplies
Ozo Jude Agumadu (Baby Awka) N500,000
Soludo Support Group N1M
Chief Barrister Hyacinth Maduagwu N1M
Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Ike Oye (APGA National Chairman) N3M
United Anambra Youth Assembly (U-AYA) and United Anambra Women Assembly (U-AWA) N1M
Juhel Plc, Chloroquine phosphate that can treat 2,500 patients
Dr Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson Group) 4000 Facial Masks and 900 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Traditional ruler of Alor, Igwe Mark Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo 50 cartons of hospital equipment comprising doctors’ gloves,face masks and shoes, and a carton of oxygen equipment.
Pharmacutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN, Anambra State Chapter) Medical supplies
Pharmacist Alex Onyido (Igwe of Ogidi) N1M and drug supplies.
ASUU (Owerri Zone) Medical Items
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Ventilator, Oxygen Concentrator, Body Suits and Safety Eyewears
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Medical supplies
Other illustrious indigenes of the state that have pledged to assist the government with Personal Protection Equipment and other medical supplies are Prince Engineer Arthur Eze, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), Sir Emeka Offor, Emma Bishop Okonkwo (Ekulo Group) and Chief Allen Onyema (Air Peace).

Ndi Anambra, we are still appealing for donations to boost our capacity to overcome Coronavirus. We especially need ventilators and Personal Protection Equipment like gloves, goggles for the eyes, apparels and masks. Whatever support we get in this area shall be highly appreciated.
Umu nnem, now that we have the first recorded incident in Anambra State, our fight against Coronavirus has just started. All hands must be on deck to stamp the pandemic out of our beloved state. Ndi Anambra, I have no doubt that if we work together, we shall win this race.
God bless Anambra State
God bless Nigeria
Dalunu
Willie Obiano
Governor, Anambra State
Saturday, 11th April, 2020

FRIDAY, 10 April 2020. GOOD FRIDAY. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi, quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum. Qui passus es pro nobis, Domine, Domine, miserere nobis. Food for thought: "At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'My God, my God, why have you deserted me?'"
With my closest collaborators we assembled in my chapel at 6.45am to say the OFFICE OF READINGS, starting with the invitatory: Christ, the Son of God, redeemed us with his blood. Come let us adore him.
Hymn:
Sing, my tongue, of warfare ended
Of the Victor’s laurelled crown;
Let the Cross, his trophy splendid,
Be the theme of high renown;
How a broken world was mended:
Life restored by life laid down.

God for man’s rebellion grieving,
When the world his hands had made
Perished by a fruit’s deceiving,
In that hour his counsel laid,
By a tree the race reprieving
Whom a tree long since betrayed.

Man’s eternal health contriving
Wrought he with unfailing art –
Wisdom ’gainst the wisdom striving
Of the tempter’s guileful heart;
From that source the balm deriving
Whence the foe had steeped his dart.

Responsory: R/ Your ransom was not paid in anything corruptible, neither in silver nor gold, but in the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish. Through him we all have access to the Father in the one Spirit. V/ Through him we all have access to the Father in the one Spirit.

OFFICE OF LAUDS followed. Intercessory prayer

Let us pray to our Redeemer, who suffered for us, sas buried, and rose from the dead. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
Lord and master, for us you became obedient even to death; keep us faithful to God's in the darkness of our lives. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
Jesus, our life, by dying on the cross you destroyed hell and death; grant that we may die with you and rise with you in glory. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
Christ, our king, you were the scorn of the people, a worm not a man; teach us to tread your path of humility: LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
Jesus, our Saviour, you laid down your life for your friends; let us love one another as you have loved us. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
Jesus, our hope, you stretched out your hands on the cross to embrace all ages of men; gather all God's scattered children into the kingdom of salvation. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

At 3.00pm, I was at Our Lady of Angels Cistercian Monastery Nsugbe for the Stations of the Cross. I go there every year on Good Friday for this spiritual exercise. Because of Coronavirus, the gate of the monastery was shut to the public. We planned to conduct the Stations of the Cross in the open court inside the monastic Enclosure, but rain started falling just at the moment we were about to start the spiritual exercise. We were constrained to do the Stations of the Cross in the Chapel. The exercise well conducted and finished, we continued with Good Friday Liturgy. The Passion was sung in Latin. Wonderful improvement from previous years. My homily was on The Divinely Designed link between the Calvary and the Altar. During the Universal Intercessory Prayers, we added three intentions relating to Coronavirus.

Veneration of the Cross. "Ecce lignum crucis in quo salus mundi pependit... Venite adoremus"
Communion rite followed.

With this Prayer over the People:
May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray,
descend upon your people,
who have honored the Death of your Son in the hope of their resurrection:
may pardon come,
comfort be given,
holy faith increase,
and everlasting redemption be made secure.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We all departed to our homes in SILENCE.

THURSDAY, 9 April 2020. HOLY/MAUNDAY THURSDAY. Iesus Christus fecit nos regnum et sacerdotes Deo et Patri suo: ipsi gloria et imperium in saecula saeculorum. Amen. No common morning prayer and adoration with my closest collaborators. Hurried breakfast.
At about 9.30am, I was at Holy Trinity field for the Chrism Mass/Cathedraticum for Onitsha region to be conducted by Archbishop Valerian Okeke. I came just to be present for the occasion. Immediately after the Mass, I left the arena and returned to Aguleri.
At 5.00pm, I had concelebrated Mass (Missa in coena Domini) with Fr Innocent Udolisah and Fr Michael Odenigbo. The Congregation was made up of two seminarians on apostolic work (Emmanuel Aneke and Celestine Ibegbunam) and holiday makers in my house. No washing of feet - option already given by Holy See.
Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini nostri Iesu Christi, in quo est salus, vita et resurrectio nostra, per quem salvati et liberati sumus. With the Church we pray: O God, who have called us to participate in this most sacred Supper, in which your Only Begotten Son, when about to hand himself over to death, entrusted to the
church a sacrifice new for all eternity, the banquet of his love, grant, we pray, that we may draw from so great a mystery, the fullness of charity and of life.

WEDNESDAY, 8 April 2020. WEDNESDAY OF THE HOLY WEEK. In nomine Iesu omne genu flectatur, caelestium, terrestrium et infernorum: quia Dominus factus est oboediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis: ideo Dominus Iesus Christus in gloria est Dei Patris. Food for thought: "Ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried." Morning Prayers: R/ You have redeemed us, Lord, by your blood. V/ From every tribe and tongue and the people and nation. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was at Holy Family Catholic Church Umuoji for Chrism Mass/Cathedraticum for Nnobi Region. As done in other regions, only three representatives (Parish Priest and two others) from each parish were allowed to enter the Church for the celebration and these were instructed to give each person six-feet "social distance" in the pew-seating arrangement. The following parishes participated:

Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Umuoji
Holy Family Parish Awka Etiti
Holy Family Parish, Nnobi
Holy Family Parish, Oraukwu
Holy Family Parish Umuoji
Madonna Parish, Nnobi
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, Umuoji
Regina Caeli Parish, Umuoji
St Albert the Great Parish, Oraukwu
St Alphonsus Independent Station, Oba
St Anne's Parish, Awka Etiti
St Augustine's Parish, Oba
St Charles'Borromeo Parish, Alor
St Dominic's Parish, Uke
St Francis Parish, Umuoji
St John's Parish, Oba
St Joseph's Parish, Awka Etiti
St Joseph's Parish, Awkuzu Oba
St Joseph's Parish, Oraukwu
St Kevin's Parish, Nnobi
St Mary's Parish, Alor
St Mary;s Parish, Nnobi
St Mary's Parish, Oraukwu
St Odilia's Parish Ojoto-Uno
St Paul's Parish Ideani
St Paul's Parish Nnobi
St Paul's Parish, Ojoto Obofia
St Peter's Parish Ojoto Obofia
St Theresa's Parish, Nnobi
St Theresa's Parish, Umuoji
St Thomas Parish, Nkwelle Uke

We recited Gloria in excelsis Deo in Igbo. Readings of the Chrism Mass were read. For my homily I reflected on the Sacraments. I used the opportunity to thank all those involved in the work of evangelization in Onitsha archdiocese: all our PRIESTS, some of whom work in difficult circumstances (poor health, loneliness, poverty, extra demands from family members, etc.), RELIGIOUS MEN & WOMEN, CATECHISTS, PARENTS who take care of their children and bring them up in accordance with the Church teaching, LEADERS OF STATUTORY BODIES, those who pray for the Church, those who donate money and time, etc.
Renewal of Priestly Promises. The the Oils were brought in a procession with the traditional song:
O Redemptor, sume carmen
Temet concinentium.

Arbor foeta alma luce
Hoc sacrandum protulit,
Fert hoc prona praesens turba
Salvatori saeculi.
Oil of the sick was blessed before Per ipsum.
After the reception of Holy Communion, Copies of the Archbishop's Pastoral Letter (The Sacraments: Our Treasure) were given to representatives of different bodies in the Church.
After the Post Communion Prayer, I blessed the Oil of Catechumens. This was immediately followed by the consecration of the Oil of Chrism. Balsam mixed and poured into the jar of the Oil of Chrism. I breathed into it. Then I said the following prayer:

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION OF OIL OF CHRISM
God our maker,
source of all growth in holiness,
accept the joyful thanks and praise
we offer in the name of your Church.
In the beginning, at your command,
the earth produced fruit-bearing trees.
From the fruit of the olive tree
you have provided us with oil for holy chrism.
The prophet David sang of the life and joy
that the oil would bring us in the sacraments of your love.
After the avenging flood,
the dove returning to Noah with an olive branch
announced your gift of peace.
This was a sign of a greater gift to come.
Now the waters of baptism wash away the sins of men,
and by the anointing with olive oil
you make us radiant with your joy.
At your command, Aaron was washed with water,
and your servant Moses, his brother, anointed him priest.
This, too, foreshadowed greater things to come.
After your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
asked John for baptism in the waters of Jordan,
you sent the Spirit upon him in the form of a dove
and by the witness of your own voice
you declared him to be your only, well-beloved Son.
In this you clearly fulfilled the prophecy of David,
that Christ would be anointed with the oil of gladness
beyond his fellow men.
All the Concelebrants extend their right hands towards the chrism without saying anything until the end of the prayer.
And so, Father,
we ask you to bless + this oil you have created.
Fill it with the power of your Holy Spirit through Christ your Son.
It is from him that chrism takes its name
and with chrism you have anointed for yourself
priests and kings, prophets and martyrs.
Make this chrism a sign of life and salvation
for those who are to be born again in the waters of baptism.
Wash away the evil they have inherited from sinful Adam,
and when they are anointed with this holy oil
make them temples of your glory,
radiant with the goodness of life that has its source in you.
Through this sign of chrism
grant them royal, priestly, and prophetic honour,
and clothe them with incorruption.
Let this be indeed the chrism of salvation
for those who will be born again of water and the Holy Spirit.
May they come to share eternal life in the glory of your kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

In my final greetings to the people, since because of the Coronavirus pandemic no ceremonies would be conducted in churches during this holiest period of the year, I recommended how the People of God could spend the Triduum. The standard instruction given to them was to watch the ceremonies on TV or Online. I felt that most of the people in our rural setting would be marginalized. Many of them would not have electricity to put on television or money for a subscription to select channels or data on their phones to watch online the Triduum ceremonies. I instructed them on what to do:

MAUNDY THURSDAY (Evening)

Suitable Opening hymn.
Reading of the day from the parish bulletin or Usoro Emume Izuuka di aso.
(Where they cannot read, let them recite the Rosary).
Head of the family wash the feet of all the family members,
Prayer of the Faithful. Special prayer for Priests (those that touched individual lives - those who baptized them, prepared and gave them first Holy Communion, their Parish Priests, etc.).
Spiritual Communion Prayer
Singing of songs of Commandment of love, of Humility and of the Most Holy Eucharist.
Concluding Prayer of Blessing by the head of the family (Father or Mother or the Eldest Member of the family).

GOOD FRIDAY (Afternoon)

Suitable Opening hymn.
Stations of the Cross in the parlour or compound.
Reading of the day from the parish bulletin or Usoro Emume Izuuka di aso.
(Where they cannot read, let them recite the Rosary).
Intercessory Prayer for Good Friday, as on Usoro Emume Izuuka di aso.
(They are to add some prayers for sick or dead persons infected by the Coronavirus)
Singing of songs of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concluding Prayer of Blessing by the head of the family (Father or Mother or the Eldest Member of the family).

EASTER VIGIL

Suitable Opening Hymn.
Candle procession round the parlour or compound.
Reading of the day from the parish bulletin or Usoro Emume Izuuka di aso.
(Where they cannot read, let them recite the Rosary).
At the end of the reading from the Old Testament, they recite Gloria in excelsis in local language.
New Testament Reading with the Gospel.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises.
Singing of Easter songs.
Concluding Prayer of Blessing by the head of the family (Father or Mother or the Eldest Member of the family).

After the Mass, I stood outside the sanctuary to receive the offering from parishes and institutions to support the work of evangelization. This exercise concluded, I had lunch and interacted with priests in the rectory. Deo gratias.

TUESDAY, 7 April 2020. TUESDAY OF THE HOLY WEEK. Ne tradideris me, Domine, in animas persequentium me: quoniam insurrexerunt in me testes iniqui, et mentitaest iniquitas sibi. Food for thought: "To me life is Christ, and death gain. I will glory in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ." Usual morning devotions.

Man of Sorrows,—wrapt in grief,
Bow thine ear to our relief:
Thou for us the path hast trod
Of the dreadful wrath of God:
Thou the cup of fire hast drain’d
Till its light alone remain’d:
Lamb of Love!—we look to Thee,
Hear our mournful litany!

By the garden,—fraught with woe,
Whither Thou full oft wouldst go:
By Thine agony of prayer
In the desolation there!
By the chains of sleep, which bound
Watchers in their trance profound;
Lord!—behold our bended knee,--
Listen to our litany!
Holy Mass. With the Church we pray the following Collect: Almighty ever-living God, grant us so to celebrate the mysteries of he Lord's Passion that we may merit to receive your pardon.
Limited movement on account of Coronavirus lockdown.
Together with Pope Francis we pray:
O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. .Amen.

MONDAY, 6 April 2020. MONDAY OF THE HOLY WEEK. Iudica, Domine, nocentes me, expugna impugnantes me: apprehende arma et scutum, et exsurge in adiutorium meum, Domine, virtus salutis meae. Meditation - Food for thought: "Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you because it was you that sent me." Office of Lauds - Intercessory prayers:

Let us pray earnestly to Christ our Saviour, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection: LORD, HAVE MERCY.
You went up to Jerusalem to endure the passion and enter into glory; lead your Church into the paschal feast of eternal life. LORD, HAVE MERCY.
Your heart was pierced with a lance; heal the wounds of our human weakness. LORD, HAVE MERCY.
You made your cross the tree of life; share your victory with all the baptized. LORD, HAVE MERCY.
You gave salvation to the repentant thief; pardon all our sins. LORD, HAVE MERCY.

Holy Mass. Breakfast.
At 9.56am, I was in St Joseph's Church, Aguleri for Chrism Mass and Cathedraticum for Aguleri Region. As in Igbariam, this year's participation in the Chrism/Cathedraticum was by representation of three persons (the parish priest and two other persons). The following parishes participated:

Christ the King Parish, Ode
St Michael's Parish, Igbokenyi
Holy Cross Parish, Oroma Etiti
Holy Trinity Parish, Igbedor Ego Oja
Holy Trinity Parish, Umuwnwelum Anam
Ss Peter and Paul Independent Station, Umuenwelum Anam
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Nmiata Anam
Our Lady of Victory Parish Umueri
St Augustine's Parish, Umuoba Anam
St Francis Parish, Ivite Aguleri
St John the Baptist Parish, Nsugbe
St Joseph's Parish, Aguleri
St Joseph's Parish, Nsugbe
St Jude's Parish, Innoma
St Mark's Parish, Umueri
St Mary's Parish, Ezi Agulu otu Aguleri
St Mary's Parish, Nzam
St Mary's Parish, Ugwunadagbe Aguleri
St Mary's Parish, Umudora Anam
St Patrick's Independent Station, Onono
St Vincent de Paul's Parish, Odekpe
St Paul's Parish, Enugwu Otu Aguleri
St Theresa of the Child Jesus Independent Station Aboegbu Anam
St Theresa's Parish, Umuee Anam
St Vincent de Paul Parish, Owelle/Ukwalla

The Mass was celebrated inside St Joseph's Church. The choir members were five and each has a microphone and with it, they sang like a full choir. Common of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei were all sung. With the Church, we said the Opening prayer for Chrism Mass: O God, who anointed your Only Begotten Son with the Holy Spirit and made him Christ and Lord, graciously grant that, being made sharers in his consecration, we may bear witness to your Redemption in the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
In line with the Archbishop's title for his Pastoral Letter, I gave homily on the Sacraments. This was followed by the Renewal of Priestly Promises. Eucharistic Prayer III was used.
Two oils (of the Sick and for Catechumens) were blessed and one (Chrism) was consecrated. For the Blessing of Oil of Catechumens: Lord God, protector of all who believe in you, bless + this oil and give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their baptism. Bring them to a deeper understanding of the gospel, help them to accept the challenge of Christian living, and lead them to the joy of new birth in the family of your Church. Through Christ our Lord.
Our prayer at the end: We beseech you, almighty God, that those you renew by Sacraments may merit to become the pleasing fragrance of Christ. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

SUNDAY, 5 April 2020. PALM SUNDAY . Hosanna filio David: benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Rex Israel Israel: Hosanna in excelsis. I began the day with my collaborators in adoration of the Sanctissimum. Recalling the words of Ave verum corpus natum, attributed to Pope Innocent VI:
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary.
After meditation, we said together. Then I took my leave from the chapel, while Fr Michael Odenigbo celebrated Mass with blessing of palms for the holiday makers and my other collaborators.
At 7.20am, I was at St Scholastica Benedictine Abbey for Palm Sunday celebration. I come every year to be with this monastery for the blessing of palms, procession and holy Mass. Because of the restrictions since Coronavirus pandemic took over the whole world, the public was barred from participating in the celebration.
Blessing of the Palms and procession inside the monastic enclosure. Pueri Hebraeorum, portantes ramos olivarum, obviaverunt Domino, clamantes et dicentes: Hosanna in excelsis. Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, rex Christe redemptor, cui puerile decus prompsit Hosanna pium. Holy Mass in the Chapel.
With the Church, we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow, caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
After the Mass, I joined the nuns for breakfast during which I shared information about some of the events in the Church and State. It was a good opportunity to tell them about the deadly coronavirus.

Back to Aguleri, I spent the rest of day quietly in my residence. We have entered the Holy Week.

SATURDAY, 4 April 2020. SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Domine, ne longe facias auxilium tuum a me, ad defensionem meam aspice; quia ego sum vermis et non homo, oprobrium hominum et abiectio plebis. Usual morning spiritual activities. The new edition of The Priest for the month of April 2020 has an interesting survey on spiritual retreat for priests. The following question is asked to Priests: When do you know it is time to go on retreat? The following comment is added: "It’s time to go on retreat when the week for your annual retreat rolls around. On an annual basis, appreciate [the opportunity to] set aside at least a week for a retreat. Leaving one’s retreat to be determined by when it seems like it’s time to go is probably a risky path to travel."
During Mass, we prayed with the Church: O God, who have made all those reborn in Christ a chosen race and a royal priesthood, grant us, we pray, the grace to will and to do what you command, that the people called to eternal life may be one in the faith of their hearts and the homage of their deeds.
This period of Coronavirus "vacation" is precious to complete back-load of activities I have not found time to accomplish. O Lord, help me to use this time well to your greater glory and for the good of your people.

FRIDAY, 3 April 2020. FRIDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Miserere mihi, Domine, quoniam tribulor; libera me et eripe me de manibus inimicorum meorum, et a persequentibus me. Domine, non confundar, quoniam invocavi te. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "The most sublime act is to set another before you." Benediction. Holy Mass.
Because of the "Coronavirus"lockdown, I was indoors throughout the day. All the previous programmes scheduled were cancelled. Vespers: R/ I said: 'Lord, have mercy on.' V/ 'Heal my soul for I have sinned against you.'
Magnificat anima mea Dominum;
Et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo,
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae; ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus,
Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in bracchio suo;
Dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis, et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel, puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae,
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semini ejus in saecula.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto,: sicut erat in principio,
Et nunc, et semper: et in Saecula saeculorum. Amen

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
O love of God, O sin of man
In this dread act your strength is tried
And victory remains with love
Jesus our Lord is crucified

O break, O break hard heart of mine
My weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were
Jesus our Lord is Crucified

THURSDAY, 2 April 2020. THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Novi Testamenti mediator est Christus, ut, morte intercedente, repromissionem accipiant, qui vocati sunt aeternae hereditatis. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: "The secret of success is consistency of purpose." With my closest collaborators, we celebrated Mass of the day. During the Mass, we prayed with the Church: Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the stain of their sins, they may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. And at the end, we called upon God's blessing: Be gracious to your people, Lord, we pray, that, as from day to day they reject what does not please you, they may be filled instead with delight at your commands. Through Christ our Lord. Breakfast.
At 9.45 am, I was at St Anthony's parish Igbariam. Here is usually the first place we start the Cathedraticum. This practice has now lasted for, at least, fifteen years. On such occasion, all the parishes in Igbariam region gather to make donations for the work of evangelisation in Onitsha archdiocese. They also bring many food items, some of which are shared among the religious institutes working in the area. The following parishes belong to the region:

Holy Trinity Parish, Farm Settlement, Igbariam
Sacred Heart Parish, Nteje
St Anthony's Parish, Igbariam
St Anthony's Parish, Nteje
St Catherine Parish, Awkuzu
St Francis Parish, Nando
St Joan of Arc Parish, Nando
St Jude's Parish, Nando
St Michael the Archangel Parish, Ogbunike
St Michael's Parish, Awkuzu
St Patrick's Parish, Awkuzu
St Peter's Parish, Awkuzu
St Raphael's Parish, Awkuzu
St Stephen's Parish, Ogbunike
St Theophilus Independent Station, Nkwelle Ezunaka
St Theresa's Parish, Umunya
St Vincent's Parish, Ogbunike
St William's Parish, Nkwelle Ezunaka
Christ the King Parish, Omor
Ss Peter and Paul Umumbo
St Andrew's Parish, Omasi Uno
St Anthony's Parish, Ifite Ogwari
St Joseph's Parish, Anaku
St Joseph's Parish, Umueje
St Luke's Independent Station, Omor
St Mary's Parish, Igbakwu
St Mary's Parish, Umerum
St Paul's Parish, Omasi Agu
St Paul's Parish, Omor

Chrism Mass celebrated, with Gloria in excelsis Deo recited. Instead of having as many persons as possible come from the parishes in this region as was done in the past, this year only three persons (the Parish Priest and two other persons) came to represent others. This measure was taken to respect the guidelines given by the State government and experts to avoid bringing together large crown. Each person maintains a distance of six feet from the other. Very sober celebration!
Archbishop Valerian Okeke used the slot for homily to address the people on the contents of his 2020 Pastoral Letter on "The Sacraments: Our Treasure". Too abridged was his address. He told the people to read the rest from the booklet.
Then followed the Renewal of the Priestly Promise. At the end, I prayed: May the Lord keep us all in his charity and lead all of us, shepherds and flock, to eternal life. Amen.
As usual, I blessed the Oil of the Sick:
Lord God, loving Father,
you bring healing to the sick through your Son Jesus Christ.
Hear us as we pray to you in faith,
and send the Holy Spirit, man’s Helper and Friend, upon this oil,
which nature has provided to serve the needs of mankind.
May your blessing + come upon all who are anointed with this oil,
that they may be freed from pain and illness
and made well again in body, mind, and soul.
Father, may this oil be blessed for our use
in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son,
through whom you continue to make all these good things, O Lord;
you sanctify them, fill them with life, bless them,
and bestow them upon us.
Then I blessed the Oil of Catechumens and finally consecrated the Oil of Chrism.
To make the period of Mass as brief as possible, I did not sing the Preface and I used the Second Eucharistic Prayer. Mass over, the parishioners quickly presented their gifts for the work of evangelization in the archdiocese of Onitsha. Concluding prayer with blessing. All dispersed quietly.
I was pleased to see St Anthony's Church Igbariam taking a new shape. Fr. Ifeanyi Ben Udogwu is doing marvelously well in the parish. The rectory and the area are redesigned and completely reconstructed. Now the Church is undergoing a spectacular renovation.
Back to Aguleri. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

Spread of Coronavirus in the World (April 2020)

TODAY GOVERNOR OBIANO ADDRESSED OUR STATE ON THE CORONAVIRUS

A Special Broadcast on Covid-19 by the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano on Thursday April 2, 2020.

Ndi Anambra ekenem unu.
I am here to update you on the on-going global war against the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the efforts we have made so far to flatten the curve on this virus and shut it out of Anambra State.
As you may recall, my last broadcast on this pandemic was on March 19, 2020 when we took our first decisive steps against this menace by announcing the suspension of schools, nightclubs and bars, weddings, funerals, ofala ceremonies and other social events that bring people together in one place.

Update on Testing and Results:
Here is an update on what has happened since my last broadcast. In Anambra State, we respect our experts. My Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala has reliably informed me that at this moment in time, our dear state does not have a single recorded case of Coronavirus. Six samples have so far been sent for testing and four of the samples were declared negative. The results of the other two have not been released yet. We have sent three new samples today for testing.

Please note that samples are usually taken from what the experts call CASE DESCRIPTION. Case Description is a situation where an individual who has just returned from any of the countries and cities that have serious Covid-19 cases begins to show symptoms of Coronavirus… or a situation where someone who has come in contact with people suffering from Coronavirus begins to show symptoms of the pandemic. These symptoms are usually cough, runny nose, fever and a difficulty in breathing. Samples are usually taken from such people and sent to the testing center. So, far, Anambra is safe. But we shall continue our efforts in testing to ensure that Coronavirus does not take us by surprise.

Update on Isolation Centers:
We have successfully set up a 250-bed Isolation Center at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mbaukwu/Umuawulu and another 16-bed Isolation Centre at the General Hospital Onitsha. By the Grace of God, I shall commission both centers tomorrow. The Onitsha Isolation Centre has been described as one of the best in the country today. At the same time, the Isolation Center at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka is being fitted out to standard just in case we have an outbreak.

Meanwhile, we have two Surge Centers at Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umueri General Hospital. Ndi Anambra, I am happy to announce the Management of Fidelity Bank and the Management of Access Bank have both volunteered to equip the Surge Centers at Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umueri General Hospital with a 60-bed facility each that meets the World Health Organization standards on Coronavirus. I have been assured that both facilities shall be up and running within one week. On behalf of Ndi Anambra, I express my profound gratitude to Fidelity Bank and Access Bank for their kind gesture.

Economic Stimulus Package:
Ndi Anambra, our response to the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic is multi-dimensional. We have mounted a massive awareness campaign on all media platforms to enlighten our people on the threat of Coronavirus. We have closed our boundaries with neighbouring states and shut down our 63 major markets in Anambra State to flatten the curve on this virus. We have set up Isolation Centers and equipped them with facilities that meet WHO standards. And finally, we have also rolled out an Economic Stimulus Package to cushion the effect of steps we have taken against the virus on the most vulnerable members of our communities. We have commenced the distribution of 200 bags of rice to each of the 181 communities in Anambra State to be distributed among our senior citizens from 70 years and above. In communities where we have more than 200 people within the specified age bracket, distribution shall start from the oldest to the youngest in the age bracket.

Beyond that, we have also given a 10% relief on personal income taxes to businesses in Anambra State for the year 2019. This means that if you have been paying your taxes regularly, you will get a 10% refund of the entire sum you paid in 2019. I have no doubt that this will be of great help to businesses in the state.
Interventions from the Private Sector

Our call for assistance from corporate bodies and successful Ndi Anambra has started yielding results. So far, we have received the following donations in cash and equipment from the following people –

UBA Plc – N28, 500,000
Ibeto Petrochemical – N10m
J I Ejison of Ejison International Ltd - N5m
Chief Ken Nwogbo – N5m
Chief Ejeson Ukeje – N5m
Chief Daniel Chukwudozie of Dozzy Oil – N2m
Senator Victor Umeh – N2m
His Royal Highness, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, Igwe Ojoto – N1m
Ezeemo Godwin Chukwunenye – N500,000
Obinna Okechukwu Nwosu – N3000
7Com Enterprises N2000
Dr Ernest Audialor Obiejesi – 4000 Facial Masks and 900 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Other illustrious indigenes of the state that have pledged to assist the government with Personal Protection Equipment and other medical supplies are Chief Engineer Arthur Eze, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), Sir Emeka Offor, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Chisco), Emma Bishop Okonkwo (Ekulo Group) and Chief Allen Onyema (Air Peace).

Ndi Anambra we are still appealing for donations to boost our capacity to overcome the threat posed by this pandemic. We especially need ventilators and Personal Protection Equipment like gloves, goggles for the eyes, apparels and masks. We shall appreciate any intervention that will strengthen our capacity in these areas.
What we shall do next

Ndi Anambra, we are determined to strengthen our campaign against Coronavirus in our dear state with the following measures –

We shall soon commence the distribution of 3 million masks residents of Anambra State 181 communities in Anambra. The Igwes and the PGs will assist the government in profiling the tailors in the various communities that will help in mass-producing these masks for distribution to the members of the communities. Our intention in handing out 3 million masks is to ensure that after the 14-day shutdown of the state, no one will step out of their home without wearing a facial mask. The Czech Republic is relying largely on a heavy use of facial masks to minimize the incidence of Coronavirus in its territory. These masks shall be made by our own tailors carefully selected from each of the 181 communities of Anambra State. The modalities for the manufacturing and distribution of the masks shall be worked out and announced subsequently.
We shall also commence the fumigation of the 63 markets in Anambra State while the traders are at home. This will help to reduce the toxicity of the business environment and minimize the exposure of our people to different kinds of infections.
We are giving a two-month waiver to Keke and shuttle bus operators in the state on the usual permits they pay. The grace period covers the months of April and May, 2020. The leadership of the Tricycle Union and the Bus and Shuttle Bus Drivers Union have also given a two-month waiver to Keke and Shuttle bus drivers. I hope that this will cushion the sudden fall in their income occasioned by the restricted number of passengers they are expected to carry at a time these days. This is also a part of our Economic Stimulus Package for the vulnerable.
4. To ensure that our children are not adversely affected by the closure of schools, we have migrated our classrooms to Radio, television and Facebook. A partnership between the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the Ministry of Basic Education is meeting the educational needs of our children with a programme title “Anambra Teaching on Air.” Visit the ABS website for further details.

We are Ready:
Finally, Ndi Anambra, learning from the experience of the approaches adopted by France and Lagos in battling this pandemic, we have stockpiled the medicines used in managing outbreaks in both places in case we experience an incident here. I therefore urge you to be calm and ensure adequate compliance with the standard directives on Covid-19 which includes – wash your hands regularly with soap, use hand-sanitizers regularly, cough and sneeze into your elbows, put on a face mask while going out and most importantly; stay home and stay safe!
Before I end this broadcast, I must not fail to thank the entire business community in Anambra State for complying with our directive on Coronavirus. I must also thank the owners of schools, the church, the civil society and traditional rulers who have lent their voices to the enlightenment campaign on coronavirus in their various domains. My gratitude also goes to the members of the Task Force on Covid-19 who have been working day and night to get our dear state ready and of course the Service Commanders of the various security agencies in the state who have been helping us to enforce the standard Covid-19 protocol in the state.

In conclusion, Ndi Anambra, I urge you to see the threat of Coronavirus as the greatest threat to us all as one people under God. I urge you therefore, to come together as one and shut out this pandemic from Anambra State. Ndi Anambra, we can do it if we truly come together. In the words of American auto icon, Henry Ford, “coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress but working together is success.”
I have no doubt that if we all wash your hands regularly with soap, use hand-sanitizers regularly, cough and sneeze into your elbows, put on a facial mask while going out and most importantly; stay home and stay safe, we shall win this battle and eventually win this war!

God bless Anambra State
God Bless Nigeria.

Willie Obiano
Governor
Thursday, 2nd April, 2020

WEDNESDAY, 1 April 2020. WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Liberator meus de gentibus iracundis. Ab insurgentibus in me exaltabis me, a viro iniquo eripies me, Domine. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Don't find fault, find a remedy." Office of Lauds: Intercessory prayers:

Blessed be Christ our Saviour. In him we become a new creation, the old order passes and all things are renewed. Let us pray in living hope. Renew us, Lord, in your Spirit.
You promised us, Lord, a new heaven and a new earth; renew us in your Spirit that we may come to the Jerusalem and rejoice in you for ever. Renew us, Lord, in your Spirit.
Let us work with you to fill the world with your Spirit; let us perfect our earthly city in justice, charity and peace. Renew us, Lord, in your Spirit.
Grant that we may put aside our apathy; help us to recognize with joy the power you have given us. Renew us, Lord, in your Spirit.
Set us free from all evil; show us in the confusion of our lives the things that really matter. Renew us, Lord, in your Spirit.

Pope's Mass for Coronavirus pandemic. Vere languóres nostros ipse tulit et dolóres nostros ipse portávit. Following the guidelines by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and with recommendation of the Holy Father Pope Francis, we celebrated MASS IN TIME OF PANDEMIC. We offered Mass for the victims of Coronavirus Pandemic.

Entrance Antiphon (Is 53:4)
Truly the Lord has borne our infirmities, and he has carried our sorrows.

Collect
Almighty and eternal God,
our refuge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress;
in faith we pray look with compassion on the afflicted,
grant eternal rest to the dead,
comfort to mourners,
healing to the sick,
peace to the dying,
strength to healthcare workers,
wisdom to our leaders
and the courage to reach out to all in love,
so that together we may give glory to your holy name.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we offer in this time of peril.
May they become for us, by your power,
a source of healing and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon (Mt 11:28)
Come to me, all who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the Lord.

Prayer after Communion
O God, from whose hand we have received the medicine of eternal life, grant that through this sacrament we may glory in the fullness of heavenly healing. Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the People
O God, protector of all who hope in you, bless your people, keep them safe, defend them, prepare them, that, free from sin and safe from the enemy, they may persevere always in your love. Through Christ our Lord.

TUESDAY, 31 March 2020. TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Exspecta Dominum, viriliter age; et confortetur cor tuum, et sustine Dominum. Usual morning spiritual activities. Thoughts still on almsgiving by Priests. Father Ronald Raab remarks:

Almsgiving is our prayer in action. Almsgiving shows us that our deepest journey into the heart of Jesus is not about our own authority or power in our daily ministry. Learning to give from our own possessions teaches us that even the things that we think we "own" actually come from God alone. God alone is the source of our possessions, even our gifts, talents and faith. Giving things away is a reminder that on this side of the grave, all is of God. We are instruments of God's bounty and care for the world.
With a practice of almsgiving, we learn to stand at the altar with open hands and hearts, without lives free to love and serve.
As priests, most of us live very secure lives. We may even fall deeply into a well of self-sufficiency, a trap where we live comfortable on our won, even without God.

At Mass with the Church we prayed: Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying your will, that in our days the people dedicated to your service may grow in both merit and number.

Desk work throughout today. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

Man of Sorrows,—wrapt in grief,
Bow thine ear to our relief:
Thou for us the path hast trod
Of the dreadful wrath of God:
Thou the cup of fire hast drain’d
Till its light alone remain’d:
Lamb of Love!—we look to Thee,
Hear our mournful litany!

By the garden,—fraught with woe,
Whither Thou full oft wouldst go:
By Thine agony of prayer
In the desolation there!
By the chains of sleep, which bound
Watchers in their trance profound;
Lord!—behold our bended knee,--
Listen to our litany!

MONDAY, 30 March 2020. MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT. Miserere mihi, Domine, quoniam conclcavit me home, tota die bellans tribulavit me. Usual morning devotions. I read an interesting article published in the magazine The Priest, the March 2020 Edition, entitled "The Spirituality of Letting Go and Receiving - How the gesture of almsgiving helps priests deepen relationships with God, their own lives and with People". In our society, being priests, places us among a privileged group in the eyes of the people. Most priests easily forget that we are servants. Many of us allow it to enter our heads that we are entitled to people's charity and goodwill. Strangely, some of us find it challenging to give alms to others. As food for thought, let us read directly from the author of this article, Fr Ronald Raab. He writes:

As priests,...We may excuse ourselves by falsely thinking that we have already given our entire lives to such a reality. Yes, the cost of discipleship is real for us on a daily basis. We may face even deeper obstacles as priests in learning how to let go of our possessions in order to discover a deeper, richer grace and a kinder more compassionate heart".
"Priesthood is not about privilege or cultural status, but rather needs to be a deep and abiding notion of becoming a humble servant. We do not serve people from a spirituality of entitlement or from the gospel of prosperity but as a witness to lifting up people in physical and spiritual poverty."
"The giving of alms from our own pockets is a step toward building relationships....Our work as priests reaches far from comfortable postures in our sanctuaries and into the real-life places where people live without hope and comfort".

Coronavirus lockdown has begun. So I stayed indoors today. Thanks to God, I am a desk person. So, I do not find it boring, sitting down at home to read and write. Here is Coronavirus prayer by Pope Francis

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign
of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself,
and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

V/ We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
R/Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test
– and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

SUNDAY, 29 March 2020. FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT. I went to bed rather late st 3.30 am. I was arranging the Holy Week Ceremonies booklet, putting everything together in one place in my personal "Pontifical" which contains the Liturgical Rites I conduct as Bishop. I woke up at 5.10 am feeling I was well-rested, with joy that I completed what I set out to accomplish last night.
Iudica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sacta; ab homine iniquo et doloso eripe me, quia tu es Deus meus et fortitudo mea. We prostrate before the Lord of silence, inviting one another: Venite adoremus Dominus. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
The March edition of The Priest offers stages of Lectio Divina:

Invocatio: a deep and sincere invocation of the Holy Spirit.
Lectio: prayerful reading of few verses of Scripture. It should not be a perfunctory prayer.
Meditatio: allowing a verse or portion of a verse to sink deeply into one's heart and soul.
Oratio: inspired prayer drawn from the verse chosen.
Contemplatio: sacred silence allowing one to taste the goodness of the Lord.
Collatio: sharing the insight one has received with others.
Actio: call to action, to share a gift of the Spirit, or to a change in attitude as a result of one's experience of lectio divina.

Office of Readings: R/ Christ Jesus is the radiant light of the Father's glory and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; now that he has made atonement for sin, he has gone to take his place at the right hand of the divine Majesty. V/ Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection, for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, endured the cross; now that he has made atonement for sin, he has gone to take his place at the right hand of the divine Majesty
Holy Mass. With the Church we prayed: By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death.
At 9.45 am, I was at Igbakwu in Olumbanasaa. This parish, with only one professed Sister (MMM Sr Cecilia) and no priest yet, is made up very few families. They are predominantly farmers. Only recently they started building a church in a small piece of land in front of the rectory. Between the church under-construction and the rectory is a beautiful chapel of adoration which I blessed during my pastoral visit in 2016. For this year's pastoral visit, they set the canopy to provide shade in front of the church under construction.
We put all around the arena for the celebration buckets of water with taps. All who came for the celebration had to wash their hands first. But the people did not maintain strictly the "social distancing of two meters advised by experts. Outside the church premises, they interacted in the market, in their farms and other places of public gathering in town. I felt I had the responsibility to educate them. I gave some indication on how to stay safe.
I concelebrated Holy Mass with about five priests. The solidarity of the priests in Ayamelum area was visible. About thirty persons received the sacrament of Confirmation. Thanks be to God for the quality of Christians here. Thanks to the zealous Parish Priest, Fr Jude Nworah. I had beautiful interaction with the priests working in the area who finished their Parish Sunday Masses and endeavoured to identify with Fr Jude and Igbakwu community. Brief reception. Then I took leave of the peaceful town.
After today's Mass, we stopped public Masses in all the churches in Onitsha archdiocese. All the faithful were called upon to go into quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. So far, no record of infection in Anambra State and most of the States in Nigeria. May God bless our efforts and spare our people from this dangerous infection.
Back to Aguleri. Quiet evening.
Vexilla regis prodeunt,
fulget crucis mysterium,
quo carne carnis conditor
suspensus est patibulo.

SATURDAY, 28 March 2020. SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT. Circumdederunt me gemitus mortis, dolores inferni circumdederunt me; et in tribulatione mea invocavi Dominum, et exaudivit de templo sancto suo vocem meam.Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: "If you are positive, you'll see opportunities instead of obstacles." We concluded of adoration/meditation with: O Jesus living in Mary, come and live in your servants in the Spirit of your holiness, in the fullness of your power, in the perfection of your ways, in the reality of your virtues, in the communion of your mysteries. Have dominion over every adverse power, in your own Spirit to the glory of the Father. Amen. Office of Lauds. Holy Mass. With the Church, we prayed: May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for, without your grace, we cannot find favour in your sight. With ever-growing concern for the spread of coronavirus, we started preparing how to protect our people from getting infected. We concluded that after tomorrow we join the lockdown of Anambra State. I discussed with Fr Jude Nworah on how to organise my pastoral visit to St Mary's Parish Igbakwu tomorrow. O God, save your people.
I was indoors today. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

FRIDAY, 27 March 2020. FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT. Deus, in nomine tuo salvum me fac, et in virtute tua libera me. Deus, exaudi orationem meam, auribus percipe verba oris mei. Adoration. Food for thought: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." At the end of our meditation: O Jesus living in Mary, come and live in your servants in the Spirit of your holiness, in the fullness of your power, in the perfection of your ways, in the reality of your virtues, in the communion of your mysteries. Have dominion over every adverse power, in your own spirit to the glory of the Father. Amen. Office of Lauds. Concelebrated Mass with the visiting Fr Mike Ozodigwe and my closest priest-collaborators.
Out there, the coronavirus pandemic is spreading. It would seem that it is now out of control in Europe. Many major airports in the world are shut down. I have a few surprises:

China, where the virus first made its presence felt, was able to put the spread under control. Only one city suffered. There were about three thousand deaths.
Italy very far away from China was the worst hit. They lost about seventeen thousand persons, including about sixty priests. Why Italy?
The United States of America, with advanced technology and first-class medical facilities, was hard hit by the virus, with over four hundred thousand persons infected and over twelve thousand deaths.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, through WhatsApp, Facebook, etc., we are bombarded with images from outside us. It seems there is an effort to infect millions of Nigeria with the virus. Up till a few days ago, those infected by the virus overseas were allowed to board the aircraft to fly into Nigeria. And when they reached Nigeria, they were immediately counted among those infected in Nigeria. They tell us that our countrymen and women infected are about a hundred plus. Some have recovered and gone home. We are hardly informed about such recovery.
Evil willed people continue to warn that millions of Nigerians will be affected. These warnings help to increase the number of persons with high blood pressure. Why won't well-wishers speak up?
We do well to observe all the safety precautions. We wait on the Lord.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
O come and mourn with me awhile;
O come ye to the Saviour's side;
O come, together let us mourn:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and Jews deride?
Ah! look how patiently He hangs:
Jesus, our Lord is crucified

THURSDAY, 26 March 2020. THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT. Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum. Quaerite Dominum et confirmamini, quaerite faciem eius semper. Before our Lord in the tabernacle, on bended knee, we adore the Him. Usual spiritual activities. Food for thought: "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." During Mass, with the Church we prayed: "We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. Through Christ our Lord.
At 10.00am, I was at Nsukwu Abatete for Missa exequialis for Charles Azifuaku at St Martin's Church. Requiescat in pace. There was expression of concern for the coronavirus. Social distance was observed in the Church. Outside water was provided for washing of hands.
This evening Fr Mike Ozodigwe arrived for a three-day fraternal visit. Happy long conversation with Fr Mike over our dinner. At about 9.45pm, we appeared before the Lord in my chapel. Good night, Lord.

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven--
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

WEDNESDAY, 25 March 2020. SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD. Dominus ingredens mundum dixit: Ecce venio ut faciam, Deus, voluntatem tuam. The celebration is thus articulated: "The Virgin Mary with faith that the Christ was to be born among men and for men's sake by the overshadowing power of the Holy Spirit Lovingly she bore him in her immaculate womb, that the promises to the children of Israel might come about and the hope of nations be accomplished beyond all telling." Usual morning devotions. Food for thought "It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always." In the Office of Lauds we prayed:

Today we celebrate the beginning of our salvation in the Annunciation of the Lord, and full of joy we pray: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us.
The Blessed Virgin received the joyful message from the angel, O God, let us receive the Saviour in the same generous spirit: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us.
You looked with compassion on the lowliness of your handmaid, Merciful Father, remember us and all men, and have mercy on us: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us.
The new Eve was obedient to your divine Word. Give us the grace to submit to your holy will: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us.
Holy Mary, comfort the miserable, help the faint-hearted, cheer those that weep. Pray for the people, be the advocate of the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us.

Benediction. Holy Mass. With the Church we prayed: Confirm in our minds the mysteries of the true faith, we pray, O Lord, so that confessing that he who was conceived of the Virgin Mary is true God and true man, we may, through the saving power of his Resurrection merit to attain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord.
At 4.50pm, I was at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Nmiata Anam, to join Fr Nze Muoba for the funeral vigil Mass for his sister in law Mrs Muoba and grandchild who were abducted and murdered around Nsugbe. No information about the motive for the murder. May they rest in perfect peace in the Lord. Journey to Nmiata-Anam took me about twenty five minutes. It is inconceivable to imagine that about fifty years ago, it would take a person about three and a half hours on a canoe along river Anambra to make that journey. Today there is a bridge across river Anambra. The road to Nmiata is now tarred. Sia benedetto il nome del Signore.
Desk work at night. Then, Good night, Lord.
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

TUESDAY, 24 March 2020. TUESDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT. Sitientes, venite ad aquas, dicit Dominus; t qui non habetis pretium, venite, et bibite cum laetitia. I woke up in EEMJM hotel. I did not sleep well because the room left much to be desired. I prepared quickly and left the hotel with my luggage not intending to return there.
7.30am: Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Uyo. Bishop Ayah presided and gave the homily. About twenty five priests concelebrated. The deputy governor was in attendance. After the Mass, there was a group photo. I gave short vote of thanks to our hosts and organizers of the Plenary meeting for the hospitality so far shown. We found Uyo a very clean city - I was tempted to say the cleanest city in Nigeria.
I joined the other participants at the Pastoral Centre for breakfast. Very good interaction at breakfast table with a number of directors.
As we were coming out of the refectory, I received the sad news of the death of Fr Charles Okeke Odogwu - a gentle collaborator at Holy Cross Parish Oroma Etiti Anam, a truly good man. He died inside his car in front of his house, having driven all the way from Aguleri after Regional meeting of Priests. It was night when he reached home. He died inside his car with the engine still steaming. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
10.30am Opening Session of the Directors' Plenary meeting. Welcome address by hosting Director Fr Justin Udomah, Greetings by the President of the Directors Fr Anthony Ajasin (from Ekiti diocese). Then I gave my keynote address:
TO THE DIRECTORS THAT CAME
Beloved brothers and sisters, every person here made a deliberate choice to attend this year’s 2020 First Plenary meeting of the directors.

You heard all the bad news about coronavirus. Every news channel in Nigeria was talking about the dreaded virus. Even a primary school pupil who did not know how to pronounce the the name of the deadly virus (she called it “coronial drive us”) felt the impact when she was ordered to go home on unplanned holidays.
You received several horrible images of the deadly virus from mainly Asia and Europe.
The upstart prophets threaten that the virus will wipe out our continent.
Some of our colleagues who should be here for this meeting started withdrawing from participating in the meeting. Many of them did it publicly to make others join the bandwagon. You resisted from withdrawing.
Next, those who had withdrawn their participation started persuading others to do what they had done. They started sending horrible news from outside the country to show how bad things had become. You saw all these but you chose to come to Uyo. They started peddling rumors, unverified and false stories about the spread of the virus. Even you were told that one person had been infected here in Uyo. Later, it turned out to be Oyo.
Some even exaggerated the instructions from their superiors as reason not to participate.
You overcame the pressure. You are here this morning. YOU ARE HEROES. I congratulate you. I assure you that Uyo is safe. Nothing will happen to you.

TO BISHOP JOHN AYAH

I would like to thank Bishop Ayah for accepting to host us in his diocese. Uyo is a very clean city. The people are very warm.

TO THE HOSTING DIRECTOR

I thank Fr Justin Udomah. I have known him as a very warm person. He is very creative. He is ably coordinating this plenary meeting. I know everything will work out well.

TO OUTGOING NATIONAL DIRECTOR

I thank Fr Chris Anyanwu, up till now our National Director of Communications. He has piloted the affairs of the Department of Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for six years plus. This will be his last meeting as National Director. I found him a round peg in a round hole. During his tenure he took many bold steps to record several achievements at the secretariat. On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, I express our profound gratitude for your selfless service to the Church in Nigeria.

CONCERN ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR JOURNALISTS IN THE FACE OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

Our journalists overwhelm us everyday with the bad news from outside Africa. We are worried about the deteriorating situation in Asia, America and Europe. We are praying for them.
Many of them are not professional enough to do investigative journalism, to tell us exactly what is happening around us. The journalists are absent from the scenes of action. From the experience of others outside Nigeria, they warn us. But we do not know exactly what is happening in Nigeria.
It is even terrible to imagine that journalists in Nigeria demand money before they cover events.
The absence of some of the Directors here in Uyo is part of the bad news. Who will inspire journalists to go out in the field to inform and form the public? Yes, reporting during a situation we have today is risky, but somebody, while making every effort to be safe, must get out to obtain on-the-spot information in order to educate the public.

After the address, there was cultural music entertainment. Then a break. Bishop Ayah was truly a brother. He fueled my car. We went over to the restaurant and had early lunch. I then took leave of him and headed home.
Smooth journey home, except for a flat tyre, which was quickly fixed. Back home safely at about 4.00pm.
Late lunch cum early supper. Good night, Lord.
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli
Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,
Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti,
Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem
Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore
Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.

MONDAY, 23 March 2020. MONDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT. Ego autem in Domino sperabo. Exsultabo, et laetabor in tua misericordia, quia respexisti humilitatem meam. Usual morning devotions. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: I reflected on this write up on the Supreme Court ruling with reference to governorship election in Bayelsa State. It is about choice of people around us:
"David Lyon, the Balyesa APC Governorship Candidate who won the election was not sacked because he wasn't qualified, he was not sacked because he forged any certificate. He was sacked because his running mate was not qualified, he was sacked because his running mate forged documents. There was no fault found in him, yet he was disqualified, disgraced and embarrassed because he had an unqualified running mate who was probably forced on him by Party leaders* What am I saying? Be careful who enters your life. On your way to Destiny choose your associates carefully. Select people you allow into your life. Be mindful of the company you keep. Who you follow determines what follows you. Don't be emotional and sympathetic about it at all, we are talking about your destiny here. Those you associate with, will either make you or destroy you."
At about 11.30am, I set out for Uyo to attend the Plenary meeting of Diocesan and Religious Directors of Communications in Nigeria. Some of the directors mounted pressure that the meeting be suspended because of the Coronavirus pandemic in different parts of the world. I considered cancelling the meeting but after a comprehensive informed consultation with credible experts, I decided to approve the meeting in Uyo to go on. I told those who were afraid to attend to stay back at home and pray for those travelling to Uyo.
I reached Uyo at about 3.15pm. Everything for the meeting was in place. The venue for the meeting was Bishop Moynagh Pastoral Centre. Fr Justin Udomah, the host director, was on top of every arrangement for the meeting. I interacted with the Directors that had arrived. Little challenge created by the electric generator that went off. Some of us were accommodated at EEMJM Hotel and Suites located at 47, Dominic Utuk Avenue. A place barely ok for passing the night.
Good night, Lord.

Jesus, the sun of ransomed earth,
Shed in our inmost souls thy light,
As in spring days a fairer birth
Heralds, each morn, the doom of night.

2. This hour of grace thou dost impart;
Teach us with flowing tears the stain
To cleanse from ev’ry victim-heart
That longs to feel love’s welcome pain.

SUNDAY, 22 March 2020. FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT. Laetare Sunday. This Sunday gets its name from the first word of the Latin entrance antiphon for the Mass of the day: Laetare, Ierusalem, et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam; gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis, ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. It is considered a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigours; a day of hope with Easter at last within sight. Colour of vestment: Orange. Traditionally, weddings, which otherwise was banned during Lent, could be performed on this day, and servants were released from service for the day to visit their mothers. Hence it is called 'Mothering Sunday'. This is the origin of “Mothering Sunday” which is now celebrated worldwide. Catholics fix their own date differently.
Meditation. Food for thought: "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Mass with my close collaborators. Blessing over them at the end of Mass: Look upon those who call to you, O Lord, and sustain the weak; give life by your unfailing light to those who walk in the shadow of death, and bring those rescued by your mercy from every evil to reach the highest good. Through Christ our Lord.
Today, we commemorated the anniversary of the Beatification of Blessed Michael Cyprian Iwene Tansi at Oba. No special Mass this year because the celebration fell on a Sunday. We are praying for one clear miracle to present to Rome with a request for his canonization. My hope and prayer: that God may grant us the joy of having him canonized while Mons. Emmanuel Nwosu (long time promoter of the Cause) and Cardinal Arinze (who introduced the Cause when he was Archbishop of Onitsha) may both be still alive to witness the canonization. Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi, pray for us.
I was indoors for a good part of the day. My desk was very crowded and I was doing my best to clear them.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
Amid the battle's strife;
In all my pain and misery
Be thou my health and life.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
Nor let me go astra;
Through darkness and perpexity
Point thou the heavenly way.

SATURDAY, 21 March 2020. SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT. Benedic , anima mea, Domino, et noli oblivisci omnes retributiones eius. qui propitiatur omnibus iniquitatibus tuis. Usual spiritual activities. Adoration and Meditation. Food for thought: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." Office of Lauds. It is he who will free me from the snare of the hunters. And from evil one. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. We made the following intercessory prayers:
Let us give thanks always to Christ, our Savior, and pray to him with confidence:

LORD, HELP US BY YOUR GRACE.

Lord, may we keep our bodies free from sin; may the Holy Spirit dwell within us:

LORD, HELP US BY YOUR GRACE.

Teach us to offer ourselves this morning for our fellow men and strengthen us to do your will throughout the day:

LORD, HELP US BY YOUR GRACE.

Grant that we may hunger for the food of eternal life; give us the bread of your word and of your body:

LORD, HELP US BY YOUR GRACE.

May your Mother, the refuge of sinners, intercede for us; through her prayers forgive us in your mercy.

LORD, HELP US BY YOUR GRACE.

At 9.45am, I was at St William's Church Nkwelle Ezunaka. Today was set aside to Reparation and Prayers for Priests. Every year for the past four years, I set aside one day for prayer for priests with members of Marian Movement of Priests. This year, about a thousand or more of them gathered. Very devoted people! I made available an update of the booklet I prepared three years ago for this special day of prayer. There were priests available for sacramental confession.
I began our meeting this year with catechesis on the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then I explained the need for prayers for priests, inviting them to book Masses for priests in various parishes. I encouraged them to adopt and accompany priests with prayers. (The priest adopted may not even be told). I recommended to them to remember the priests that baptized them, served as their parish priests, or assisted them in life, whether now alive or dead.
We said the rosary - in between we read passages from the Bible and sang songs. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed. Adoration. Time for personal prayer. Then recitation/singing of psalms. Special prayer for priests. Then Benediction. Holy Mass. About 5 priests concelebrated. For Priests we prayed:
O Mary,
Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of priests,
accept this title which we bestow on you
to celebrate your motherhood
and to contemplate with you the priesthood
of, your Son and of your sons,
O holy Mother of God.

O Mother of Christ,
to the Messiah-priest you gave a body of flesh
through the anointing of the Holy Spirit
for the salvation of the poor and the contrite of heart;
guard priests in your heart and in the Church,
O Mother of the Savior.

O Mother of Faith,
you accompanied to the Temple the Son of Man,
the fulfillment of the promises given to the fathers;
give to the Father for his glory
the priests of your Son,
O Ark of the Covenant.

O Mother of the Church,
in the midst of the disciples in the upper room
you prayed to the Spirit
for the new people and their shepherds;
obtain for the Order of Presbyters
a full measure of gifts,
O Queen of the Apostles.

O Mother of Jesus Christ,
you were with him at the beginning
of his life and mission,
you sought the Master among the crowd,
you stood beside him when he was lifted up from the earth consumed as the one eternal sacrifice,
and you had John, your son, near at hand;
accept from the beginning those who have been called, protect their growth,
in their life ministry accompany your sons,
O Mother of Priests.

Altogether, we spent about four hours in prayer. I was particularly delighted by the presence of Fr Hilary Anisiobi (92 years of age, now the oldest priest in Onitsha archdiocese). I just told him about the meeting a day before. He came with a big bag containing scapulars. He generously blessed and invested those interested with scapulars.
I thank Fr Jude Okolo for his hospitality.
Good night, Lord.
Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sins;
From earth-born passions set me free
And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
With care and woe oppressed;
Let me thy loving servant be,
And taste thy promised rest.

FRIDAY, 20 March 2020. FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT. Non est similis tui in diis, Domine, quoniam magnus es tu et faciens mirabilia; tu es Deus solus. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of thy passion: help us so to reverence the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may experience in our lives the effects of thy redemption: who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. Holy Mass with my closest collaborators.
At 10.00am, I was at St Charles' Church Alor for the funeral Mass for ma Roseline Nweke (mother of Fr Augustine Nweke). About fifty priests concelebrated. The Church was full. Fr Augustine is very friendly to almost every person. Being a very talented person he sang a special, very emotionally charged, funeral dirge to bid his mother farewell. O God, who commanded us to honour father and mother, have mercy in your compassion on our mother Rosaline forgive her sins, and bring us to see her one day in the gladness of eternal glory.
Back to Aguleri, I was very happy to receive delivery of printed copies of booklet I prepared for my special day of prayer with members of Marian Movement FOR Priests.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
When we survey the wondrous cross
On which the Lord of glory died,
Our richest gain we count but loss,
And pour contempt on all our pride.

Our God forbid that we should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, our Lord;
All the vain things that charm us most,
We’d sacrifice them to His blood.

THURSDAY, 19 March 2020. SOLEMNITY OF T JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY. Ecce fidelis servus et prudens, quem constituit Dominus super familiam suam.. I realize some changes in my body system. I feel sleepy early in the night but get up about three o'clock feeling rested. This is a welcome development for me because when I get up early, I find it ideal time to reflect, pray, read and write. Lord, thank you for this gift. I am also grateful to God because, at my age, I sleep off immediately I lie down. At about 6.05am I joined my collaborators to prostrate before the Lord. When early cock begins to crow, and everything from sleep awakes, new life and hope spring up again, while out of darkness colour breaks, Transcendent God before you we present ourselves. Food for thought: "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." We concluded our morning meditation with usual ejaculatory prayers:

V. Most Holy Name of Jesus,
R. We adore You
V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
R. Make our hearts like Yours
V. For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion,
R. Lord, have mercy on us and on the whole world
V. Our Blessed Mother, Undoer of Knots
R. Intervene for us.
V. All you Angels and Archangels,
R. Intercede for us.
V. St Joseph most holy guardian and the head of the Holy Family,
R. Protect us.
V. St Charles Lwanga and all You Martyrs of Uganda,
R. Pray for us.
V. Blessed Michael Cyprian Iwene Tansi,
R. Pray for

Benediction. Holy Mass. With Church we prayed at Offertory: We pray, O Lord that, that, just as Saint Joseph served with loving care your Only Begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, so we may be worthy to minister with a pure heart at your altar. Through Christ our Lord.
I began to take lessons on how to protect myself and my collaborators and those I encounter in the course of my pastoral work from Coronavirus. The first lessons received:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

The day passed happily, even though I spent long hours at my desk. Grazie, Signore!
Hail, holy Joseph, Hail,
Chaste Spouse of Mary, Hail!
Pure as the lily flower
In Eden’s peaceful vale.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail,
Prince of the house of God.
May His best graces be
By thy sweet hands bestowed.

WEDNESDAY, 18 March 2020. WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT. Gressus meos dirige secundum eloquium tuum, et non dominetur meiomnis iniustitia. I woke up at about 3.3oam, feeling well rested since I went to bed early last night. Rosary. Soon at my desk to arrange files for work. Good time to work - no phone calls or any distraction. I went to the chapel at usual time. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "Problems are not stop signs; they are guidelines." Holy Mass - Praying over the people at the end: Give to your people, our God,a resolve that is pleasing to you, for, by conforming them to your teachings, you bestow on them every favor. Through Christ our Lord.
There is a growing concern about coronavirus, in sort form COVID-19. What is this virus? I got confusing answers. Gradually information started filtering: "Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness." I learnt too: about the nature and how the virus spreads:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

With several deaths reported around the world, it started dawning on me that "there is fire on the mountain".
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

The fast by law and prophets taught,
By you, O Christ, was sanctified.
Bless all our penance, give us strength
To share the cross on which you died.

O God of mercy, hear our prayer,
With Christ your Son, and Spirit blest,
Transcendent Trinity in whom
Created things all come to rest.

TUESDAY, 17 March 2020. COMMEMORATION OF ST PATRICK (Secondary Patron of Nigeria). Isti sunt viri sancti fati amici Dei, divinae veritatis praeconio gloriosi. Food for thought: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." Usual morning devotions. Quick breakfast.
At 9.15am, I was at Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Pastoral Centre Okpuno Awka for a meeting with Chairpersons and members of the diocesan Liturgical Commissions of Onitsha and Owerri Provinces. A good interaction. I tasked them to review urgently some of the liturgical texts for the administration of some of the Sacraments (Baptism, Matrimony) including Funerals rite. I would expect them to submit their report together with the reviewed texts in October this year.
Quiet evening at Aguleri.

O God, creator of is all,
From whom we come, to whom we go,
You look with pity on our hearts,
The weakness of our wills you know.

Forgive us all te wrong we do,
And purify each sinful soul,
What we have darkened, heal with light,
And what we have destroyed, make whole.

MONDAY, 16 March 2020. MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT. Concupiscit et deficit anima mea in atria Domini. Cor meum et caro mea exsultaverunt in Deum vivum. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "Trust is always earned, never given." Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass: With the Church we pray: May your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect your Church, and, since without you she cannot stand secure, may she be always governed by your grace.
Before 10.00am, I was at Shanahan Hall for what was first scheduled as annual Corporate Retreat of Onitsha Archdiocesan Priests but which later was changed to Theological Conference. Two persons (Fr Dominic Obielosi and Sr Maureen Akabogu) addressed us: one on the Word of God and the other on affective maturity.
I returned to Aguleri late. My lunch became also my supper. Good night, Lord.

Free us from sin by might of thy great loving,
Cleanse thou the sordid, loose the fettered spirit,
Spare every sinner, raise with thine own right hand,
All who are fallen.

Glory to God the Father everlasting,
Glory for ever to the Sole-begotten,
With whom thy Holy Spirit through the ages
Reigneth co-equal.

Bishop Denis Isizoh at Umueje - 15 March 2020

SUNDAY, 15 March 2020. THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT. Oculi mei semper ad Dominum,nquia ipse evellet de laqueo pedes meos. Respice in me et miserere mei, quoniam unicus et pauper sum ego. Food for thought: "A person can only lead when others accept him/her as their leader, and he/she has only as much authority as his subjects give to him/her." Before the God of silence (not silent God) we fell on our knees. Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur. Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius; Nil hoc verbo Veritátis verius.
At 9.30am, we set out for Umueje in Ayamelum local government area. This would be my fourth time in this town. I was there first to ordain Fr Stephen Ikenna Emengini, then I paid a pastoral visit to the parish, followed last year by my presence to teach Catholic doctrine and conduct Benediction. Today I returned here for another pastoral visit.
This is truly a very small Catholic community, still at the stage of primary evangelization. More attention is need here to work and walk among the people.Thirty seven persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation today.
  I must mention my joy today seeing many elders of Umueje (some of them not Christians) who came to welcome. They waited patiently till the end of Mass before they came to interact with me. In front of the giant crucifix, which I blessed also today, we took photos. It was significant taking photos with elders even of non-Christian religion. Ecce lignum in quo salus mundi.
  Concern for corona virus. From what I was reading, it was clear that human activities were involved in the production of this virus. Outside China, Italy was the next country terribly hit by the virus. The spread of the virus was now being reported in several countries.

Free us from sin by might of thy great loving,
Cleanse thou the sordid, loose the fettered spirit
Spare every sinner, raise with thine own right hand,
All who are fallen.

Glory to God the Father everlasting,
Glory for ever to the Sole-begotten
With whom they Holy Spirit through the ages
Reigneth co-equal.

Bishop Isizoh lays Foundation Stone of the Hall/Chapel for the Knights of St Mulumba,
St Stephen sub-Council Onitsha

SATURDAY, 14 March 2020. SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. Miserator et misericors Dominus, patiens et multum misericors. Suavis Dominus universis, et miserationes eius super omnia opera eius. Food for thought: "The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." Usual morning spiritual activities. Today my steward, Samuel Etim, who would like to acquire university education, sat for JAMB exam. I prayed for his success. I promised to give him full support.
At 10.00am, I was at Nkwelle Ezunaka for Holy Mass and for the laying of Foundation Stone of the Hall/Chapel for the Knights of St Mulumba, St Stephen sub-Council Onitsha. The site for this hall is located inside the property of Brothers of St Stephen. There was a good turn out of the knights. I celebrated Mass for them. The Gospel was about the "Prodigal Son" and his merciful father. I decided not to preach about repentance on the part of the son who left home for distant land. Also I did not dwell on the mercy of the father. Instead, I asked these thought provoking questions:

What were the mistakes of the father that made his son to decide to go away from him? What do we learn about bad parenting?
Where was the mother of this prodigal son in the story? What did she do when her son walked away from the family? What does this tell us about the role of mothers in the family?
What type of relationship was existing between the two brothers that even when the younger one returned from wherever he went, the brother was not happy?
What do we make out of the gossip of the servants to the first son? Was the servants' version of the events for promotion of peace or war in the family?

After the Mass, I laid the foundation stone in the presence of many knights and their ladies. In attendance were Brothers of St Stephen led by their Superior General - Br Pantaleon Okafor BSS.
It was and still is my wish that this project be completed in one year. To encourage the Knights, I offered to pay for one of the windows in the sanctuary area. May God bless the efforts of the Knights and the Ladies.
Sometime last December we started hearing about certain virus spreading in China - in a city called Wuhan. They called it Coronavirus. That virus is now spreading very fast to different countries of the world. God save us!

God of thy pity, unto us thy children
Bend down thy eae in thine own loving kindness,
And all thy people's prayers and vows ascending,
Hear, we beseech thee.

Look down in mercy from thy seat of glory,
Pour on our souls the radiance of thy presence,
Drive from our weary hearts the shades of darkness,
Lightening our footsteps.

FRIDAY, 13 March 2020. FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in aeternum; educes me de laqueo quem absconderunt mihi, quoniam tu es protector meus. Food for thought: "The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches but reveal to them their own." On 20 February 2020, among the books some priests found very good for meditation was In sinu Jesu. The origin and the description of the book is given thus:

In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart-The Journal of a Priest at Prayer Book by A Benedictine Monk. In 2007, Our Lord and Our Lady began to speak to the heart of a monk in the silence of adoration. He was prompted to write down what he received, and thus was born In Sinu Jesu. It is a beautiful and powerful work saturated with the kind of contagious love and holiness that can only come from reclining--like His beloved disciple--upon Christ's breast, hearing Him whisper words of consolation and encouragement for us all.
Today, I happily acquired this book - Kindle edition. I look forward to reading the book cover to cover. It is my fervent hope that I'll derive abundance of spiritual nourishment, especially with reference to Eucharistic adoration.
On this date last month, my sister Anastasia was buried. It is still a very painful loss. I have not fully recovered from it. I was indoors today, using my time to send messages of gratitude to all the priests and religious who showed extraordinary love by participating in the funeral at Ubulu Uku. May God grant my beloved Amaka eternal repose in His kingdom and help my siblings and me to overcome the shock of her sudden death.

God, of thy pity, unto us thy children
Bend down thine ear in thine own lovingkindness,
And all thy people's prayers and vows ascending
Hear, we beseech thee.

Look down in mercy from thy seat of glory.
Pour on our souls the radiance of thy presence,
Drive from our weary hearts the shades of darkness,
Lightening our footsteps.

I joined the parishioners of St Joseph's Church Aguleri for the Stations of the Cross.
Cuius ánimam geméntem,
contristátam et doléntem
pertransívit gládius.

THURSDAY, 12 March 2020. THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. Proba me, Deus, et congnosce semitas meas; vide si via iniquitatis in me est, et deduc me in via aeterna. Early morning conversation with our Blessed Mother. About one hour at my desk. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Meditation - Food for thought: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." The Manual of Prayers we used in the minor seminary contained very many inspiring prayers. I strongly believe that these prayers helped to lay the strong foundation of spiritual life that still sustains us today. In those days, we used the following prayer to conclude Particular Examen before lunch every day: O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and likewise my most dear Mother, in your sacred hands, under your powerful protection, and in your compassionate heart, I place now and for ever my body and soul, my hopes and happiness, my pains and afflictions, my actions and pursuits, my life, death and entire being, that through your merits and intercession, my whole existence may be directed to the perfect accomplishment of your hold will and that of your adorable Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
At 5.00pm, I was at Awka Etiti for pa Anochilionye's funeral vigil Mass. About twenty priests concelebrated. There Religious men and women, and a good number of the Lay Faithful. A metal podium was set up where the altar was prepared. It looked fragile but it did not collapse. Interestingly there was rain. It cooled the temperature. Requiescat in pace.
Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

WEDNESDAY, 11 March 2020. WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. Ne derelinquas me, Domine Deus meus, ne discedas a me; intende in adiutorium meum, Domine, virtus salutis meae. Food for thought: "Time alone can prove the worth of friendship. As time goes by we lose the false ones and keep the best. True friends stay when all the rest are gone."
Some prayers for Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya. A pleasant pastor, meek and very holy. I remember when I stood beside him as he was about to go into theater for surgical operation, he turned to me and asked me (a young man he ordained priest) to pray for him and bless him. I trembled when I accomplished this priestly function. Then he started singing Te Deum until he slept off as they wheeled him into the room. Why do I remember him now? Good question! If he were to be alive, today would have been his 99th birthday. Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the soul of your departed servant Archbishop Stephen, to whom you committed the care of your family, may, with the manifold fruit of his labors, enter into the eternal gladness of his Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. I look forward to marking, in a significant way, the centenary of his birth come next year.
At about 12.00 noon, with Fr George Udenabo, I drove to Igbariam to supervise the reconstruction of St Anthony's Church. Fr Benedict Udeogwu is working very hard with the people to modernize the old Church and have it dedicated at the shortest possible time. He removed the entire roof and put a new one and added the ceiling, raised higher the walls, expanded the sanctuary, added the galllery, added stained glasses in the front, etc. He is almost building a new church. I went there this afternoon to see the work and to make recommendations. I was highly impressed. The Igbariam people I saw around were all excited.
Earlier today I sent the file of the book of Holy Week Ceremonies to the press. This year we shall have updated text for the liturgy during the Triduum. The last update was done by then Monsignor Emmanuel Otteh in 1987. Gradually we make progress. May God ever bless the efforts of all His servants to serve Him and His people!

TUESDAY, 10 March 2020. TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. Illumina oculos meos, ne umquam obdormiam in morte, nequando dicat inimicus meus: Praevalui adversus eum. I followed our morning rhythm of spiritual exercises. Food for thought: "Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you accomplish one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves." Before the Office of Lauds we always offer this prayer: Lord God, I offer this Divine Office to you, together with the adoration and praise of the angels and saints in heaven, as well as that of all the priests of your Church and all other consecrated persons. I present to you, holy Father, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this chorus of prayer, made holy in the Heart of Jesus and made one with His most holy prayer. May all the words of this prayer be acts of pure love, adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction, trust, and surrender to your holy Will. Let this prayer be for my weak self a spiritual communion, an act of humility, and of perfect self-denial; and may it be a sacrifice of praise and glory to you, O Blessed Trinity. Amen. BENEDICTION. HOLY MASS. Prayers for my staff worker - birthday celebration today.
Today I convinced myself that I had done my best in the revision of the book of Holy Week Ceremonies. Many priests voluntarily helped me to go through the draft. So, I contacted the printer.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven--
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

MONDAY, 9 March 2020. MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT. Redime me, Domine, et miserere mei.Pes enim meus stetit in via recta, in ecclesiis benedicam Dominum. Usual morning devotions. Remembering the prayer we used to say in the minor seminary to place ourselves before the Lord: Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore You with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign majesty. Amen. ADORATION. MEDITATION - Food for thought: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." At the end of Mass, with the Church, I said the optional prayer over the people, I prayed for our Iwene Tansi Household: Confirm the hearts of your faithful, O Lord, we pray, and strengthen them by the power of your grace, that they may be constant in making supplication to you and sincere in love for one another. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I was indoors today to take a final look at the book for Holy Week ceremonies. Countless number of times I have read and reread the draft to make sure mistakes were reduced to almost zero. Sit splendor Domini Dei nostri super nos, et opera manuum nostrarum confirma super nos et opus manuum nostrarum confirma.

SUNDAY, 8 March 2020. SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT. Reminiscere miserationum tuarum, Domine, et misericordiae tuae, quae a saeculo sunt. Ne umquam dominentur nobis inimici nostri; libera nos, Deus Israel, ex omnibus angustiis nostris. ADORATION. On bended knee with St Thomas Aquinas'deeply theological expression: Je T'adore dévotement, Dieu caché, Qui, sous ces apparences, vraiment prends corps, À Toi, mon cœur tout entier se soumet Parce qu'à Te contempler, tout entier il s'abandonne. MEDITATION - Food for thought: "Do not watch the clock. Do what it does. Keep going." Holy Mass for my closest collaborators.
At 10.00am, I was at Awka Etiti on a pastoral visit to commemorate one year anniversary of the re-dedication of St Joseph's Church and for the conferment of the Sacrament of Confirmation on about 180 candidates. Many priests concelebrated including the first (?) parish priest: Monsignor Basil Onwuasomba. Feast with dances. Speeches. The people were really jubilant. Excellent organization, thanks to Fr Damian Obi and his team. I was particularly happy to see the church very well maintained - super public address system, bulbs all lit, fans working. Truly, admirable maintenance culture!
Today is women's day world. A prayer for all women.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

SATURDAY, 7 March 2020. SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT. Lex Domini irreprehensibilis, convertens animas; testimonium Domini fidele, sapientiam praestans parvulis, Our usual morning spiritual exercises. ADORATION. MEDITATION - Food for thought: "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." MORNING PRAYER:

Jesus, you are gentle and humble in spirit; grant us something of your pity, something of your kindness and something of your patience towards all men: Renew us, Lord, by your grace.
Teach us to be neighbours to the sad and the needy; let us imitate you, the good Samaritan: Renew us, Lord, by your grace.
Grant us the gift of your mercy, pardon our sins and save us from punishment. Renew us, Lord, by your grace.

BENEDICTION. HOLY MASS - with the Church, we pray: Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father, and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary and carrying out works of charity, we may be dedicated to your worship. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
At home today to organize myself, having been away for almost a week.

MONDAY 2 - FRIDAY 6, MARCH 2020. In Abuja for the 2020 First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria. The materials handled during period had both reserved and public aspects. Our general timetable ran thus:
6.00am Adoration. Lauds. Holy Mass.
8.00am Breakfast.
9.00am Sitting Session.
1.00pm End of Morning Session. Midday Prayer. Lunch.
4.00pm Tea/Coffee.
4.30pm Sitting Session.
7.00pm End of Afternoon Session. Vespers. Dinner.

On Thursday 5 March, at 12.00 noon, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Filipazzi, interrupted our meeting to announce the creation of Ekwulobia diocese and the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke as its first Ordinary. There was jubilation in the hall. Many bishops ran to Bishop Okpaleke to hug and congratulate him. I consider him a man of integrity, patient and full of sensus ecclesiae. May God abundantly bless his ministry in the new diocese of Ekwulobia.
At 5.00pm same Thursday, we had the Closing Mass in the Chapel of St Gabriel, the Church of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. In place of a homily, the Communique was read, as a kind of tradition, by the youngest Bishop by Episcopal ordination.
On Friday, 6 March, early Mass arranged. Breakfast. Flight back to Asaba. Home finally. Lord, thank you for your love. Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Peaceful protest march led by the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria

SUNDAY, 1 March 2020. Opening Session of the 2020 First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria held at the Catholic Resource Centre (Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria) Durumi, Abuja.
The official opening Mass was presided over by Archbishop Augustine Akubueze (President of CBCN) and the homily was given, as was the custom, by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama (of Abuja) and almost all the Bishops of Nigeria concelebrated. Archbishop Kaigama in his homily noted that Nigeria was facing a number of crises including “murderous insurgents ravaging rural communities and lives in the North East” and “herdsmen laying waste to towns and villages”. In attendance were some government functionaries: Yemi Osibanjo (Vice President of Nigeria), Ogbonnia Onuh, Chris Ngige, Chibuike Amaechi (all Federal Ministers) and many others.
After the Mass, we all moved into the hall for the inauguration of the plenary. Formal welcome extended to different VIPs - state functionaries, representatives of different religious bodies, etc.
In the afternoon, all the Bishops and many Christians and people of goodwill traveled to the National Christian Centre Abuja. There we agreed to gather and, dressed in black, to march through the streets of Abuja to protest against the “brutal killing of innocent Nigerians” and the high level of insecurity in the country.
There was heavenly reaction to our peaceful protest. As we were entering the Church, the sky turned dark. And when we were stepping out of the Church building, there was a downpour. We defied the rain. I personally understood the rain as God's approval of our protest. It cooled the otherwise very hot temperature and we were able, each according to his/her physical condition, to go through the winding streets we took to Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral Abuja. And just as we were entering the compound of the Pro Cathedral, the rain stopped. This allowed us to conclude the procession with the speech by the President of the Conference, and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Back to the Catholic Resource Centre. Truly exhausted after the peaceful protest march, we had supper and every person retired to his room. I must commend the new caretakers of the Catholic Resource Centre. Rooms well kept. Catering services excellent.

The day you gave us, Lord, is ended,
the darkness falls at your behest;
to you our morning hymns ascended,
your praise shall hallow now our rest.

We thank you that your church, unsleeping
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping,
and rests not now by day or night.

At Uke after Dedication Mass

SATURDAY, 29 February 2020. SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY. Exaudi nos, Domine, quoniam benigna est misericordia tua; secundum multitudine miserationum tuarum respice nos, Domine.
Thy Body, Soul, and Godhead, all!
⁠Oh, mystery of love divine!
I cannot compass all I have;
⁠For all Thou hast and art are mine!
Sweet Sacrament! we thee adore!
⁠Oh, make us love thee more and more!
Very early rising. I celebrated Mass at about 4.30 am. Early breakfast. I traveled to Asaba airport to catch a flight to Abuja for the Plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. I was on the same flight with Archbishop Val Okeke, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye and Bishop Peter Okpaleke. Very smooth flight to Abuja.
First evening exchange of pleasantries among Bishops.

FRIDAY, 28 February 2020. FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY. Audivit Dominus, et misertus est mihi, Dominus factus est adiutor meus. Before the Lord, we prostrate. Meditation. Food for thought: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted". MORNING PRAYER:  It is he who will free me from the snare of the hunters....Clothe the man you see to be naked and do not turn away from your own kin. They shall your light break forth like the dawn, your integrity shall go before you. At Mass in my chapel, with the Church, we prayed: Show gracious favour, O Lord, we pray, to the works of penance we have begun, that we may have strength to accomplish with sincerity the bodily observances we undertake. Through Christ our Lord.
Birthday of my mother's colleague in diebus illis, Chief Mrs VVI Okoye. I prayed for her and later phoned to greet her. She was very happy that I remembered her. May the Lord sustain her in His infinite love. Amen.
  Today, I was at Obeledu quite early to pay homage to a young friend, Sunday Anicetus Akabogu, aged 47. I have known him and the entire family for the past twenty years. He was truly a good man. He died of cancer. I prayed in his house before his coffin (book-shaped) was closed. I accompanied the family to the Church and presided at the Funeral Mass. Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Ierusalem: exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Stations of the Cross:
Stabat mater dolorósa
juxta Crucem lacrimósa,
dum pendébat Fílius.

THURSDAY, 27 February 2020. THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY. Cor mundum crea in me, Deus, et spiritum rectum innova in visceribus meis.  Slowly we begin the journey through the Lenten season. Usual morning spiritual exercises. ADORATION. Nos famulos, o Deus, respice, Et gratia nos semper refice. Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,
sine fine sanctus. Semper Tibi gloria sacra sit sub hostia. MEDITATION - Food for thought: "There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book." OFFICE OF LAUDS: God, of thy pity, unto us thy children Bend down thine ear in thine own loving kindness, And all thy people's prayers and vows ascending Hear, we beseech thee. At Mass, with the Church, we pray: Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord, and further them with your constant help, that all we do may always begin from you and by you be brought to completion. Through Christ our Lord.
  At 10.00am, I was at St Peter's Church Awkuzu for the funeral Mass of mama Fada: ma Angelina Nweke. Over thirty Priests, especially Spiritans, concelebrated.
  Immediately after the Mass, I rushed back to Aguleri to receive FNC Nwandison on his second pilgrimage to Bl Iwene Tansi sites. Today he spent long time in my chapel which has first class relic of Bl Tansi buried inside the altar.
At 5.00pm, I went to Uke for vigil Mass for ma Okwuonu, mother of Fr Ignatius Okwuonu. After the Mass, I extended condolence to the family, starting with Nnamdi Okwuonu (the man who build and donated St Thomas Church, Uke). I gave the family a task to be done tomorrow: to gather in the obi for family rosary at 9.00pm all the children of the deceased, praying for the repose of their parents and unity of the family.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Nous vous saluons, Reine, Mere de misericorde, notre vie, notre joie, notre esperance, salut. Enfants d'Eve, nous crions vers vous de fond de notre exil. Nous soupirons vers vous, gemissant et pleurant dans cette vallee de larmes. O vous notre advocate, tournez vers nous vos regards misericordieux. Et apres l'exil de cette vie, montrez nous Jesus, le fruit beni de vos entrailles, tendre, aimante, douce vierge Marie.

WEDNESDAY, 26 February 2020. ASH WEDNESDAY. The Church invites us to prayer, fasting and abstinence, and almsgiving. Usual morning spiritual exercises with my closest collaborators. Food for thought: "Christ was tempted and suffered for us, come let us adore Him." We began the Mass, as the Liturgy prescribed, with the Collect. Readings. Homily. Then Blessing of the Ashes: Deus, qui humiliatione flecteris et satisfactione placaris, aurem tuae pietatis precibus nostris inclina, et super famulos tuos, horum cinerum aspersione contactos, gratiam tuae benedictionis effunde propitius, ut, quadragesimalem observantiam prosequentes, ad Filii tui paschale mysterium celebrandum purificatis mentibus pervenire mereantur purificatis mentibus pervenire mereantur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Fr Innocent Udolisah signed me with ashes inviting me to conversion and belief in the Gospel. When I signed him and others of my household I reminded them that they were dust and to dust they would return. I resolved to practice and to encourage the faithful, as part of penance, to switch off their mobile phones for the whole day.
At 5.00pm, I celebrated Mass for the People of God at St Joseph's Church Aguleri. Full Church - Catholics, Other Christians and even people of Traditional Religion during which, together with Priests that concelebrated Mass, we imposed ashes on them.

ATTENDE DOMINE ET MISERERE QUIA PECCAVIMUS TIBI
Ad te Rex summe, omnium redemptor, oculos nostros sublevamus flentes: exaudi, Christe, supplicantum preces. Dextera Patris, lapis angularis, via salutis, ianua caelestis, ablue nostri maculas delicti.
Rogamus, Deus, tuam maiestatem: auribus sacris gemitus exaudi: crimina nostra placidus indulge.
Tibi fatemur crimina admissa: contrito corde pandimus occulta: tua Redemptor, pietas ignoscat.
Innocens captus, nec repugnans ductus, testibus falsis pro impiis damnatus: quos redemisti, tu conserva, Christe.

MONDAY, 24 February - TUESDAY, 25 February 2020. Usual morning devotions. A two day seminar was held for all Onitsha Archdiocesan Priests at Shanahan hall Onitsha. Long sitting hours but very informative sessions. On each day, I returned home totally exhausted. May God bless every effort we make to understand how best to serve Him and His people.

RIVERINE MINISTRY - GRASSROOTS FAMILY INTERACTION AT UMUENWELUM ANAM

SUNDAY, 23 February 2020. 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time. To the Lord with great song TE DEUM:
You are God: we praise you;
You are God: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice." Before Office of Lauds, we usually say this prayer: Lord God, I offer this Divine Office to you, together with the adoration and praise of the angels and saints in heaven, as well as that of all the priests of your Church and all other consecrated persons. I present to you, holy Father, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this chorus of prayer, made holy in the Heart of Jesus and made one with His most holy prayer. May all the words of this prayer be acts of pure love, adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction, trust, and surrender to your holy Will. Let this prayer be for my weak self a spiritual communion, an act of humility, and of perfect self-denial; and may it be a sacrifice of praise and glory to you, O Blessed Trinity. Amen. After the Office of Lauds, Holy Mass followed.
At 10.00am, I was at Holy Trinity Parish Umuenwelum-Anam for Pastoral Visit. Small community. Less than fifty candidates for Confirmation. Very hard working. They are now building their church slowly. Fr Charles Obi is certainly a great pastor. Good interaction I had with the entire community. Social entertainment well prepared. Among the gifts from the community was a live cow. (Happily I gave the cow to one of our schools - Sacred Heart College Nteje - to celebrate their sports' day)
From Holy Trinity Church I paid a brief visit to Ss Peter and Paul Independent Station run by the same Fr Charles Obi. I had very warm family meeting with the Church community.Two interesting things happened during my visit. FIRST. The community presented a small boy about five years old named BISHOP. I wondered why the name. The people gladly told me that about five years ago when I paid them a brief visit, like this one, one of the ladies very actively involved in the preparation could not come because she delivered a baby that day about the time I was in their Church. So the family named him Bishop in remembrance of my visit. The young boy took photos with me. I plan to offer scholarship to him. SECOND. The oldest man in the town, about 95 years of age, a practicing Catholic, blind, sent kola nuts to welcome me in the Church. I decided there and then to pay him a visit in his home. He warmly welcomed me to his house and introduced me to members of his family. I offered him my special chaplet which I got from Assisi as memento of my visit. Then I prayed and blessed him and his entire household.
My journey back to Aguleri was very smooth. Thanks to my collaborators who helped to plan the visit. At the end of it all we say ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
Today, if he were to be alive, Fr Chris Odina would have clocked 63 years. He remains one of the best priests I met in the ministry. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace in the Lord.
To our Lord Jesus Christ, I turn my gaze and sing:
Resta con noi, Signore, la sera
Resta con noi che avremo la pace
Resta con noi, non ci lasciar
La notte mai più scenderà
Resta con noi
Non ci lasciar
Nelle vie del mondo, signor

SATURDAY, 22 February 2020. Feast of the Chair of St Peter. We pray especially for Pope Francis. Usual morning devotions. Adoration: Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise, in all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways. MEDITATION: He looks at me, and I look at Him. Food for thought: "We are indeed the light of the world--but only if our switch is turned on." OFFICE OF LAUDS. For your holy Church, built on the Apostles, to make us all one body - LORD, THE APOSTLES SING YOUR PRAISES. HOLY MASS : With the Church, we pray: Almighty God, as you built your Church on the rock of Peter's faith, grant that with such a firm foundation we may hold fast in every storm. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Most indoors today. I had a meeting to promote vocation to Secular Institute. May God grant success to the work of our hands.
At night, to our Blessed Mother I turn:
Souvenez-vous, ô très miséricordieuse Vierge Marie, qu’on n’a jamais entendu dire qu’aucun de ceux qui ont eu recours à votre protection, imploré votre assistance ou réclamé votre secours, ait été abandonné. Animé d’une pareille confiance, ô Vierge des vierges, ô ma Mère, je cours vers vous, je viens à vous et, gémissant sous le poids de mes péchés, je me prosterne à vos pieds. Ô Mère du Verbe ne rejetez pas mes prières, mais écoutez-les favorablement et daignez les exaucer. Amen.

FRIDAY, 21 February 2020. Cor Iesu Sacratissimum, miserere nobis. Today we promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Being strong doesn't mean that you can handle every difficult situation on your own, it means that you have the sense to ask God and others for help." Office of Lauds. At Mass, with the Church we pray: Fac nos, Domine Deus, Cordis Filii tui virtutibus indui et affectibus inflammari, ut, eius imagini conformes effecti, aeternae redemptionis mereamur esse participes.
Mostly at home today. I spent hours at my desk. Good night, Lord.

THURSDAY, 20 February 2020. Benedicamus Domino, Deo gratias. Usual morning spiritual exercises. For my morning meditation I considered the topic for the survey among priests published in the journal, The Priest. WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW THAT IS HELPING YOU WITH MINISTRY AND PRAYER LIFE? Some Priests replied.

I read books that challenge me to seek out a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus, which inspires in me a passion to lead a life filled with boldness and unrelenting courage no matter what the situation is, with a vision and focus to be like Jesus. —Father Marreddy Allam, Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
Our adult faith formation group is reading Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscovering the Saints,”which is very good. For my own spiritual growth, I’m reading “You Shall Be Holy” by Tony Philpot. Tony was a spiritual director of the English College in Rome and the international head of Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests. His books are hard to come by, but well worth the effort. —Father Jerry Ragan, Tybee Island, Georgia.
This is the third time I have read In Sinu Iesu. It has really grounded my holy hour and visits to the Blessed Sacrament. I also like that the journal entries are short. The book is easy to pick up and begin where you left off. —Father Dave Bechill, Lincoln Park, Michigan.
Currently, I’m researching the following question, the answer to which will greatly aid my pastoral ministry and, certainly, my prayer life: How do we teach kids to pray spontaneously, in addition to learning their traditional prayers? Given that Jesus says, “Let the children come to me”(Mt 19:14), and that he shares his wisdom with the “childlike,”it’s important to teach children how to pray spontaneously. However, is there a simple method that works for all children, especially those who have already received their sacraments (approximately ages 7-17)? —Father Domenico Pizzonia, Stanford, Montana
My major focus is the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3, the Beatitudes, particularly, “Blessed What are you reading right now that is helping you with ministry and prayer life? By Priest Readers Reader feedback to the question of the month I read books that challenge me to seek out a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus, which inspires in me a passion to lead a life filled with boldness and unrelenting courage no matter what the situation is, with a vision and focus to be like Jesus. —Father Marreddy Allam, Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

My pick was In Sinu Iesu. In the coming days, I hope to place order for it. It is available in amazon.com. Also Kindle version.
Food for thought: "It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others." Office of Lauds. Holy Mass - Votive Mass of Jesus the High Priest.
For the rest of the day I continued my revision of the Holy Week Celebrations Book. Initial contacts for the printing. Lunch with one of my priest-friends who based in Italy. A moment to remember our beautiful moments we passed in Rome, the eternal city.
Everning came, and night came: the end of the day.

Redemisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis.
In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum.
Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep;
that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace.

Lord our God,
restore us again by the repose of sleep
after the fatigue of our daily work:
so that, continually renewed by your help,
we may serve you in body and soul.
Through Christ our Lord.

WEDNESDAY, 19 February 2020. A new day is done. We lift our hearts to God on high, that he, in all we do or say, would keep us free from harm today. Before the Lord we present ourselves. For adoration: I look at Him and He looks at me. Summary of my adoration today. Food for thought: "Perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things, but in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.". The hymn of today's morning prayer highlights our prayer points: That God in all we do or say
would keep our inmost conscience pure;
our souls from folly would secure;
would bid us check the pride of sense
with due and holy abstinence.
So we, when this new day is gone,
and night in turn is drawing on,
with conscience by the world unstained
shall praise his Name for victory gained.
Holy Mass with my close collaborators. One eminent elderly in attendance. The elderly priest concelebrated the Mass. Our usual concluding prayers after Mass:

PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX,
Behold, O good and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a most firm desire of amendment: whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I consider within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before my eyes that which David, the prophet, long ago spoke in Thine own person concerning Thee, my Jesus: “They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones” [Psalm 21, 17, 18].
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be...
Enlarged breakfast with close collaborators and my visitors. Exchange of pleasantries and commendation for the work of evangelization.
My day was again full with desk work activities.
At the end of the day, it was all thanksgiving to God for the things achieved.
The day is done, its hours have run,
and thou hast taken count of all,
the scanty triumphs grace hath won,
the broken vow, the frequent fall.
Through life's long day and death's dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

TUESDAY, 18 February 2020. O God of truth, O Lord of might, Who ord’rest time and change aright, Bright’ning the morn with golden gleams, Kindling the noonday’s fiery beams. Usual morning spiritual exercises. We place ourselves before God: Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore You with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign Majesty. Amen. Food for thought today: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." Office of Lauds. Holy Mass. The Lord invites us every day at Mass to participate in his banquet: Venite, comedite panem meum, et bibite vinum quod miscui vobis.
I sat down for several hours today, just doing one thing - revision of the Holy Week Ceremonies book.
Supper with an elderly Priest-friend. Exhausted, I went to bed early.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven--
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

MONDAY, 17 February 2020. Usual morning devotions. Every Monday that is not blocked by major liturgical celebration, we are encouraged to celebrate Devotional Memorial of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. Our prayer today: Prayer to Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi: O God, who granted many graces to Your servant, Priest and Monk, Cyprian Michael Tansi, choosing him as Your faithful instrument for evangelisation and sanctification of your people, grant also that I may spend my life, loving You and neighbour and serving the Church. Deign to glorify Your servant Cyprian Michael and through his intercession to grant me the favour I ask of You... (here add your personal intentions). Amen.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be to the Father…
Meditation - Food for thought: "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it." Mass of the memorial. With the Church we pray: Seigneur notre Dieu, dans l’âme du Bienheureux Cyprien-Michel, prêtre, Tu as joint le zèle apostolique du pasteur à l’idéal monastique. Accorde-nous, par son intercession, de persévérer dans la prière, et de nous dévouer avec courage à l’avènement de Ton Règne. Par Jésus-Christ, notre Seigneur, qui vit et règne avec Toi, dans l’Unité du Saint-Esprit, pour les siècles des siècles. Amen.
At about 11.15am, I was in my office at Aguleri to meet those who had need to see me. Very many people came. I finished at about 3.15pm. I had late lunch with 13 Trinitarian Sisters on my invitation. They work in Uke. Having lunch together provided a good occasion to interact with Sisters and know them, their charism and activities at a closer range. It was a very happy meeting!
I spent the rest of the day on the revision of the Holy Week Celebrations Book.
Evening came, night came: the end of the day.

Te lucis ante términum,
rerum Creátor, póscimus,
ut sólita cleméntia
sis præsul ad custódiam.

Procul recédant sómnia
et nóctium phantásmata;
hostémque nostrum cómprime,
ne polluántur córpora.

Præsta, Pater omnípotens,
per Iesum Christum Dóminum,
qui tecum in perpétuum
regat cum Sancto Spíritu. Amen.

SUNDAY, 16 February 2020. 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lord God, how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory wrapped in light as in a robe, alleluia. Silent time with the Lord. O salutaris Hostia -
Ô réconfortante Hostie, qui nous ouvres les portes du ciel,
les armées ennemies nous poursuivent, donne-nous la force, porte-nous secours.
Au Seigneur unique en trois personnes soit la gloire éternelle ;
qu'il nous donne en son Royaume la vie qui n'aura pas de fin. Amen.
Food for thought: "The ultimate test of man's greatness may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard." Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was at Ifite Ogwari for a Pastoral visit. For reason I have not yet understood, although this town was the parish headquarters when the whole of Ayamelum local government area returned to Anambra State and to Onitsha Archdiocese, there has not been any significant progress in the Church. The population of Christians is still low, the central Church of St Anthony is still not completed. An independent station was recently created. The only project going on - the construction of hospital - is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Doce me, Domine, bonitatem et scientiam.
I was back to Aguleri before 1.30pm to receive high profile condolence visit. And at 5.15pm I was at Nsukwu Abatete for the funeral Vigil Mass for the eternal repose of ma Cecilia Okakpu. I returned home totally exhausted.
Evening at my desk. Good night, Lord.

SATURDAY, 15 February 2020. Memorial of Our Lady of Saturday. Usual morning devotions. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Keep true, never be ashamed of doing right, decide on what you think is right and stick to it." Benediction. Holy Mass - With the Church, we prayed: Deus, qui Apóstolis tuis cum María Matre Jesu unanímiter orántibus, Sanctum dedísti Spíritum: da nobis; ut, eádem Matre nostra et Apostolórum Regina protegénte, majestáti tuæ fidéliter servíre, et nóminis tui glóriam verbo et exémplo diffúndere valeámus.
At 10.00am, I was at St Mary's Church, Alor, for funeral Mass for ma Grace Okoye. Requiescat in pace.
Afternoon and evening time spent on the revision of Holy Week book. To our Blessed Mother I turn:
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli
Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,
Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti,
Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem
Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore
Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.

FRIDAY, 14 February 2020. I returned to my usual morning spiritual activities. Adoration. Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Amen. Words of wisdom: "Plan your life like you will live forever, and live your life like you will die the next day." Benediction. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini, Hosanna in excelsis. Holy Mass.
At 10,00am, I was at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church, Umuoji, for the funeral Mass for Charles Okoye - my classmate in All Hallows' Seminary. Many of my classmates (Ahoba 71) were present. Charly was very gentle. He was sick for many years. What was pleasant to see was the tender loving care (TLC) which his wife, Bridget, gave him. All their children were well brought up. With my classmate we walked a long distance to the place Charles was buried and then we returned to his house for a condolence visit to the family. My classmates taxed themselves and raised money with which we supported the funeral.
From Umuoji I went to Nnewi for another condolence visit to Chief Gab Onwugbenu who buried his daughter on the same day. May she rest in perfect peace.
I returned home exhausted. Evening came, and night came: the end of day.
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.

FUNERAL OF ANASTASIA UWAJE - 13 February 2020

(Left to Right: CheChe, Tony, MauMau, Chidi, Ann and Gabriel.)

With my siblings during our holidays in Lagos to welcome into our family the new baby - Angelo Chukwunonso Isizoh.

THURSDAY, 13 February 2020. I hardly slept last night. I got up soon after midnight. Every member of my household was busy preparing for our travel to Ubulu Uku for the funeral/burial of my sister, Anastasia. By 6.00am we were ready to set out. The priests in the compound, all my worker were in different cars. To my greatest surprise I got Police escort. We all set out to St Charles Borromeo Hospital Mortuary, Onitsha. There I met my brothers, sister, relatives and friends. I received the casket of my sister and we all set out for Ubulu Uku with a stop over at Our Lady Queen of Peace along the road to Niger Bridge where we met even large group of persons who joined us for the journey to Ubulu Uku. It was a long convoy.
At Ubulu Uku, we first went to the compound of the family of Joe (my brother in law) and Ann (my late sister) with their children. She lay in state while we recited the rosary. After about forty five minutes we accompanied my sister to St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Ubulu Uku for the funeral Mass. I presided over the Mass, Fr Clement Aghadinuno gave the homily and Fr Prudentius Aroh did the Final Commendation. Thanks to the following Priests who concelebrated the Mass: Augustine Ohanwusi, Prudentius Aroh, Innocent Onyeogoh, Jude Obidigbo, George Nze Muoba, Cyrpian Okpalakunne, Jude Onyeka, Joseph Nwakoby, Celestine Chigboh, Collins Okoye, Michael Odenigbo, Joseph Okogba, Innocent Ejiofor, Joseph M. Nwosah, Clement Aghadinuno, George Ekwunife, Alex Ojo Anosike, Philip Nwafor, Paul Ezejemegwa, Emmanuel Egwuoba, Joseph Igweagu, Donald Uzoh, Anthony Aggiah, Jude Okolo, Benedict Udeogwu, Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Stephen Odinde, Basil Okelu, Michael Aguina, David Ozoemena, Martin Emeli, Emmanuel Okoye, Augustine Ogbunuko, George Udenabo, Msgr Emmanuel Nwosu, Anthony Izuu Okoye, Michael Anyichie, Innocent Udolisa, and Jude Orakwe. Wonderful show of solidariety for the "extra mile", which forever I'll always appreciate. The Religious Brothers were there, so also Religious Sisters. I could not take record of very many friends who turned up to identify with my family.

FINAL COMMENDATION
With faith in Jesus Christ,
we reverently bring the body of our sister ANASTASIA
to be buried in its human imperfection.
Let us pray with confidence to God who gives life to all things that,
He will raise this mortal body to the perfection and the company of the saints.
May God give her merciful judgement and forgive her all her sins.
May Christ, the Good shepherd lead her safely home
to be at peace with God our father.
And may she be happy forever with all the saints
in the presence of the Eternal King....
Father, into your hands we commend our sister ANASTASIA
We are confident that with all who have died in Christ
she will be raised to life on the last day and live for ever with Christ.
We thank you for all the blessings you gave her in this life
to show your Fatherly care for all of us
and the fellowship which is ours with the Saints in Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayers, welcome our sister ANASTASIA to Paradise
and help us to comfort each other with the assurance of our faith in Christ,
to be with you and with our sister forever.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

After the Final Commendation, we took the remains of Anastasia back to her compound and there we buried her.

BLESSING OF THE GRAVE
Lord Jesus Christ,
by the three days you lay in the tomb,
you make holy the graves of all who believe in you;
and even though their body lie in the earth,
they trust that they, like you will rise again,
give our sister ANASTASIA peaceful rest in these grave,
until that day when you, the resurrection and life,
will raise her up in glory.
Then may she see the light of your presence, Lord Jesus,
in the Kingdom where you live for ever and ever.Amen.
It has pleased the Almighty God
to call our sister, ANASTASIA from this life to Himself,
Accordingly, we commit her body to the earth from where she came.
Since Christ, the first fruit from the dead, has risen again
and will refashion our frail body in the pattern of his glorious body,
we commend our sister to the Lord.
May the Lord receive her into his peace
and raise up her body on the last day. Amen.

(AT THIS POINT MY SISTER'S BODY WAS LOWERED INTO THE GRAVE.)

Lord, listen to our prayers for our sister and your handmaid ANASTASIA.
As she always desired to do your will,
so in your mercy forgive whatever wrong she may have done.
By her Christian faith, she was united with all your believing people.
Now, in love and mercy, give her a place with your angels and saints.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May Mary, the Most merciful Virgin, Mother of God,
kindest comforter of those who mourn,
commend to her Son the soul of our sister ANASTASIA
who has departed from this life,
that through Her maternal intercession,
she may quickly reach her longed-for home
in the heavenly fatherland and live forever and ever. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord
And let perpetual light shine on her.

(I POURED SAND ON MY BELOVED ANN'S CASKET). One page of our family history is closed. God knows the best. I can only sing to my Ann Amaka:

God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsel’s guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet, / Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet, GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.

I returned to Aguleri after the burial. The escort still accompanied us. I am profoundly grateful to all who assisted my siblings and me to give our sister a befitting funeral. With her death, I have now only one sister and three brothers. Altogether, we are now five siblings. May God sustain us in His infinite love.

WEDNESDAY, 12 February 2020. Usual morning devotions. Adoration. Food for thought: "You may receive praise – or not. You can’t depend upon it from others. If you do good things expecting others to acknowledge it, you set yourself up for disappointment." Morning Prayer. Benediction. I did not join in the morning Mass. I had early breakfast.
At 9.00am, I was at Holy Trinity Cathedral for the first Mass of the year 2020 with the priests of Onitsha archdiocese. About one hundred Priests were there for the Opening Session. Archbishop Valerian Okeke presided. After the Mass, we had group photograph. Our usual Plenary meeting started at about 10.30am.
I returned to Aguleri for lunch. Earlier I accepted to celebrate Funeral vigil Mass at Nnobi but I could not go again because I was exhausted. Moreover, the funeral of my sister was coming up the next day. I telephoned to the bereaved Sister to explain my indisposition and I assured her of my prayers.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

TUESDAY, 11 February 2020. In adoration before the Sanctissimum.
Je t'adore dévotement, Dieu caché
Qui sous ces apparences vraiment prends corps,
À Toi, mon cœur tout entier se soumet
Parce qu'à te contempler, tout entier il s'abandonne.

La vue, le goût, le toucher, en toi font ici défaut,
Mais t'écouter seulement fonde la certitude de foi.
Je crois tout ce qu'a dit le Fils de Dieu,
Il n'est rien de plus vrai que cette Parole de vérité.

Food for thought: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Morning Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
Today we celebrated the Memorial of our Lady of Lourdes. In French, here is a part of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
Sainte Marie, Priez pour nous
Sainte Mère de Dieu, Priez pour nous
Sainte Vierge des vierges, Priez pour nous
Mère de Jésus, Priez pour nous
Mère du Christ, Priez pour nous
Mère du Sauveur, Priez pour nous
Mère du Seigneur, Priez pour nous
Mère conçue sans le péché originel, Priez pour nous
Mère très pure, Priez pour nous
Mère très chaste, Priez pour nous
Mère sans tache, Priez pour nous
Mère toujours Vierge, Priez pour nous
Mère digne d’amour, Priez pour nous
Mère admirable, Priez pour nous
Mère du Bon Conseil, Priez pour nous
Mère du Bel Amour, Priez pour nous
Mère de Miséricorde, Priez pour nous
Mère de l’Espérance, Priez pour nous
Mère de l’Église, Priez pour nous
Mère de tous les hommes, Priez pour nous
Mère bénie entre les mères, Priez pour nous
Vierge comblée de grâces, Priez pour nous
Vierge très sainte, Priez pour nous
Vierge très humble, Priez pour nous
Vierge très pauvre, Priez pour nous
Vierge très croyante, Priez pour nous
Vierge très obéissante, Priez pour nous
Vierge très priante, Priez pour nous
Vierge très prudente, Priez pour nous
Vierge très fidèle, Priez pour nous
Vierge souffrante, Priez pour nous
Vierge digne de vénération, Priez pour nous
Vierge digne de louange, Priez pour nous
Vierge exultante, Priez pour nous
Vierge puissante, Priez pour nous
Vierge pleine de bonté, Priez pour nous
Vierge bénie entre les vierges, Priez pour nous
I was indoors today, weighed down by the pain of my sister's death. But I had to sit up to continue the revision of the book for Holy Week ceremonies in Igbo, English and Latin.
In the evening, I turned my eyes to our Blessed Mother:
Sous l'abri de ta miséricorde, nous nous réfugions, Sainte Mère de Dieu. Ne méprise pas nos prières quand nous sommes dans l'épreuve, mais de tous les dangers délivre-nous toujours, Vierge glorieuse et bénie

MONDAY, 10 February 2020. I woke up several times in the night. Truly sad, but totally resigned to God's will, I was thinking all the time about the celebration we planned for today. My beloved sister, Anastasia Amaka, aged 57, who celebrated Christmas with us at Ogbunike, took ill on 27 December, died in St Charles Borromeo Hospital Onitsha on 2 January 2020. I saw her alive last in the hospital on 1 January.
Today, our family decided to bid her farewell. Funeral Mass at St Michael the Archangel Church, Ogbunike. Very early in the morning I went to St Michael's Church to supervise the preparation for the Mass. My younger brother, Gabriel, led some family members to go to the mortuary to bring the body of Anastasia to Ogbunike for Mass. They arrived the Church earlier than expected. This made us to decide to take her body to touch our home before returning to the Church.
Requiem aeternam dona eis
Domine et lux perpetua luceat eis
Te decet hymnus Deus, in Sion
et tibi reddetur votum in lerusalem
Exaudi orationem meam
ad te omnis caro veniet
Requem aeternam dona eis
Domine et lux perpetua luceat
By 10.00am, the turn out of people in the Church compound was quite impressive. Over two hundred priests, four bishops over a hundred religious brothers and sisters, hundreds of friends, relatives, acquaintances, admirers, etc. The arena was full. Archbishop Val Okeke presided, while Fr Celestine Chigbo gave the homily. G.F. Handel Music Academy led by Fr Dr Jude Orakwe sang the Mass.
After the Mass, the body of my beloved sister Anastasia was taken back to the mortuary at Onitsha. I thanked all who attended the funeral vigil. No formal meal was prepared for the priests and religious.
I believe in the words of the Saviour: Ego sum resurrectio et vita: qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet: et omnis qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeternum.

SUNDAY, 9 February 2020. 5th Sunday of the Year.  To our Lord in the tabernacle we turned and sang:
Transcendent God in whom we live,
The Resurrection and the Light,
We sing for you a morning hymn
To end the silence of the night.
When early cock begins to crow
And everything from sleep awakes,
New life and hope spring up again
While out of darkness colour breaks.
Food for thought: “Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.” – Charles Kettering. Benediction,  Panem de caelo praestitisti eis. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. Holy Mass, as usual, for and with my immediate collaborated.
At 10.00am, I was at St Dominic's Parish, Uke. The last time I came on pastoral visit to this town was on 17 November 2019. On that last occasion I scheduled to dedicate the Church. For some reasons which, up till now I do not understand, the Church was not ready. The needed repairs of the old Church were not done. The arrival of the new and vibrant Fr John Achebe as the parish priest did the magic. I challenged him to hurry up and get the repairs done. On the occasion of the November 2019 visit, I gave him 9 February as target date for the dedication. He rose up to the occasion. So today I returned to Uke for the dedication of the ancient Church of St Dominic. What a glorious day!

"It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For in this visible house that you have let us build and where you never cease to show favor to the family on pilgrimage to you in this place, you wonderfully manifest and accomplish the mystery of your communion with us. Here you build up for yourself the temple that we are and cause your Church, spread throughout the world, to grow ever more and more as the Lord's own Body, till she reaches her fullness in the vision of peace, the heavenly city of Jerusalem. And so, with the countless ranks of the blessed, in the temple of your glory we praise you, we bless you and proclaim your greatness."

Yes, the Church of St Dominic in Uke stands tall as one of the dedicated Catholic Places of Worship in the world.
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
  Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
  Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
  And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Later in the afternoon, I went to the mortuary at St Charles Borromeo Hospital to view the body of my sister Anastasia. Very sad to see her lifeless body. Pain. Tears. Oh..... I prayed for her and left the mortuary with heavy heart. This mood affected me throughout the evening.

SATURDAY, 8 February 2020. Memorial of St Josephine Bakhita from Sudan, sold into slavery many times before finally she was freed by the last Italian master. I was privileged to witness in Rome both her beatification and canonization. With my collaborators, usual morning devotions. Food for thought: “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” - Voltaire.
At 10.00am, I was on a Pastoral Visit to St Mary's Parish, Eziagulu otu Aguleri. This was the first parish I visited on 23 December 2015 after taking up my abode at Aguleri. During the first visit, the only completed Parish structure was the rectory. A small classroom block was used for Church services. On that occasion, I laid the foundation stone of a Church. Returning to the the place today, I found a gigantic edifice with the walls and the roof in place. A new Church nearing completion! The building is sponsored by one of the illustrious sons of Eziagulu otu Aguleri, Lawrence Chinwuba. It was his personal pledge to God. He is taking his time, slowly but steadily - installmental payment. The area is challenged by seasonal water flooding. The parish is building up educational facilities. The number of Christians is growing. The Igwe and his cabinet were there for the Mass. I praised him but I invited him and all his cabinet members to embrace the Catholic faith. Very well organized and coordinated pastoral visit, thanks to the dynamic Parish Priest, Fr Augustine Aniekwe!
The government of Anambra State, led by Willie Obiano, has already built a bridge across River Anambra in the direction of Eziagulu otu and Enugu otu, and is constructing a road to these villages of Aguleri. During the first visit in 2015 with my assistants and my car we were ferried across River Anambra. This time I drove my car to the parish. A significant progress for the area!
At the end of the visit, I returned to my residence, thanking God for the fantastic progress taking place in those riverine areas under my care. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam.

FRIDAY, 7 February 2020. Before the Lord we knelt in adoration.
Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque iaus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque compar sit laudatio. Amen.
Today fifty three years ago, Onitsha archdiocese woke up to learn about the death of their pastor - Archbishop Charles Heerey. In my own estimation, he was the greatest of the Irish missionaries that worked in our own part of the Nigeria. All the others that worked before him laid the foundation. He developed physical structures in the area of education and healthcare services. He led the way in human development. The Church is blossoming in our time, thanks to his vision. His name is not sufficiently mentioned because, against some of his contemporaries, he worked toward indigenization of the Church. He led the Church in Onitsha from Apostolic Vicariate to Diocese and to Archdiocese. He handed over to Bishop Francis Arinze, who later was confirmed as Archbishop and then he became a Cardinal. Every where I look, and in many people I encounter, I see the labour of Archbishop Charles Heerey. He anointed my forehead and thus confirmed me in the Catholic faith. I am happy that I can trace my Episcopal lineage to this great missionary. Archbishop Charles Heerey, may you rest in perfect peace in the Lord!
Meditation. Food for thought: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein.
Holy Mass. With the Church we pray: Deus qui nobis, in Corde Fílli tui, nostris vulneráto peccátis, infinítos dilectiónis thesáuros misericórditer largíri dignáris; concéde, quǽsumus, ut illi devótum pietátis nostræ præstántes obséquium, dignæ quoque satisfactiónis exhibeámus offícium.
Today, I began to revise the Order of the Holy Week Ceremonies in Igbo, English and Latin. I updated the 1973 revision done by then Monsignor Emmanuel Otteh. My revision was printed and used last year.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus,
Sancta Dei Genitrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias
In necessitatibus,
Sed a periculis cunctis
Libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.

THURSDAY, 6 February 2020. Usual rhythm of spiritual activities. Adoration. Sweet Sacrament divine, Hid in thine earthly home, Lo, round thy lowly shrine, With suppliant hearts we come; Jesu, to thee our voice we raise In songs of love and heartfelt praise: Sweet Sacrament divine. Meditation. Food for thought: "Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence." Memorial of the Japanese martyrs, St Paul Miki and Companions. With the Church we pray: O God, strength of all the Saints, who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life, grant, we pray, that by their intercession we may hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess.
At 10.00am, I was at St Simon's Church Ukpo for the funeral of the mother of Bishop Solomon Amatu. Mass concelebrated by hundreds of priests of mainly of Okigwe and Awka dioceses. Onitsha and Nnewi priests were there too. All the Bishops of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province were there. I witnessed how much the people of Okigwe diocese loved Bishop Amatu. The clergy and the lay faithful, high and low, were there. And they supported him massively. Archbishop Val Okeke presided while Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor gave the homily.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Salut, ô Reine, Mère de miséricorde, notre vie, notre
consolation, notre espoir, salut !
Enfants d’Ève, de cette terre d’exil nous crions vers vous ;
vers vous nous soupirons, gémissant et pleurant dans cette vallée de larmes.
Ô vous, notre Avocate, tournez vers nous vos regards compatissants.
Et, après cet exil, obtenez-nous de contempler Jésus, le fruit béni de vos entrailles,
Ô clémente, ô miséricordieuse, ô douce Vierge

WEDNESDAY, 5 February 2020. Mass at 7.00am. Today is anniversary of Episcopal Ordination (1978) of Bishop (later Archbishop) Albert Kanene Obiefuna as First Bishop of Awka. A prayer for him, now resting in the peace of the Lord: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the soul of your departed servant Archbishop Albert, to whom you committed the care of your family, may, with the manifold fruit of his labours enter into the eternal gladness of his Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At 12.15pm, I left the Catholic Resource Centre for the airport. Air Peace flight to Asaba. Smooth journey. Back to Aguleri. Thank you, Lord.

TUESDAY, 4 February 2020. New day at Catholic Resource Centre Abuja. I could not follow my usual morning spiritual exercises. Deus in adiutorium meum intende. Domine, ad adiuvandum me festina.
At 9.00am, we (Bishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, and Bishop Denis Isizoh) gathered as a constituted panel to interview applicants for the office of Directors (PMS, Communications, Pilgrimages, etc) at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. Interviews successfully conducted.
There was time to relax. I took the entire staff of the Directorate for Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria to a restaurant for lunch in honour of the out-going Director of Communication, Fr Chris Anyanwu. Time to thank the staff for the good work they were doing.
Still in Abuja. At 5.00pm, we began the Admin Board meeting. The Admin Board is a group of Bishops elected from and by the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and given the responsibility of managing the affairs and taking decisions on behalf of all. They meet every other month. Those elected since last year for a four-year term are: Arch/Bishops Augustine Akubueze, Lucius Ugorji, Matthew Ndagoso, Alfred Martins, Michael Apochi, Camillus Umoh, Charles Hamawa, John Ayah, Jude Arogundade, Matthew Kukah, Godfrey Onah and Denis Isizoh. Our meeting lasted till about midnight, with interuption from 7.10pm to 8.00pm for supper.

MONDAY, 3 February 2020. Usual rhythm of morning spiritual exercises. Silent adoration before the Most Holy Sacrament. Opening our hearts to hear the voice of the Lord: Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. Meditation - Food for thought: "Don't worry about the title. Worry about you what you've got to do today, tomorrow, the next day, and that title will be waiting for you." Holy Mass. I had a hurried breakfast.
At about 11.15am, I was at Asaba Airport to catch Air Peace flight to Abuja. I was invited to Abuja to be part of the panel of Bishops to interview the new Directors to be employed to work at the Catholic Secretariat, Abuja. Our flight was terribly delayed (three hours) because of the fog created by the harmattan. Thanks be to God, there was an alternative flight, probably less affected by the bad weather, AERO Contractors going earlier than the Air Peace. Quickly I purchased Aero ticket and was able to fly.
Quiet evening at the Catholic Resource Centre (Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria), Abuja. Interesting to experience the services of the new hospitality outfit for the Centre. I was able to order food - room service - and they responded within fifteen minutes.
Good night, Lord. Confitemini Domino, quoniam bonus!

SUNDAY, 2 February 2020. The Presentation of the Lord. The co-eternal Son of God the Father was presented on this day in the Temple and revealed by the Spirit as the glory of Israel and Light of the nations.
Usual morning devotions. We used the second formula in the Missal for the Candle procession into my chapel.
A DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE. At 10.00am, I was at Akpaka 3-3 Nkwelle Ezunaka - St Valerian's Church - for the Mass for the Consecrated Men and Women working in Onitsha Archdiocese. A special day to pray for the Religious and to thank them for the great word they are doing in our Archdiocese. Some work in prominent places, others are engaged in difficult areas of the Apostolate and others still work in very hidden and seemingly unimportant places. But with all the religious, all the priests and all baptized/consecrated persons, we form a large orchestra in the work of evangelization. Today is a day to pray for all working in the vineyard of the Lord in the geographical area called Onitsha Archdiocese. Truly, our Archdiocese is blessed with committed workforce. The zeal and dynamism I see in most of our religious fill me with great joy.
Outside the Church, the candles were blessed. Procession followed after this prayer: O God, true light, who create light eternal, spreading it far and wide, pour, we pray, into the hearts of the faithful the brilliance of perpetual light, so that all who are brightened in your holy temple by the splendour of these candles may happily reach the light of your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Lumen ad Revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Nunc dimittis servum tuum Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum, quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum.
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Gloria Patri, et Filii, et Spiritui Sancti,
sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Very well attended Mass. The Religious came in large numbers. The Church was filled to its maximum capacity and beyond. With the universal Church we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure.

SATURDAY, 1 Feburary 2020. Early rising in Lafia. At about 7.00pm we set out on our return journey. Stopover at Otukpo. Smooth journey. May almighty and merciful God make our journey peaceful and prosperous, and may His Archangel Raphael accompany us on the way so that we may come back to our wok in peace, safety and good health.
Safely home at about 3.12pm. Late lunch.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

FRIDAY, 31 January 2020. I woke up at Taal Conference Hotel. No usual morning devotions. No breakfast as there was no proper arrangement for it in the Hotel. At about 9.15am, we went over to St William's Cathedral, the venue of the celebration today.
At 10.00am procession into the Cathedral. Almost all the Priests of Lafia were presented. Among the Bishops in attendance: Anthony Adaji, Anselm Umorem, Hilary Dachelem, Charles Hamawa, Martin Olorunmolu, Oliver Doeme, John Oyejola, Denis Isizoh, Philip Dung, Michael Gokum. Great attendance. The Cathedral was filled to its maximum capacity. Mons. Cletus Gotan gave the homily. The lay faithful showed gratitude to their great pastor - Bishop Audu - and wished him well in his new assignment as Archbishop of Jos.
Grand reception after the Mass. Lunch for all at the reception hall. Brief return to the accommodation facility for rest.
Later in the evening with Sr Florence Ndigwe and Onyeka we went to the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Convent there in Lafia, where Sister lived and worked until recently. The Sisters were very welcoming. They offered us supper. God bless them for their hospitality.
From the convent we went over to Bishop Audu's residence for evening get together. At the end, I wished him well. It was a good moment to excuse myself since I'd be travelling back to Aguleri early morning the next day.
A prayerful night song - the English version of Ave Regina Caelorum...:
Welcome, O Queen of Heaven.
Welcome, O Lady of Angels
Hail! thou root, hail! thou gate
From whom unto the world, a light has arisen:

Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,
Lovely beyond all others,
Farewell, most beautiful maiden,
And pray for us to Christ.

THURSDAY, 30 January 2020. Brief period of meditation. Concelebrated Mass followed immediately.
At about 9.35am, we set out for Lafia. It was really a long journey of almost nine hours with one stopover. Aguleri-Awka-FourCorner Junction-Enugu-Obollo-Otukpo-Makurdi-Lafia. Onyeka my driver was very good. I visited Lafia for the celebration in honour of Bishop (now Archbishop-elect of Jos) Matthew Ishaya Audu on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of his Priestly and 60th birthday. It turned out that I was the only Bishop that came from South-east of Nigeria. Many of the classmates of Bishop were there. So too the Priests and religious working in Lafia diocese. Ishaya Audu is a man of the people.
I stayed with a number of other guests at Taal Conference Hotel, Lafia. It would be a three star rating, with not-so-wonderful catering services.
Gala night hosted by Bishop Audu who came for the show in a native attire. Very many persons attended: Bishops, Priests, Sisters, Brothers and Lay faithful.
Good night in Taal Conference Hotel.

WEDNESDAY, 29 January 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. Adoration.
This Italian song of thanksgiving for the gift of the Lord to us:
Hai dato un cibo a noi, Signore, germe vivente di bontà. Nel tuo Vangelo, o buon Pastore, sei stato guida di verità.GRAZIE, DICIAMO A TE, GESÙ! RESTA CON NOI, NON CI LASCIARE; SEI VERO AMICO SOLO TU.
Alla tua mensa accorsi siamo: pieni di fede nel mister. O Trinità, noi ti invochiamo: Cristo sia pace al mondo inter.
MEDITATION - Food for thought: "Success is no accident. It is hardwork, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what one is doing or learning to do" - Pele of Brazil.
HOLY MASS - Votive Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, with Eucharistic Prayer V3. With the Church we pray: "Open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters; inspire in us words and actions to comfort those who labour and are burdened. Make us serve them truly, after the example of Christ and at his command. And may your Church stand as a living witness to truth and freedom, to peace and justice, that all people may be raised up to a new hope."
Today I had nothing on my agenda. I stayed indoors to put my house in order. I sent out many messages, inviting friends and relatives to my sister's funeral. Here is what I sent out:

My sister, Anastasia Uwaje (nee Isizoh) died on 2 January 2020, aged 57.
Reqiescat in pace Domini.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE FUNERAL MASSES:

AT OGBUNIKE:
Date : Monday, 10 February 2020
Venue : St Michael the Archangel Church, OGBUNIKE.
Time : 10.00am
After the Mass, Body is transferred to Ubulu Uku
-----
AT UBULU UKU:
Date : Thursday, 13 February 2020.
Venue : St Charles Borromeo Church, UBULU UKU (Issele Uku diocese).
Time : 10.00am
Interment follows immediately.
+C. Denis Isizoh

TUESDAY, 28 January 2020. We started the day with adoration and meditation. Food for thought: "Humility is the quality of being humble and means putting the needs of another person before your own, and thinking of others before yourself. It also means not drawing attention to yourself, and it can mean acknowledging that you are not always right." Office of Lauds was said together with my closest collaborators. Then we bowed our head to receive the Benediction of the Lord. I did not concelebrate Mass. Instead, I went downstairs for breakfast.
By 10.25am, I was at Amorji Nike Word Incarnate Abbey for the funeral Mass of Mother Charles Anyanwu. Bishops who concelebrated: Bishop Lucius Ugorji, Bishop Anthony Adaji, Bishop Denis Isizoh and Bishop Ernest Obodo. With the Church, we prayed: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the soul of your handmaid, Mary Charles, who for love of Christ walked the way of perfect charity, may rejoice in the coming of your glory and together with her sisters may delight in the everlasting happiness of your kingdom.
Back to Aguleri for late lunch. Lord, thank you for your gifts today.
℣. Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata.
℟. Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.
Oremus. Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae praesidium: ut, qui sanctae Dei Genetricis memoriam agimus; intercessionis eius auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen

MONDAY, 27 January 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: “To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naive and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow.”— Pope Francis. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass - Memorial of Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi. With the Church we pray: Deus, qui in beato Cypriano Michaele, presbytero, apostolicum pastoris zelum
monachi conversationi iunxisti, concede nobis, eius intercessione, ut in oratione perseverantes, regni tui adventum indesinenter quaeramus.
Today I had a marathon session in the office, stretching from 10.00am to about 4.00pm. I was glad to touch many lives by my encounter with human beings created in the image and likeness of God. It is a thing of joy to be one of God's instruments to reach out to His people.
Late lunch. Some hours at my study desk. Then, time to hand myself over to the Lord.

Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings;
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings:
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour:
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

SUNDAY, 26 January 2020. 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio "Aperuit illis", published on 30 September, establishes that "the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God". The timing of the document is significant: 30 September is the Feast of Saint Jerome, the man who translated most of the Bible into Latin, and who famously said, and I put it forward as Food for thought: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ".
At 10.00am, I was at St Jude's Parish, Abube Nteje for first pastoral visit. I saw great effort being made by Fr Fred. Ndimaeme to complete the Church building started many years ago. Today's Mass: Great attendance. Very active participation in the liturgy. Over two hundred persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Many positive things observed. With the Church I prayed: Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works.
Back to Aguleri. Evening came, night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

SATURDAY, 25 January 2020. Conversion of St Paul. Adoration. Pange lingua gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, Quem in mundi pretium Fructus ventris generosi, Rex effudit gentium. Food for thought: "Melody becomes tragedy when it finds negative minds. Tragedy becomes melody when it lands in positive hands. Choose to be positive always; it is much rewarding!"
Hymn for the Office of Lauds:
O fathers of our ancient faith,
With all the heav’ns we sing your fame
Whose sound went forth in all the earth
To tell of Christ and bless His name.
You took the gospel to the poor,
The word of God alight in you.
Benediction. Holy Mass with my closest collaborators.
At 9.01am, I was on the road going through the heart of Ayamelum. Today our direction was towards Omasi Uno - the last town of Anambra State at the border with Enugu State, the last parish of Onitsha Archdiocese at the border with Nsukka diocese. Very small community, constantly threatened by the intimidating presence of Fulani cattle rearers roaming the large area of even land with plenty of grass for the cows. Even the Parish Priest was afraid of the possibility of violence in the area and suggested that I postpone the pastoral visit. But I had inner strength to undertake the "dangerous" meeting and praying with the People of God in the area. Along the lonely road through the farmland of Omor we drove . We saw hectares of farmland burnt (I was made to understand that the burning was done by the herdsmen so that their cows would have fresh grass when the first rain would fall). We saw few local farmers coming home with firewood tied to their motorbikes. By 10.20am, we were in Omasi Agu. And since we arrived before the time, I was able to interact with the Parish Priest, Fr Benedict Uchegbu. I went through the books and signed them.
It was 11.00am Mass. The People of God were very punctual. Very small community, poor economically but very rich in faith. Igwe of Omasi was there. Almost all the elders of town, both Christians and People of Traditional Religion were in attendance. About 20 persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a joyous celebration, though the wind was very very strong. It was like on the first Pentecost Day.
I offered full scholarship to any person who would opt to become a priest or a religious. Et sit splendor Domini Dei nostri super nos, et opera manuum nostrarum confirma super nos et opus manuum nostrarum confirma.
By 5.30pm we were back to Aguleri. Quick lunch/supper.
The prayer we used to say in the minor seminary easily came to mind: Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take, that by renewing my bodily strength I may be better enabled to serve You. Holy Virgin, Mother of my God, and after God, my only hope, my guardian angel and my patron saints, pray for me, protect me tonight, all the days of my life, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

FRIDAY, 24 January 2020. My birthday. The words of Psalm 139, 13-14 say it all. To almighty, ever living God I say: Quia tu formasti renes meos, contexuisti me in utero matris meae. Confitebor tibi, quia mirabiliter plasmatus sum; mirabilia opera tua, et anima mea congnoscit nimis. Clocking sixty four is not my own making: it is not because of anything I do better than others, it is simply God's gratuitous gift. So, today was spent expressing gratitude to God for his direct favours to me and indirectly His blessings though very many people I encountered in my life: parents and family members, teachers, collaborators, critics, praise-singers, rich and poor, etc. All the encounters I had here on earth helped me to grow. A day of repentance for the things I did not do well, for the things I should have done but failed to do. Miserere mei, Desu, secundum misericordiam tuam; et secundum multitudnem mierationum tuarum dele iniquitatem meam. A day of prayer for now and the future: Deus patrum meorum et Domine misericordiae, qui fecisti omnia verbo tuo et sapientia tua constitituisti hominem, ut dominaretur creaturis, quae a te factae sunt, et disponeret orbem terrarum in sanctiate et iustitia et in directione cordis iudicium iudicaret, da mini sedium tuarum assistricem sapientiam et noli me reprobare a pueris tuis, quoniam servus tuus sum ego et filius ancillae tuae....Emitte illam de caelis sanctis tuis et a sede magnitudinis tuae mitte illam, ut mecum sit et mecum laboret, ut sciam quid acceptum sit apud te.
Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: "Embrace every good opportunity you encounter; some will get you informed; others will get you inspired… Some will get you involved and others will make you improved!" Office of Lauds. Benediction. Mass of thanksgiving: O God, the Father of every gift, we confess that all we have and are comes down from you; teach us to recognize the effects of your boundless care and to love you with a sincere heart and with all our strength.
Through different channels of the social media, I received over two thousand good wishes and assurance of prayers. I was still at breakfast when the crew of ABS TV/Radio arrived to interview me. This is how they reported this celebration:
The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha, Most Rev Denis Isizoh, has described priesthood as vocation through which one runs the race of saving his own soul as well as those of others.
Most Rev Isizoh was speaking to ABS crew while marking his sixty fourth birthday yesterday in Aguleri, Anambra East council area.
Our man Gab Okpalaeze led the crew and reports Bishop Isizoh who revealed how his role as a mass server during the war facilitated his joining the seminary, said he is driven by the passion to get closer to God.
The Auxiliary Bishop recalled his humble beginning of moving from place to place with his educationist father, thanked all who have assisted him at one stage or the other, adding that life of prayer, quietude, and seclusion as a catholic priest has been self fulfilling and rewarding to him.
When asked about prospects of a black pope in foreseeable future, Bishop Isizoh responded in the affirmative, pointing out that at the Vatican, people are recognized and respected for the offices they hold, and not their colour or race.
He explained that the issue of papacy is not just on one headship, adding that all workers in the Vatican hierarchy contribute modestly to the overall leadership of the church.
Most Rev Isizoh, soon after his ordination as a priest, served as a formator in the seminary, before travelling to Rome for further studies.
Before returning to Nigeria, and subsequent consecration as a bishop, he spent twenty six years in Rome, most of which was as a member of the workforce in the Vatican.

THURSDAY, 23 January 2020. Still in the week of prayer for Christian Unity. Meditation - Food for thought: "When you do good to others, it is yourself, your conscience and your self-respect that will be the beneficiaries. The greatest gift of giving is the opportunity to give." Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was at St Raphael's Church, Awkuzu, for the funeral of Catechist Paul Obiesili. I chose to honour catechists for the the role they play in the Church. So I came here for the funeral Mass. Many catechists were in attendance. I number of Awkuzu priests concelebrated. With the Church, I prayed: We humbly beseech your mercy, O Lord, for your servant Paul, that having worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel, he may merit to enter into the reward of the Kingdom.

WEDNESDAY, 22 January 2020. Usual morning devotions. For meditation today, I dealt with the question raised the magazine, The Priest, for the month of January. Here the question for survey: WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE THE HARDEST PART OF BEING A PRIEST, AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO DEAL WITH IT? The question set me into very serious thinking. I have my answers. Here is what some priests in USA responded:

“Certainly, hearing confessions and assigning an appropriate penance would be one of the most difficult, yet potentially rewarding experiences. Another would be doing a funeral of someone whom you did not know well, though he or she was a member of my community. Even preparing a couple for marriage can be an arduous task, given the amount of time and planning that weddings demand. In short, there is no single part or aspect of being a priest that can be the ‘hardest’of all matters. Much depends on what is heard in the confessional, who’s a ‘distant’or very quiet member of your community. —Father Domenico Pizzonia, Stanford, Montana
“Dealing as mediator between laity and hierarchy.”—Father Robert Loftus, Leicester, Massachusetts
“For me, the hardest part about being a priest is managing all of the different personalities that you encounter. I find that having a good mentor and someone who I can talk with helps me to understand more and helps me to navigate personality difficulties.”—Father Todd Nance, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
“I find that the most difficult part of being a priest today is to keep up with emails. I find that most of my day is consumed by them. I manage it by forwarding as much as I can to other staff members and unsubscribing to the email feeds that are not useful.”—Father Gary Zender, Bellevue, Washington
“expanding role as a priest or pastor with diminishing resources. The People of God expect much from us, and rightly so. But in general, they expect less from themselves in terms of belonging to the church or parish.”—Father Jim Cormack, St. Louis, Missouri
“Parishioners treating the parish like it is their personal possession and not allowing the parish to move forward. Also, their arrogant refusal to embrace stewardship of time, talent and treasure as a way to help the parish survive and grow. Priestly fraternity and ever-increasing prayer are the main ways I deal with this. It is essential to remain positive.”—Father Jordan Kelly, OP, Providence, Rhode Island
“The exaggerated individualism of our culture where it is not in fashion to be committed to anything —including regular spiritual practices. I realize we are dealing with something much larger than our parish —or the Catholic Church. I do my best to be committed and encourage others to do so. I work this topic into my homilies and into my pastoral counseling. I take a day off every week for prayer and reflection. —Father Christian T. Moore, OFM Conv., Louisville, Kentucky

I received a family for lunch. The complaints of the old woman with them touched me particularly. She was not fed well but the children expected her to take the medicines prescribed for her regularly. This one could talk. How many old persons who can not express themselves suffer in silence. God help us to take care of the aged among us.
Quiet evening. Desk work. Good night, Lord.

TUESDAY, 21 January 2020. In adoration: Sweet Sacrament divine, hid in thine earthly home, lo, round thy lowly shrine, with suppliant hearts we come; Jesus, to thee our voice we raise in songs of love and heartfelt praise: sweet Sacrament divine. Meditation - Food for thought: “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” - Zig Ziglar. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. The Universal Prayer, attributed to Pope Clement XI, which was added at the end of the English breviary, is highly recommended. I love the prayer:
Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith.
I trust in you: strengthen my trust.
I love you: let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow.
I worship you as my first beginning,
I long for you as my last end,
I praise you as my constant helper,
And call on you as my loving protector.
Guide me by your wisdom,
Correct me with your justice,
Comfort me with your mercy,
Protect me with your power.
I offer you, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on you;
My words: to have you for their theme;
My actions: to reflect my love for you;
My sufferings: to be endured for your greater glory.
I want to do what you ask of me:
In the way you ask,
For as long as you ask,
Because you ask it.
Lord, enlighten my understanding,
Strengthen my will,
Purify my heart,
and make me holy.
Help me to repent of my past sins
And to resist temptation in the future.
Help me to rise above my human weaknesses
And to grow stronger as a Christian.
Let me love you, my Lord and my God,
And see myself as I really am:
A pilgrim in this world,
A Christian called to respect and love
All whose lives I touch,
Those under my authority,
My friends and my enemies.
Help me to conquer anger with gentleness,
Greed by generosity,
Apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself
And reach out toward others.
Make me prudent in planning,
Courageous in taking risks.
Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.
Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer,
Temperate in food and drink,
Diligent in my work,
Firm in my good intentions.
Let my conscience be clear,
My conduct without fault,
My speech blameless,
My life well-ordered.
Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.
Let me cherish your love for me,
Keep your law,
And come at last to your salvation.
Teach me to realize that this world is passing,
That my true future is the happiness of heaven,
That life on earth is short,
And the life to come eternal.
Help me to prepare for death
With a proper fear of judgment,
But a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death
To the endless joy of heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
I was indoors to work on my daily pastoral journal. Plans for my sister's funeral on top grear. My sibblings showing me how mature they have become. Lord, thank you.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

MONDAY, 20 January 2020. Usual daily morning spiritual exercises. The joy of a new day!
The sun, that bids us rest, is waking
our brethren 'neath the western sky,
and hour by hour fresh lips are making
your wondrous doings heard on high.

So be it, Lord; your throne shall never,
like earth's proud empires, pass away;
but stand and rule and grow forever,
'til all your creatures own your sway.
Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "If something is wrong, don’t blame others. Ask 'How can I help to put it right?' Always remember that you create the atmosphere that surrounds you. If you want others to smile, you must smile. If you want others to give, you must give. If you want others to respect you, you must show your respect for them."
Today - National feast of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. Venue: the Central Shrine of Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi in Igboezunu Aguleri. This 25 hectares piece of land, donated by several families of Igboezunu, is located along Aguleri-Nando-Igbariam roadAs early as 7.00am, the people of God started arriving. The relics of Blessed Iwene Tansi was placed at the centre of the arena. Personal veneration of the relics of Blessed Iwene Tansi. Sacramental Confession. Exchange of pleasantries. So many persons present.
At about 10.30am, there was procession to the site of the newly erected statue newly built by the national coordinators Blessed Iwene Tansi Solidarity Movement. Prayer and blessing of the statue:
Lord, we bless you for you alone are holy, and because in your compassion for sinners you sent into the world your Son, Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of holiness.
He sent the Spirit to sustain his newborn Church, a voice that teaches us the secrets of holiness, a breeze that strengthens and refreshes, a fire that sears our hearts in love, the seed of God that yields a harvest of grace.
Today we praise you for the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi, in whose honour we dedicate this statue.
May we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, keeping before us the example of Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi, and grow to a maturity measured not by nature, but by the fullness of Christ.
May we proclaim his Gospel by word and deed and, shouldering our crosses daily, expend ourselves for others in your service.
As we carry out our earthly duties, may we be filled with the Spirit of Christ and keep our eyes fixed on the glories of heaven, where you, Father, receive those who will reign with your Son, for ever and ever. Amen.
I was the Chief Celebrant during the Mass. Bishop Godfrey Onah was the homilist. Bishop Ernest Obodo concelebrated. There were over two hundred Priest-concelebrants. I could easily count about three thousand religious and lay faithful who took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
After the celebration, I invited the two bishops to my residence for lunch. Then, I waived them goodbye.
Supper with Ozoemenas - anniversary of their wedding, according to usual practice of those I wed in the Church.
I thank you for your faithfulness love
Your love O Lord is eternal.

SUNDAY, 19 January 2020. Omnis terra ad0ret te, Deus, et psallat tibi; psalmum dicat nomini tuo, Altissime. Usual morning spiritual exercises: Adoration. Meditation on the Readings of the day. Food for thought: "Always seek out the friendship of those who are strong where you are weak. None of us has all the virtues: even a Moses needed an Aaron. The work of a team, a partnership, a collaboration with others who have different gifts or different ways of looking at things is always greater than any one individual can achieve alone." Holy Mass for and with my closest collaborators.
Fr Anselm Olisaeke visited. With him, I went to Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine for a meeting to supervise the final preparation for the national feast of our halo and hero. The sculptor moulding the giant statue to be unveiled and blessed tomorrow was doing truly a bad job. I tried to correct him. He explained that the bulldozer clearing the site for the celebration tomorrow destroyed part of the mould he created. He could not get the shape of the face of Blessed Tansi again. I was truly displeased with the "effigy" he was setting up in the name of a Statue of Blessed Iwene Tansi. In the future, I shall modify it or pull it down and do something more dignifying that what stood before me there. Brief meeting with members of Blessed Iwene Tansi Devotions Committee.
Back to my residence. Lunch with Fr Anselm Olisaeke. Quiet evening.
The day is done, its hours have run;
And thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace hath won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us, more than in past days,
With purity and inward peace:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Do more than pardon: give us joy,
Sweet fear, and sober liberty,
And loving hearts without alloy,
That only long to be like thee:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light

SATURDAY, 18 January 2020. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "In life never take short cuts. There is no success without efforts. No achievement without hard work." Lauds. Benediction. Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Votive Mass of Blessed Virgin Mary, Chosen Daughter of Israel. With the Church we pray:
O God, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary,
foremost among the poor and humble,
to be the Mother of the Savior,
grant, we pray, that, following her example,
we may offer you the homage of sincere faith
and place in you all our hope of salvation.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began today.
Almighty and merciful God,
You willed that the different nations
should become one people through your Son.
Grant in Your kindness.
that those who glory in being known as Christians
may put aside their differences
and become one in truth and charity,
and that all human beings,
enlightened by the true Faith
may be united in fraternal communion
in the one Church
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
V. Lord, keep us true to Your Name.
R. Grant that we may all be one.
I continued to update my pastoral journal. Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

FRIDAY, 17 January 2020. Usual morning devotions. In adoration before the Sanctissimum, contemplating the eternal banquet our Lord prepared for us: O sacrum convivium! in quo Christus sumitur: recolitur memoria passionis eius: mens impletur gratia: et futurae gloriae nobis pignus datur. Meditation - Food for thought: "Keep your distance from those who seek honour, those who praise themselves, and give incentives demanding that others sing their praises. Be respectful. None of us is called to be a looking glass for those in love with themselves." In the booklet, My Mass Book,  I published a prayer before Mass:
   Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of Your only-begotten Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth.
          Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness.
          May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation.
  May I receive the sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood, and its reality and power.
  Kind God, may I receive the Body of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into His mystical body and numbered among His members.
  Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive Your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with You for ever. Amen.
Holy Mass. Brief health walk. Breakfast.
Back to my desk. Personal update. Doce me, Domine, bonitatem, disciplinam, et scientiam.
In thanksgiving to God for the day:

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And guard us through all ills in this world, till the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven--
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

THURSDAY, 16 January 2020. Good morning, Lord. Meditation - Food for thought: "You learn nothing from life if you think you are right all the time." At Mass, I turned to my devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Ianuas caeli aeruit Dominus, et pluit illis manna ad manducandum, et panem caeli dedit eis:: panem angelorum manducavit homo. These lines from the Preface have always led me to profound meditation: For at the Last Supper with his Apostles,
establishing for the ages to come the saving memorial of the Cross, he offered himself to you as the unblemished Lamb,
the acceptable gift of perfect praise. Nourishing your faithful by this sacred mystery, you make them holy, so that the human race, bounded by one world, may be enlightened by one faith and united by one bond of charity. And so, we approach the table of this wondrous Sacrament, so that, bathed in the sweetness of your grace, we may pass over to the heavenly realities here foreshadowed.
Today, I was indoors updating my files and documents. I needed to update my brain too - reading books and magazines. I noticed that my interest in watching television had gone down very much. The truth is that as one gets older, one must learn how best to invest in one's time. Recalling this wise counsel: "Use your time well. Life is short, too short to waste on television, computer games and unnecessary emails; too short to waste on idle gossip or envying others for what they have; too short for anger and indignation; too short to waste on criticizing others. Teach us to number our days, says the Psalmist, so that we may get to a heart of wisdom. Any day on which you have done some good to someone has not been wasted."
I sent our many invitations to priests and religious for the Blessed Iwene Tansi feast day.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
You are all fair, O Mary,
And the stain of original sin is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you are the honor of our people;
you are the advocate of sinners, O Mary.
Virgin most prudent,
Mother most loving,
pray for us,
intercede for us with Jesus Christ our Lord.

WEDNESDAY, 15 January 2020. Usual rhythm of spiritual exercises. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "Put off the fire of pride and save your life from burning with flames of failure. Pride is the reason why many dreams only survive as ashes today. Learn the lesson; hang on to humility! " Morning prayer. With the Church, we prayed: God our Saviour, through the grace of baptism you made us children of light. Hear our prayer that we may always walk in that light and work for truth as your witnesses before men. Holy Mass today - Votive Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. In nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur, caelestium, terrestrium, et infernorum: et omnis lingua confiteatur, quia Dominus Jesus Christus in gloria est Dei Patris.
At breakfast today, I had some visiting priests that called on me - just courtesy visit. I pulled myself together indoors for the whole day. Opportunity to update my journal records and also to send out invitation for the Blessed Iwene Tansi feast.
In the evening, I thanked the Lord for the amount of desk work I did.
The day you gave us, Lord, is ended,
the darkness falls at your behest;
to you our morning hymns ascended,
your praise shall hallow now our rest.

We thank you that your church, unsleeping
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world her watch is keeping,
and rests not now by day or night.

TUESDAY, 14 January 2020. Before the Sanctissimum we prostrate in adoration. The Compline song applies for morning prayer: Lead, kindly Light, amid the gloom of evening.
Lord, lead me on! Lord, lead me on!
On through the night! On to your radiance!
Lead, kindly Light!
Lead, kindly Light, kindly Light!
Meditation. Food for thought: "Let your first enemy be mediocrity; it has no role to play, no word to say and no action to display in your life. Never love to swim in shallow waters; they breed nothing but fearful reptiles of failure" Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was House of St Martha near Blessed Iwene Tansi major Seminary, Onitsha, for the meeting of the Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province. All the member Bishops were present: Valerian Okeke, Hilary Okeke, John Okoye, Callistus Onaga, Godfrey Onah, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Jonas Benson Okoye, Ernest Obodo and Denis Isizoh. The meeting ended with lunch.
I spent good part of this evening clearing my crowded desk. Supper. Feeling sleepy and tired. Good night, Lord.

MONDAY, 13 January 2020. Usual morning devotions. Meditation. I came across one interesting book: Daily Drive 365. It is a compilation of inspirational quotes for daily living by Israelmore Ayivor. I have begun using it to get points for reflection. I plan to read this book cover to cover drawing points for reflection from it. So, for today, Food for thought:"The more your concentration on God, the longer your conversation with him lasts and the holier his consecration will be on you. Let your communication with him be controlled ny your commitment." Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. As usual, after Mass we prayed: "PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX,
Behold, O good and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a most firm desire of amendment: whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I consider within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before my eyes that which David, the prophet, long ago spoke in Thine own person concerning Thee, my Jesus: 'They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones' [Psalm 21, 17, 18].
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be… We fly to your patronage…"
At 10.00am, I was at St Peter's Church Umunnachi for the funeral of Patricia Okonkwo, mother of Fr Ignatius Okonkwo (Ogwuego). I left immediately after Mass.
1.00pm, meeting of the Committee for Blessed Iwene Tansi devotions to make final preparations for the celebration of Blessed Iwene Tansi feastday on 20 January. Happy conclusion of plans for a solemn celebration.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Turning to our Blessed Mother:
O most holy one, O most pitiful,
O sweet Virgin Mary!
Mother best beloved, Mother undefiled,
pray for us!

Thou art our comfort, and our refuge,
Virgin Mother Mary!
All that we long for, through thee we hope for;
pray for us!

SUNDAY, 12 January 2020. BAPTISM OF THE LORD. A day to recall that baptismal song learnt from parents and elders in the Church long before the Vatican II reforms, but which is still valid and sung today: Ekwelu m nkwa na mbosi baptisma na agam efe Chukwu n’enu uwa, agam eche nti n'okwu nke eziokwu, agam aju otito nke ajommuo. Nyelum aka Maria ka m wee debe ife m kwelu na nkwa. This is a call for renewal of our baptismal promises. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: “I would like to renew my call to everyone to pray the psalms, to become accustomed to using the Liturgy of the Hours, lauds, vespers and compline. Our relationship with God can only be enriched by our journeying toward him day after day.”— Pope Benedict XV.
At 10.00am, I was at Christ the King Parish Omor in Ayamelu. It struck me that the Church had grown very fast in this town. Today's visit would be the fourth time I had come to this parish for pastoral activities: first pastoral visit, community rosary, Sunday evening instruction/Benediction, and now second pastoral visit. Christ the King Parish Omor had given birth to two other parishes: St Paul's and St Luke's. This Church was the first to be dedicated in Ayamelum. The second was at Umumbo.
On arrival today, I was very happy when I entered Christ the King Church to find a very very large Congregation. Despite the fact that this Church was the largest in this area, very many people could not find a place to stay inside the church for the ceremonies today. One would say about three thousand persons were in the Church. Those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation numbered three hundred and fifty-one persons - the highest ever recorded in the area. The population is increasing every day. Pastoral joy for me! Considering many favourable factors, this town might be good for siting a future diocesan project - Seminary, for example.
Evening indoors. Usual Sunday supper with the Priests in the compound.

Tu solacium et refugium,
Virgo, mater Maria!
Quidquid optamus, per te speramus
Ora, ora pro nobis

SATURDAY, 11 January 2020. Our devotion to our Blessed Mother, which we learnt as minor seminarians - O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of God, and likewise my most dear Mother, in your sacred hands, under your powerful protection, and in your compassionate heart, I place now and for ever my body and soul, my hopes and happiness, my pains and afflictions, my actions and pursuits, my life, death and entire being, that through your merits and intercession, my whole existence may be directed to the perfect accomplishment of your holy will and that of your adorable Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: “God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission —I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. “I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do his work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it —if I do but keep his commandments.”“Therefore, I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. He may take away my friends, he may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me —still he knows what he is about.” - John Newman. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.10am today, my mission to evangelize the whole world, to the ends of the world, took me to Umerum - another town of Ayamelum. Because of distance and rough roads, I scheduled the Mass to begin at 11.00am. Thanks be to God, the road from Omor to Umerum was recently graded. It made a big difference. We reached the town even before some of the People of God arrived. Some of the Priests working in the area celebrated early Masses in their parishes and were able to arrive for the function in Umerum. We began the Mass on the dot of the hour. Little but enthusiastic flock. The parish is known as the "Vatican City" of Ayamelum. The first priest to be ordained from Ayamelum, Fr Prof. Ben Ebo, is from Umerum. He himself taught me Epistemology in the major seminary.
Nineteen persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Fr Ferdinand Okigbo, the parish priest, is fully engaged in the pastoral ministry, very committed, down to earth in rural evangelization, cheerful, zealous...the people truly love him. He is currently digging a well in search of water for his people. My prayer: Et sit splendor Domini Dei nostri super nos, et opera manuum nostrarum confirma super nos et opus manuum nostrarum confirma.
I returned to Aguleri very happy. The work of evangelization is going on well in this part of the world.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom;
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me.

FRIDAY, 10 January 2020. Usual rhythm of spiritual activities. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius. Lauds. Benediction: Da nobis, quaesumus, Domine Deus, Agnum, qui pro nobis occisus est, in sacramento latentem dignis laudibus celebrare, ut eundem in gloria manifestatum contemplari mereamur. Qui vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum. Amen. Holy Mass.
At 9.00am we set out for a long journey what took us almost three hours on a very rough road. My car, Nissan Pathfinder 2006 model, was equal to the task. We went to Owelle/Ukwalla in Olumbanasaa. First, we reached Nzam. Then, we entered a rougher road from Nzam to Ukwalla. Very rough experience. But I enjoyed it - putting our boots on the ground to announce the Good News in distant lands. The people waited with great enthusiasm for our arrival. Small flock. Happy people. On arrival we were met with apostolic joy by Fr James Obiaju, the parish priest. He is gentle, calm, very effective, every smiling,.... We had some time to freshen up. Then, Holy Mass. About two hundred and fifty persons in attendance. The king of the town and prominent persons from the town were present. Lively choir, few in number, singing songs in Igbo and Igala languages. About 25persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The joy on the faces of the People of God was evident. The Good News must be proclaimed everywhere to the ends of the earth.
Before the end of Mass, I invited the king to address his people. He himself called another person to come up with him. He greeted his people and thanked me for coming all the way from Aguleri. The person, whom the king invited to come with him, spoke about the importance of education. I amplified what this person said about going to school. I also spoke about vocations to religious life. Three years ago when I visited here and other parts of Olumbanasaa, I offered scholarship to those who would want to become priests. Only one condition the candidates must meet: passing the entrance into All Hallows Seminary Onitsha. Already three of them are in the seminary and I have kept my promise. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
Holy Mass over. I went over to bless the Rectory. Here I prayed: Loving Father, we gather here in the Name of Jesus Your Son and ask You for Your blessing. Bless + this Rectory and make it a house of prayer. In Your love, bless + all who live here today, bless + all who will live here in the future, and deepen their spirit of service to Your people. Let them be an example of prayer and praise for your honour and glory. Be their shelter when they are at home
their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return. For all of us gathered here, Lord, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and lead us always in Your love. We ask this grace, holy Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Very warm reception. Dances. Good speeches that express optimism and hope that the Church could facilitate quick development and progress in the area.
We took a different route for our return-journey through Nmiata Anam. Safely home.
Singing and praying:
Father, who neither slumberest nor sleepest,
Thou, to whom darkness is as clear as noonday,
Have us this night-time, for the sake of Jesus,
Safe in thy keeping

THURSDAY, 9 January 2020. Before the Lord we prostrate. I found this special prayer, whose authorship is unkown but the text had appeared in Italian "Raccolta"of 19th century, and which I use almost always after Communion, addressed to the Blessed Sacrament: this French version: Ô très saint Sacrement, ô divin Sacrement, à Vous soit toujours toute louange et toute grâce. Meditation. Food for thought:

Those who like to pay the bill, do so not because they are loaded, but because they value friendship above money.
Those who take the initiative at work, do so not because they are stupid but because they understand the concept of responsibility.
Those who apologize first after a fight, do so not because they are wrong but because they value the people around them.
Those who are willing to help you, do so not because they owe you any thing but because they see you as a true friend.
Those who often text you, do so not because they have nothing better to do but because you are in their heart.

At 9.00am, I was at Ogidi in the home of ma Veronica Edogwo, mother of Fr Dr Linus Edogwo. Exraordinary good woman - auntie Veronica. She was from Ogbunike and treated me always as loving elder sister. Even from sick bed she attended the Mass of thanksgiving I celebrated at St Vincent's Church after my Episcopal ordination.
In her home, I blessed her remains and accompanied the body to the Church. In the Church, Archbishop Val Okeke presided and I preached. Deus, qui nos patrem et matrem honorare praecepisti, miserere clementer Patriciae matri nostrae suaque peccata dimitte, nosque ea in aeternae claritatis gaudio fac videre.
With great joy, at 5.00pm, I baptised my niece, Petra Isizoh, the daughter of CheChe my brother in my chapel. Welcome our new baby to our family.
Quiet supper with friends.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

Now it is evening; time to cease from labour,
Father, according to thy will and pleasure,
Through the night-season, have thy faithful people
Safe in thy keeping.

Far from our dwellings drive the evil spirits;
Under the shadow of thy wings protect us;
Be thou our guardian through the hours of darkness,
Strong to defend us.

Call we, ere sleeping, on the name of Jesus;
Rise we at day-break, strong to serve thee better;
Order our goings, well begun and ended,
All to thy glory.

WEDNESDAY - 8 January 2020. Woke up late in Nsukka. Long time spent at breakfast to interact with my classmates. Then I traveled back to Aguleri via Enugu - Four Corner - Old Enugu/Onitsha Road - Awka home.
Many visitors and calls to express sympathy and give condolence messages - my sister's death. She is always on my mind. But I must be strong to give strength to my siblings and the entire family.

TUESDAY, 7 January 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. Kneeling before the Sanctissimum:
Tantum ergo Sacramentum, Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui: Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui. Genitori, Genitoque Laus et iubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen. Meditation - Food for thought: "Respect others even if they disrespect you."
At 9.30am, I was at the Basilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. Today is the funeral and burial of one of our devoted, meek, gentle priests - Rev. Fr Pius Uchenna Ukor. He collapsed at the football field in Asaba during a friendly match between the diocesan Priests of of Issele Uku and Onitsha A/dioceses. He was not actually playing. Perhaps, he had a sudden heart attack. Among the concelebrants were Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Michael Elue and Bishop Denis Isizoh, plus hundreds of priests. The basilica was full...I never saw that number during priests' funeral in recent times. May Father Pius Ukor rest in perfect peace in the Lord. Amen.
Immediately after the interment, I traveled to Nsukka for the meeting of the Centenary Bigard 85 Priests, being hosted by Fr Amuluche Nnamani. Venue: St Peter's Chaplaincy, University of Nigeria Nsukka. I arrived late for the 5.00pm Mass. I presided, Bishop Donatus Akpan gave the homily. Wonderful evening together. About thirty of us were present. Ecce quam bonum...
Accommodation for the night at the University Guest house.

MONDAY, 6 January 2020. Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobisç venite, gentes, et adorate Dominum, quia descendit lux magna super terram. Usual morning devotions. Adoration - Meditation. Food for thought: "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything." - Albert Einstein. Lauds - Benediction - Holy Mass.
At about 11.00am the IHM Sisters Central Administration team gathered for the annual get-together with me. Discussion. Holy Mass. Lunch. Blessing.
With Fr Innocent Udolisah and Fr Mike Odenigbo, I went to Cardinal Arinze at his Nkwelle Ezunaka residence, for supper. Good meal. Quality conversation. We returned home late. Good night, Lord.

SUNDAY, 5 January 2020. EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, following the Liturgical Calendar of Nigeria. With the Magi, we adore the Infant King. And we pray: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.

Today, the Magi knelt before our Saviour. Let us worship him with great joy: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, manifested in the flesh; sanctify us by the word of God and by prayer: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, vindicated in the Spirit; free our lives from the spirit of discord: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, seen by the angels; give us even now a share in the joy of heaven: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, preached among the nations; move all hearts by the power of your spirit: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, believed in by the world; renew your disciples' faith: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.
Christ, taken up in glory; enkindle in us the desire of your kingdom: Lumen de lumine, hunc diem illumina.

Benediction. Holy Mass with Iwene Tansi Community of closest collaborators.
At 10.00am, I was at Ojoto, accompanied by the visiting Fr Victor Onwukaeme, for the rededication of St Paul's Church. The foundation stone of the Church was laid by the Archbishop Francis Arinze. It was Archbishop Albert Obiefuna who dedicated it in 2000. After the major repairs and restructuring, including re-roofing of the Church, we happily gathered today to rededicate the magnificent Church of St Paul. We prayed: Lord, send your Spirit from heaven to make this church an ever-holy place, and this altar a ready table for the sacrifice of Christ. Here may the waters of baptism overwhelm the shame of sin;....Here mya your children gathered around your altar, celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb, and be fed at the table of Christ's word and Christ's body...We now anoint this altar and this building. May God in his power make them holy, visible signs of the mystery of Christ and his Church....Lord, may our prayer ascend as incense in your sight. As this building is filled with fragrance so may your Church fill the world with the fragrance of Christ....Light of Christ, shine forth in the Church and bring all nations to the fullness of truth.

SATURDAY, 4 January 2020. Before the Sanctissimum we bow in adoration, recalling an elaboration on the teaching of Cardinal Robert Sarah, Adoration is the greatest mark of man's nobility because it is evidence of our astonishing intimacy with God. A few quiet moments in contemplation of this reality overwhelms. We lower ourselves that He might raise us. Food for thought: "The Church has need NOT of reformers but of saints ." - George Bernanos.
At 11.00am, I was at the palace of Igwe Nkeli N. Kelly, the Okalakwu of Igbariam. He invited me formally to his Ovalla festival at King Melchizedek Square. Instead of just attending the Ovalla celebration, I chose to pay him a courtesy visit. My encounter with him in the past, some three years ago, yielded very positive result. On that past occasion, I succeeded in persuading him to regularize his marriage. He approached the parish priest and followed his instructions. Today I chose to pay an official visit to him. He recognised the importance of this visit and assembled all his cabinet chiefs. It was a cordial encounter. Igwe spoke beautifully about the solid root of Christianity in Igbariam and pledged to do his best to sustain the Catholic faith. Some of his cabinet chiefs also spoke in the same direction. Igbariam has a glorious past. The first seminary in the southeast of Nigeria (comprising the following ecclesiastical jurisdictions: Aba, Ahiara, Awgu, Awka, Calabar, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Nnewi, Nsukka, Ogoja, Onitsha, Orlu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Uyo) was started in 1924 at Igbariam. It was this seminary that metamorphosed into Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. Among the seminarians that studied in the then St Paul's Seminary, Igbariam, was Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. One of the buildings of that first seminary is still standing in the town. I thanked Igwe and gave him a rosary which I received personally from Pope Benedict XVI to show my respect and love for the people of Igbariam. At Igwe's request, I led him and his cabinet chiefs in prayer and blessed them.
Lunch at Aguleri with the family of Steve Ngige, one of my past students in All Hallows Seminary Onitsha. God bless Anene, Adaobi, Chizue, Chidera, Echezona, Ginika and Kaisi.
At 5.00pm, I was at St Paul's Church, Ojoto, to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on over two hundred candidates.
To the Lord we turned as the darkness of the night descended:

Christ, the true light of us, true morn,
Dispersing far the shades of night,
Light whereof every light is born,
Pledge of the beatific light,

Thou all the night our guardian be
Whose watch no sleep or slumber knows;
Thou be our peace, that stayed on thee
Through darkness we may find repose.

Sleep then our eyes, but never sleep
The watchful heaven-directed heart,
And may thy hand in safety keep
The servants whose desire thou art.

Look on us, thou, and at our side
Our foes and thine repulse afar:
Through every ill the faithful guide
Who in thy blood redeemed are.

While soul within the body clings,
Body and soul defend us, Lord.
Sure in the shadow of thy wings,
Kept in thy lasting watch and ward.

FRIDAY, 3 January 2020. Usual morning spiritual activities. Very Rev Fr Victor Onwukeme MSP visiting. Adoration. Reflection on this interesting write up on WhatsApp post:
*ANCIENT RULES THAT HAS NEVER FAILED*

To be rich, give.
To succeed, serve.
To laugh, make someone laugh.
To prosper, be honest.
To excel, be faithful.
To go far, get up early.
To change someone, change yourself.
To be great, be disciplined,
To be strong, pray often.
To do a lot, speak little.
To live well, forgive.
To talk well, bind anger.
To sleep well, work hard.
To be loved, love.
To be respected, be polite.
To bind Satan, sanctify yourself.
To grow in faith, meditate on the Word of God always.

Lauds. Benediction: Tribue nobis, Domine Deus, ut qui Iesum Christum pro nobis natum ex Virgine Maria et in cruce passum, sub sacramento praesentem esse credimus et confitemur, ex hoc divino fonte hauriamus perpetuae salvationis effectum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Holy Mass.
I was at Amawa Ogbunike at about 9.50am for 50th anniversary of marriage of Eke Ben Udogwugwu and wife, parents of Fr Ben Udogwu. Most priests from Ogbunike were present: Fr Celestine Chigbo, Fr Chukwuemeka Anyaegbunam, Fr Joseph Igweagu, Fr Isuchukwu Onwura, plus our parish priests, Fr Stephen Odinde, Fr Augustine Ogbnuko and Fr Augustine Ezeanya. My guest, Fr Victor Onwukaeme, was also present. We prayed: O God, almighty Father, for the sake of the good works they have done through their long life together, look kindly on this husband and wife with the children they have brought to life and faith and, as you sealed the beginnings of their love by a wonderful Sacrament, so bless their fruitful old age. It turns out that Eke Ben is the only father of priests from Ogbunike that is still alive. So we celebrated his 83rd birthday in arears today.
Back to Aguleri very tired. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Salve Regina mater miseri cordiae, vita, dulcedo et spes nostra salve
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae
Ad te suspiramis gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle
Eia ergo advocata nostra, illos tuos miseri cordes oculos ad nos converte
Et Jesum benedictum fructum ventris tui nobis post hoc exsilium ostende
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis virgo Maria.

THURSDAY, 2 January 2020. First day in this year that I had our usual morning devotions together with my closest collaborators. Let the Holy Spirit help us to run trough this year: Mentibus nostris, quaesumus, Domine, Spiritum Sanctum benignus infuinde, cuius et sapentia conditi sumus et providentia gubernamur. Omnipotens sempiterna Deus, qui in Corde Beatae Mariae Virgiis dignum Spiritus Sancti habitaculum preparasti concede propitius ut eiusdem purissimi Cordis commemorationem devota mente recolentes, secundum cor tuum vivere valeamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: “One who has no love in his heart will try to possess everything for himself. One who has love in his heart is ready to sacrifice everything, including his own body, for the benefit of others.” ― Thiruvalluvar. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass
At 9.45am, I was at St John's parish Oba. I came here to join Fr Michael Onwuemelie to thank God for the 40th anniversary of his Priesthood. Cardinal Arinze presided. Bishop John Okoye and I concelebrated the Mass together with about forty Priests, mainly Spiritans. Fr Mike Onwuemelie, an exceptionally good person, unifier, very friendly, polite, hard worker, focused, and so on. Holy Father, who, by no merit of Michael Onwuemelie, chose him for communion with the eternal priesthood of your Christ and for the ministry of your Church, grant that he may continue to be an ardent yet gentle preacher of the Gospel and a faithful steward of your mysteries. Through our Lord Jesus Christ , your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Immediately after the Mass, I unvested the liturgical vestments and headed to my car because I had an appointment for lunch at Aguleri with a family. But...as soon as I switched on my phone, there were several missed calls. I picked Fr Oliver Ezeani's. He simply told me to call quickly MauMau my sister. I sensed something was wrong. And when I rang MauMau, she was crying.... Why? Oh, my immediate younger sibling: Amaka Anastasia Uwaje (photo insert), nne ejima ugbolo abuo, nne triplets, ada Chijiugo, Ojie nwanyi, oyili nne ya ochie,... has returned to the eternal Father.

My mind went blank. No more words. Speechless. I drove straight to St Charles Borromeo Hospital Onitsha. And there I saw my own sister lifeless. I touched her body, it was cold. I started saying De profundis and other prayers. MauMau started crying uncontrollably, insisting that Amaka was still alive: how could I be saying prayers for the dead? O God, giver of pardon and loving author of our salvation, grant, we pray you, in your mercy, that, through the intercession of Blessed dMary, ever-Virgin, and all your Saints,my sister Anastasia who has passed from this world, may attain a share in eternal happiness.I supervised the transfer of the remains of my sister from the hospital bed to the mortuary. Another prayer for her. Then we all went sorrowfully away. I was touched by the high level of solidarity I experienced from family members and friends from home and around the world.
My family friends were very sympathetic and wanted us to cancel the lunch. I insisted that they would wait for me. Lunch with them was a great relief from the pains for me. It was their thirtieth anniversary of marriage. Nothing should spoil their happy celebration. After all, moving from one emotional experience to another different one is a common experience of priests: from wedding to funeral to birthday and to solitude. A Priest is all things to all men. The anniversary lunch today was one of such experiences for me: from the shock of the death of a beloved sister to the pearl wedding anniversary party - truly happy moment with the Ochems - and to the solitude of bereavement. Tu es, Domine, qui restitues hereditatem meam mihi!
I spent the evening at my residence. The words of our Lord gave me strength: Ego sum resurrectio et vita; qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet; et omnis qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeternum. I recall the prophesy of Isaiah 40,1: Nahamu Nahamu!

WEDNESDAY, 1 January 2020. Still in the Church when we "crossed over"to New Year. Happy New Year I told the congregation. Applause. God gives us a new year. New life, new opportunities: to obtain divine favours, serve the Lord and neighbour, become better persons - better Christians, improve our capacities, show true love, obtain pardon for our sins, face more challenges, experience joys and sorrows, grow older, reconcile with neighbours, make new friends, improve prayer life, get job or lose job, etc. etc. Father Hilary Anisiobi, oldest Priest in Onitsha archdiocese, now 92 years old and resident at the Rectory Ogbunike wished all of us "Unu niile ga ejegbado Enuigwe" - All of you will go to heaven!
Holy Mass over shortly after 1.00am, I invited the congregation to the field beside the Church. There feasted their eyes with several rounds of fireworks. They were jubilant. They were very very happy. From the field, the priests and the religious present moved into the rectory for New Year short "party". Many of our indigenous seminarians were present. It is really pleasant to see that the number of young persons joining religious life is growing.
I returned to CheChe's house and enjoyed my early morning sleep in the New Year. After breakfast, I drove down to St Charles Borromeo's Hospital Onitsha to see Mrs Anastasia Uwaje, my immediate younger sister, who was admitted to the hospital on 27 December 2019. She was really serious, almost in coma entered. She made body movement to show she recognized my present but she was very ill to talk. I discussed her condition extensively with the doctor on call. Then I prayed for her and left.
Later, at about 8.00pm, my brother-in-law, Joseph Uwaje, called me to inform me that my sister was beginning to lose regular pulse and it was almost impossible to find active veins for intravenous transmission. I knew my sister was very bad. I left everything in God's hands.
I was not in the mood to read anything. I went to bed but could hardly sleep.
Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes custodi nos dormentes ut vigilemus in Christo et requiescamus in pace.

2019 Christmas carol at Aguleri. Can you locate Bishop Isizoh?

TUESDAY, 31 December 2019. End of the year. Thanksgiving to God:
Te Deum laudámus: te Dominum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi cæli et univérsae potestátes.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim incessábili voce proclámant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestátis glóriæ tuæ.
Te gloriósus Apostolórum chorus;
Te Prophetárum laudábilis númerus;
Te Mártyrum candidátus laudat exércitus.
Te per orbem terrárum sancta confitétur Ecclésia:
Patrem imménsæ majestátis;
Venerándum tuum verum et únicum Fílium;
Sanctum quoque Paráclitum Spíritum.
Tu Rex glóriæ, Christe.
Tu Patris sempitérnus es Fílius.
Tu ad liberándum susceptúrus hóminem, non horruísti Vírginis úterum.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo,
aperuísti credéntibus regna cælórum.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, in glória Patris.
Judex créderis esse ventúrus.
Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis súbveni,
quos pretióso sánguine redemísti.
Ætérna fac cum sanctis tuis in glória numerári.
Adoration. Meditation. Lauds. Benediction and Holy Mass. Food for thought: “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Lauds. Holy Mass.
At 9.45am, I was at St Patrick's Church, Igboezunu Aguleri for a pastoral visit. Small community. It was first pastoral visit ever to this church built very close to Blessed Iwene Tansi ancestral home. It is striking that the area is predominantly of Anglican Communion. A handful of people for Confirmation. Interaction with the people after. I promised to give the choir a "Melodion". Very brief reception after.
I returned to my residence at Aguleri, had my lunch, and at about 6.00pm I traveled to Ogbunike with Onyeka my driver and Celestine Ibegbunam - a seminarian on apostolic work. I stayed at my brother CheChe's home.
At 9.30pm, I was St Vincent's Church Ogbunike for the "Crossover" night which I started several years ago as a newly ordained. I maintained all through celebrating Mass and leading my people with prayers to enter the new year. Since Fr Augustine Ogbunuko became the parish of the Church, he introduced rosary procession around the field before Mass. Very very good. So, tonight, I joined the rosary procession.
Then Holy Mass starting at 10.20pm. The Church was full. Concelebrated Mass. We were in the Church and celebrating Mass till midnight.
Thanks be to God for the blessings, opportunities, successes, challenges of the year that has just ended. We ask for pardon for our weaknesses, failures, sins, duties neglected, good not done, etc. Seigneur, prends pitie!

The (year) day is done, its hours have run;
And thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace hath won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light

Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us, more than in past days,
With purity and inward peace:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

Do more than pardon: give us joy,
Sweet fear, and sober liberty,
And loving hearts without alloy,
That only long to be like thee:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light

Labor is sweet, for thou hast toiled,
And care is light, for thou hast cared;
Let not our works with self be soiled,
Nor in unsimple ways ensnared:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light

For all we love, the poor, the sad,
The sinful, unto thee we call;
O let thy mercy make us glad;
Thou art our Jesus and our all:
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light

MONDAY, 30 December 2019. Usual morning rhythm of spiritual exercises. Adoration. Jesus! my Lord, my God, my all! ⁠How can I love Thee as I ought? And how revere this wondrous gift ⁠So far surpassing hope or thought? ⁠Sweet Sacrament! we thee adore! ⁠Oh, make us love thee more and more. Meditation. Food for thought: “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” ― Oprah Winfrey. Office of Lauds, followed by Benediction. Da nobis, quaesumus, Domine Deus, Agnum, qui pro nobis occisus est, in sacramenton latentem dignis laudibus celebrare, ut eundem in gloria manifestatum contemplari mereamur. Qui vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum. Amen. Holy Mass.
Today, my classmates of 1971 All Hallows Seminary Onitsha old boys gathered in my residence at Aguleri for our annual meeting. I believe that this class is the best organised set of All Hallows Old Boys' Associations. We have succeeded in locating almost all our classmates alive. Most of us did not not become priests, but we are beautifully bonded. We have all of our boys as Ordinary members, the wives of those who are married as Women Wing, and their children as Youth Wing. The children who are married bring their spouses as part of the Youth Wing. Those of our members who are dead, their widows and children still retain their membership. They all attend our meeting. During our meetings, we identify those among us who are in dire need and we try to help. We have a common uniform to reduce our external differences in social status. So, today we gathered for the great annual reunion.
At 7.30am, I stepped out of my compound to bless a new home in Umuoji at the instance of Fr Collins Okoye. Quickly done, I rushed back to Aguleri for the Mass. Our old boys served the Mass and formed an ad hoc choir for the Mass. One of our children, the daughter of Julius Akunyili, distinguished herself as a powerful singer with an extraordinary voice!
Our Reunion: O wonderful interaction. Old friends telling childhood stories and jokes. Speeches. Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum, habitare fratres in unum! Sicut unguentum in capite, quod descendit in barbam, barbam Aaron, quod descendit in oram vestimenti ejus; sicut ros Hermon, qui descendit in montem Sion. Quoniam illic mandavit Dominus benedictionem, et vitam usque in sæculum. Good and delicious food provided by a member - Dr Festus Okoye.
The celebration lasted till late in the evening. Then we hugged one another. Warm embraces. With parting words: "Ok till next year", "Happy New Year". "Good bye", "Thank you".
Before it got dark, one of us who had never attended the meeting before suddenly showed up. Francis Offor from Eziowelle. It was a wonderful meeting. Immediately I sent his image to our WhatsApp forum. Great joy that we found a missing brother.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
1. Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day
.
2. Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

3. Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

4. Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

SUNDAY, 29 December 2019. Feast of the Holy Family. Our day began with the usual rhythm of spiritual exercise. Face to face encounter with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: “You have a unique gift to offer this world. Be true to yourself, be kind to yourself, read and learn about everything that interests you and keep away from people who bring you down. When you treat yourself kindly and respect the uniqueness of those around you, you will be giving this world an amazing gift... YOU!” ― Steve Maraboli. Lauds. Benediction: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Holy Mass.
At 9.50am, I was at Umuoji for the dedication of Holy Family Church. In terms of size, this is largest Church constructed in recent times in the archdiocese of Onitsha. It took the people 43 years to build. This is understandable because the original idea was to build a central Church for the whole Umuoji town. Over the year, parishes were created, leaving Holy Family as a church for one or more villages. Today, we are grateful to God that the church is finally completed, thanks to a number of persons who donated generously.
The ceremony of dedication of a Church is quite comprehensive and solemn. Entry into the Church. Initial Greetings. Handing over of the keys to the Church and request to have the edifice dedicated to God. Blessing of Water and sprinkling of the holy water on the people and every corner of the church - cleansing. Authorisation to proclaim the Word of God in the Church. Readings. Homily. Proclamation of faith. Litany of the Saints. Prayer of dedication:
Father in heaven,
Source of holiness and true purpose,
it is right that we praise and glorify your name.
For today we come before you,
to dedicate to your lasting service
this house of prayer, this temple of worship,
this home in which we are nourished
by your word and your sacraments.
The Church is fruitful,
made holy by the blood of Christ:
a bride made radiant with his glory,
a virgin splendid in the wholeness of her faith,
a mother blessed through the power of the Spirit.
The Church is holy,
your chosen vineyard:
its branches envelop the world,
its tendrils, carried on the tree of the cross,
reach up to the kingdom of heaven.
The Church is favored,
the dwelling place of God on earth:
a temple built of living stones,
founded on the apostles
with Jesus Christ its corner stone.
The Church is exalted,
a city set on a mountain:
a beacon to the whole world,
bright with the glory of the Lamb,
and echoing the prayers of her saints.
Lord, send your Spirit from heaven
to make this church an ever-holy place,
and this altar a ready table for the sacrifice of Christ.
Here may the waters of baptism
overwhelm the shame of sin;
here may your people die to sin
and live again through grace as your children.
Here may your children,
gathered around your altar,
celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb,
and be fed at the table
of Christ’s word and Christ’s body.
Here may prayer, the Church’s banquet,
resound through heaven and earth
as a plea for the world’s salvation.
Here may the poor find justice,
the victims of oppression, true freedom.
From here may the whole world
clothed in the dignity of the children of God,
enter with gladness your city of peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anointing of the Altar and the Church. Incense. Light.

Here is my testimony:
Fidem facimus et testamur, Ecclesiam istam Sanctae Familiae apud Oraukuensis
sollemniter Dei gloriae eiusque populi sanctificationi ad sacra mysteria celebranda dicatam esse.
Anno Domini Duomilaunviginti Die Quinque Mensis Ianuaris,
Datum Onitshaensis, sub sigillo nostro.

From Umuoji, I went to my brother CheChe's house for family feast: presentation in the Church of CheChe/Ebuka's baby and extended family day celebration. Full house.
Back to Aguleri to prepare for AHOBA 71 reunion tomorrow.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

SATURDAY, 28 December 2019. Feast of the Holy Innocents. Usual morning spiritual activities. Before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament we prostrated. Adoration and Meditation. Food for thought: “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” ― Ronald E. Osborn. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At about 1.00pm, I had a family lunch at Awka with the Ndigwes (Uju, Ukamaka, Ogoo, Ifeanyi, Ebele and their families) to mark the 40th anniversary of first religious profession of Aunt Sr Josephine Emeh DMMM. It was truly a reunion of a happy family. So much joy, so much fraternity and love expressed. The occasion captured the spirit of Psalm 133,1: Ecce quam bonum et quam iucundum habitare fratres in unum. May God continue to keep this family in His infinite love.
5.00pm, I was at Holy Family Church Umuoji for the conferment of the Sacrament of Confirmation on over two hundred candidates. Graciously pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray, O Lord, so that, walking in oneness of faith and strengthened by the power of his love, we may come to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

FRIDAY, 27 December 2019. Feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: “People who have attained things worth having in this world have worked while others idled, have persevered when others gave up in despair, have practiced early in life the valuable habits of self-denial, industry, and singleness of purpose. As a result, they enjoy later in life the success so often erroneously attributed to good luck.” ― Grenville Kleiser
At about 10.30am, I was at St Mary's Church, Ukpor Centre for the 30th Wedding anniversary of Alex and Irene Ochem. With great joy, three of us priests - Fr Godwin Okolo, Fr Marius Obiagwu and myself - were there at Trieste in Italy for this wedding on 9 September 1989. It was our first experience of Italian style of wedding. On that occasion, with the Italian priests, we prayed: Dio onnipotente, concedi ad ALEX ed IRENE, che oggi consacrano i loro amore, di crescere insieme nella fede che professano davanti a te, e di arricchire con i loro figli la tua Chiesa. Per il nostro Signore Gesù Cristo, tuo Figlio, che e Dio, e vive e regna con te, nell'unità dello Spirito Santo, per tutti i secoli dei secoli. Amen.
And more prayers after "Our Father":
Padre santo, creatore dell'universo, che hai formato l'uomo e la donna a tua immagine e hai voluto benedire la loro unione, ti preghiamo umilmente per questi tuoi figli, che oggi si uniscono con il patto nuziale.
Scenda su ALEX ed IRENE la ricchezza delle tue benedizioni e la forza del tuo Santo Spirito infiammi i loro cuori, perché, mentre vivono il reciproco dono di amore, siano esemplari per integrità di vita e genitori saldi nella virtù.
Ti lodino, Signore, nella gioia, ti cerchino nella sofferenza; godano del tuo sostegno nella fatica e del tuo conforto nella necessità. Vivano a lungo nella prosperità e nella pace e, con tutti gli amici che ora li circondano, giungano alla felicità del tuo regno. Per Cristo nostro Signore. Amen.
The brochure today captured the celebration in Italy thirty years ago...the faces of Italian friends who intermittently shouted "baccio, baccio, baccio", compelling the newly wedded couple to stand up and kiss themselves... brindisi with spumante...all these taking place in a restaurant across the border...in the then Yugoslavia.
Today, old friends gathered to celebrate Alex and Irene, very warm persons! Many old boys of All Hallows Seminary attended.
After the Mass, we went to the freshly completed country home of Alex, Irene and their two kids. I blessed the house. The the merriment commenced. Old birds gathered together to recall the happy old days when many of us were teenagers. Bishop Hilary Okeke came in briefly to greet Alex and Irene.
I returned later very happy. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.

THURSDAY, 26 December 2019.
Feast of St Stephen, first Martyr. Usual rhythm of spiritual activities. Adoration. Meditation - Food for thought: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ― Will Durantt.

Lauds.

Our Savior's faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise him in remembrance of them: You redeemed us by your blood.
Your martyrs freely embraced death in bearing witness for the faith,- give us the true freedom of the Spirit, O Lord.
Your martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood, give us a faith, O Lord, that is constant and pure.
Your martyrs followed in your footstep by carrying the cross, help us to endure courageously the misfortunes of life.
Your martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb, Help us to avoid the weaknesses of the flesh and worldly allurements

Holy Mass with my closest collaborators.
Today, with Fr Aloy Obiwulu and Fr Innocent Udolisah, I traveled to St Stephen's Church Ogbunike. It has now become my traditional place to celebrate the feast of St Stephen. I started doing this soon after my Priestly ordination almost thirty five years ago. The celebration has now become a unifying context for all the three parishes of Ogbunike. This year, we had holy Mass (concelebrated by Ogbunike indigenous priests together with the parish-priests of St Vincent, St Stephen and St Michael the archangel). There were a number of events: march-past by some groups within each parish, sharing of meals prepared jointly, etc. Next year I plan to do Confirmation during the celebration. Da nobis, quesumus, Domine, imitari quod colimus, ut discamus et inimicos diligere, quia eius natalicia celebrams, qi novit etiam pro persecutoribus exorare.
From St Stephen's Church arena, I visited briefly my sister Maureen's country home in Ogbunike for lunch, then went to my brother CheChe's home for interaction with other members of my biological family. It was evening time. I returned to Aguleri.

WEDNESDAY, 25 December 2019. Still at the Mass we started last night. Behold it is Christmas day! I announced it to the parishioners of St Joseph with great fireworks in front of church. Even though there were technical hitches, the fireworks (100 rounds!) provided great excitement to the people. HAPPY CHRISTMAS WISHES. The vigil Mass over, I invited the Priests, Religious and many seminarians (most of them worked with me in the past five years) who were around to the hall in my residence for refreshment and exchange of pleasantries.
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
At about 11.00am, I was at Villa Mater Christ, the Immaculate Heart Sisters' home for the Elderly, for Christmas celebration for the elderly Sisters. I celebrated Christmas Day Mass for them. Then I offered them lunch after. I arranged and paid a carterer to serve them good lunch. I invited many of the elderly Sisters to sing Christmas carols. I even sang for them.
Joy to the world
Joy to the world
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
The Sisters who could not join us for the lunch because of advanced age or sickness waited for me in their rooms. I went round to greet and blessed them. Lord, thank you for the gift of these great women, who laboured devotedly in you vineyard when they were young and strong. I beg you to inspire us to be for them true instruments of your mercy and consolation. May they remain always in your love. Through Christ our Lord.
Quiet evening in my brother CheChe's home. Then back to Aguleri. This ancient hymn of Christmas was in the air all the way home:
Adeste, fideles,
Laeti triumphantes,
Venite, venite in Bethlehem!
Natum videte,
Regem angelorum
Venite, adoremus!
Venite, adoremus!
Venite, adoramus Dominum!
Venite, adoramus Dominum!

TUESDAY, 24 December 2019. Today is the last day of Advent. On our lips was the Aramaic expression, used by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 16,22) as expression of faith and hope, prayer: Maranatha. Yes, we pray: Come, Lord. I invited my household, each person, to prepare his/her soul for the coming of the Lord. While we prepare the externals, we must also sweep clean the "inside". Little personal recollection/retreat.
  Ecce iam venit plenitudo temporis, in quo misit Deus Filium suum in terram. Adoration and Meditation. Food for thought: “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”—Bob Marley. Lauds. Benediction. O God, Who in this wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of Thy passion, grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
At Mass in my chapel, we prayed: Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Accompanied by my friend, Fr Aloy Obiwulu, I was at Awka Etiti for lunch with large family of Chief Mike Arinze. His son was celebrating Silver Jubilee of marriage. My visit brought almost the whole extended family together. I recall Psalm 127: O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
your wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
  Family reunion of Chibuike Isizoh (son of my late brother Andrew) who was seen last in 2004, with all the members of Isizoh family. Great day when I took him to the house of my brother CheChe. All the members of my family were around for this great meeting. Every person was excited to meet him. He would be spending the Christmas holidays with the entire family.
I celebrated Christmas vigil Mass, starting at 10.00pm, at St Joseph's Church, Aguleri. Deus, qui nos redemptionis nostrae annua exspectatione laetificas, praesta, ut Unigentum tuum, quem laeti suscipimus Redemptorem, venientem quoque Iudicem securi videre mereamur.

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel

MONDAY, 23 December 2019. Nascetur nobis parvulus, et vocabitur Deus, Fortis; in ipso benedicentur omnes tribus terrae. Usual morning devotion. Adoration and Meditation. Food for thought: “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”—Thomas Merton. Lauds and Benediction.
At the Mass, with the Church we prayed: Almighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son
according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word,
who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
At 10.00am, I was in the compound of Okeke Otigba of Umunnachi for the 90th birthday Mass of Thanksgiving.
At Vespers, the "O Antiphons": O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster. O Immanuel, you are our king and our judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Saviour. O come and save us, Lord our God.

SUNDAY, 22 December 2019. Attollite, portae, capita vestra, et elevamini, portae aeternales, et introibit rex gloriae. Usual rhythm of spiritual activities. Adoration. Meditation. Food for thought: "Coins always make sound, But the currency notes are always silent. So, when your value increases, keep yourself calm and silent." - William Shakespeare.
Lauds.Benediction. Holy Mass. With the Church we prayed: God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervor may merit his company as their Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At 9.45am, I was at St Alphonsus Catholic Church, Nkpor. Today, Very Rev. Fr Celestine Uchenna Chigbo celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his Priestly Ordination. I presided at the Liturgy of the Word. For the Opening Prayer: O God, who have willed that your servant Celestine preside over your family not by any merit of his but out of the abundance of your untold grace alone, grant that he may carry out worthily the ministry of the priestly office, under your governance in all things, may direct the people entrusted to his care. After the Prayer of the Faithful, Fr Celestine continued the Mass by presiding over the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The homily was given by Fr Celestine Okonkwo (Mortimor) of Nnewi diocese. I gave the blessing at the end of Mass.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was very well attended: Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful, relatives and friends, etc. The mother of Fr Celestine was visibly happy. Great joy for me with the people to sing to Fr Celestine: TU ES SACERDOS IN AETERNUM SECUNDUM ORDINEM MELCHIZEDEK. JURAVIT DOMINUS ET PAENITEBIT EUM. ORA PRO NOBIS DEUM.
At Vespers, the "O Antiphon": O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti. O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man, whom you made from clay.

Arrival at the Igbedor side of R. Niger bank, Bishop Denis Isizoh & Assistants: they come for Rural Evangelization - Community Rosary for all Olumbanasaa.

Bishop Isizoh on a 2 km trek into Igbedor.

SATURDAY, 21 December 2019. Usual morning devotions. Meditations ' Food for thought: “Don’t forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must love yourself internally to glow externally.”—Hannah Bronfman.
Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. With the Church we pray: Hear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people,
that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory,
gain the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
I devoted today to our Blessed Mother Mary:
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim....

To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria!
To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim,...

Turn then most gracious Advocate, O Maria!
Toward us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim,....

The cause of joy to men below, O Maria!
The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria!
Angels, all your praises bring, Earth and heaven, with us sing,
All creation echoing:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!
I traveled to Igbedor in Olumbanasaa for Rosary with the People of God on the island. We first went to the Holy Trinity bookshop Onitsha to buy bags of rosaries. Then we drove to Illah in Delta State, to the bank of River Nigeria. Wearing our life jacket, accompanied by Fr Innocent Udolisah, Sr Vera Mariette Nwankwo IHM, Seminarian Celestine Ibegbunam, we sailed across River Niger to the Olumbanasaa island, precisely to Igbedor. The only car on the island was not in good order that day. And so, we had to walk from the river bank to Church - about two kilometers. There, over two hundred (mainly Block Rosary) children gathered for prayer with me. We distributed rosaries to all those who did not have. Then I led them in the recitation of the rosary. This was followed by Holy Mass during which I confirmed about forty five candidates from St Mary's parish Nzam. Fathers Francis Izuakor, James Obiaju and Anthony Enwedo concelebrated the Mass.
After the Mass, we had hurried lunch at the rectory. Fr Francis Izuakor is a pleasant person to work with. God bless him. Almost all the members of Emmanuel Institute of Sisters were present. Immediately after, we trekked back to the river bank. It was mission accomplished. Great day with the children of Mary.
At Illah, we boarded our car we left at Otu eke. I slept a good part of the journey back. Heavy traffic. We reached home safely.
The "O Antiphons" at the Vespers: O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis. O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal lifht and the sun of justice. O come and elnlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

FRIDAY, 20 December 2019. Cor Iesu sacratissimum, miserere nobis. Adoration. Meditations. Food for thought: “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is a beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is life, fight for it!”—Mother Teresa.
The intercessory prayers from the Latin breviary:
Christum Dominum rogemus, fratres carissimi, qui est lux illuminans omnem hominem, laeti clamantes:
Veni, Domine Iesu.
Lux praesentiae tuae nostras discutiat tenebras et nos tuis muneribus dignos efficiat:
Veni, Domine Iesu.
Salvos nos fac, Domine Deus noster, ut confiteamur hodie nomini sancto tuo
Veni, Domine Iesu.
Succende corda nostra ut ad te ardenter sitiant tibique coniungi tota aviditate festinentç
Veni, Domine Iesu.
Qui infirmitatem nostram sustulisti, infirmis et hodie moribundis succurreç
Veni, Domine Iesu.
Holy Mass. With the Church we pray: O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel and so became the dwelling-place of divinity, filled with the light of the Holy Spirit, grant, we pray, that by her example we may in humility hold fast to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At 11.00am, I was at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, for the Opening/Commissioning of Royal Garden Hostel Complex build by Tony and Nkiru Adibe for the students. World Class standard. It has 285 rooms, with many supporting facilities. The vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Nwakobi, was present and he spoke laudably of the ultra modern hostel. Governor Obiano was represented by architect Michael Okonkwo - Commissioner for Housing.
At Vespers, still singing the "O Antiphons": O clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel: qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris." O key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close, no one can open. O come and lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

THURSDAY, 19 December 2019. Usual morning devotions. Food for thought: “If you’re always in a hurry, always trying to get ahead of the other guy, or someone else’s performance is what motivates you, then that person is in control of you.”—Wayne Dyer.
Aeterna lux promittitur sidusque salvans promiture;
iam nos iubar praefulgidum ad ius vocat caelestium.
Te, Christe, solum quaerimus videre, sicut es Deus,
ut perpes haec sit visio perenne laudis canticum. Amen.
With the Church, we pray: Deepen our faith, Lord God, as we celebrate the great mystery of the incarnation by which you revealed to the world the splendour of your glory through the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Many priests and religious were visiting me today to bring Christmas gifts.
At Vespers, we continued with the "O Antiphons": O radix Iesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare. O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay.

WEDNESDAY, 18 December 2019. Before the Sanctissimum we adore on bended knee.
O Sacrament most Holy,
O Sacrament Divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving,
Be every moment Thine.
Meditation/Reflection. Food for thought: “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”—Roy T. Bennett.
Adventus hic primus fuit, punire quo saeculum
venit, sed ulcus tergere, salvando quod perierat.
At nos secundus praemonet adesse Christum ianuis,
sanctis coronas reddere caelique regna pandere.
Bendiction. Holy Mass. With the Church, we prayed: By the long-awaited coming of your new-born Son deliver us, Lord, from the age-long bondage of sin. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
At 11.00am, I was at Holy Cross Church, Oroma Etiti Anam for the funderal of ma Regina Ekwealor (mother Fr Paul Ekwealor). Lord Jesus, you raise the dead to life in the Spirit - Lord have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you bring pardon and peace to the sinner - Christ have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.
The Church was full. Very many priests concelebrated the Missa exequialis.
At Vespers we continued with "O Antiphons": O Adonai et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
O Adonai (Sovereignty) and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush
and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.

TUESDAY, 17 December 2019. We are getting closer and closer to Christmas.
Magnis prophetae vocibus venire Christum nuntiant,
laetae salutis praevia, qua nos redemit, gratia.
Hinc mane nostrum promicat et corda laeta exaestuant,
cum vox fidelis personat praenuntiatrix gloriae.
Meditation/reflection. Food for thought: “The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control their emotions by the application of reason.”—Marya Mannes.
Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. With the Church we prayed: "Deepen our faith, Lord God, as we celebrate the great mystery of the incarnation by which you revealed to the world the splendour of your glory through the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I gave audience to a number of persons who came to see me. Lunch.
Today, at vespers, we began the "O Antiphons". O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High.
You fill the universe and hold all thing together in a strong yet gentle manner.
O come to teach us the way of truth.

MONDAY, 16 December 2019. Usual morning spiritual exercises. Adoration/meditation.
Vergente mundi vespere, uti sponsus de thalamo,
egressus honestissima Virginis matris clausula.
Cuius forti potentiae genu curvantur omnia;
caelestia, terrestria nutu fatentur subdita

Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
For lunch today, representative of Focolare Movement: Ignaceolo Salvatore, Bernadette Ngabo, Fred Owomugisha, and Ruth W. Mburu, joined me at table for lunch.
Preparations for Christmas carol at Ama Tansi was on top gear. Canopies were prepared, seats were brought from my store, and the public address system was set up. Time: 3.00pm to 6.00pm. This year, many choirs in the archdiocese expressed interest to participate. Some choirs I invited. Others invited themselves. I had more than I could accommodate in the programme.
The following music groups participated in today's program:

Kids Music Academy
Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Old and Tramps (RECDOT), Ozubulu.
Blessed Iwene Tansi Chaplaincy Choir, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam
College of Education Nsugbe
Salesian Institute Group
St Odilia Choir, Ojoto
St Joseph's Choir Aguleri
St Raphael's choir, Aguleri
Postulants of Immaculate Heart Congregation
George Handel Music Academy, Onitsha
Very Rev Fr Dr Cletus Umezinwa sang a solo piece.

Very successful musical event. Good turn out. Lively participation. The RECDOT stole the day. There is indeed ABILITY in DISABILITY. Spectacular stage performance by these physically challenged persons. I drew the attention of the participants to various ways we could show concern to these brothers and sisters: side walks along our roads, ramp into public places - church, offices, town halls, etc., particular attention to "handicapped" passengers boarding buses, etc.
Happy evening with friends Prof John Obilor, Fr Bede Ukwuije C.S.Sp. and Fr Cletus Umezinwa. Good night, Lord.

SUNDAY, 15 December 2019. Third Sunday of Advent.
Conditor alme siderum,aeterna lux credentium,
Christe, redemptor omnium,
exaudi preces supplicum.
Qui condolens interitu
mortis perire saeculum,
salvasti mundum languidum,
donans reis remedium.
Usual morning spiritual activities. We had adoration, Benediction and Lauds. No Mass in our chapel.
At 10.00am, I was in St Joseph's Church for the Mass of Thanksgiving for Chinedu Obidigwe, member of the House of Representative. He was thanking God for his success at the election polls which took him to the Federal House of Representatives. He requested Mass to be offered to God for blessings on him and family, and all who helped to win the elections. Governor Willie Obiano was present.Many politicians were present. I was the principal celebrant.
I had earlier given the task of completing St Mary's Church Ugwunadagbe to Hon Chinedu. Just before we concluded the Mass he was given the opportunity to thank all those who came. He used the occasion to invite his friends to support his pledge to complete the building of St Mary's Ugwunadagbe. He donated money and his friends came forward to support. Governor Obiano volunteered to direct to donation. It was a successful fundraising activity.
In the evening, I was as Onitsha, precisely at the frontage the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha for the AVOMA (Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy) musical festival. It began one hour behind schedule. Very interesting performance by the Academy and the supporting choirs.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

Priestly Ordination of Pallottine Priests (14 December 2019) at St Dominic's Church, Mbaukwu:
(L-R) Fr Henry Chiafor, Fr Jude Nebeife, Bishop Denis Isizoh, and Fr Vincent Obi

SATURDAY, 14 December 2019. Usual morning devotions. I had to leave for Mbaukwu because I could not judge how much time I needed to reach there from Aguleri. This would be the first time in Mbaukwu.
I was there before 10.00am for the Priestly ordination Mass at St Dominic's Church, Mbaukwu. Today three deacons of the Society of Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) were ordained to the Catholic Priesthood. By divine providence, the following received priestly ordination through my instrumentality: Rev Henry Onyekachukwu Chiafor (Nise), Rev. Jude Anulika Nebeife (Omor) and Vincent Elochukwu Obi (Amansea). On them I pronounced the words of consecration:
"Grant, we pray, Almighty Father,
to these, Your servants, the dignity of the priesthood;
renew deep within them
the Spirit of holiness;
may they henceforth possess this office
which comes from you, O God,
and is next in rank to the office of Bishop;
and by the example of their manner of life,
may the instill right conduct.
May they be worthy co-workers with our Order,
so that by their preaching
and through the grace of the Holy Spirit
the words of the Gospel may brear fruit in human hearts
and reach even to the ends of the earth.
Together with us,
may they be faithful stewards of your mysteries,
so that your people may be renewed in the waters of rebirth
and nourished from your altar;
so that sinners may be reconciled
and the sick raised up.
May they be joined with us, Lord,
in imploring your mercy
for the people entrusted to their care
and for all the world.
And so may the full number of the nations, fathered together in Christ,
be transformed into your one people
and made perfect in your Kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ , your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen."

FRIDAY, 13 December 2019.
Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven;

So when next he comes with glory,
Wrapping all the earth in fear,
May he then as our defender
Of the clouds of heaven appear.

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the co-eternal Spirit,
While unending ages run.
Usual morning spiritual activities. A high number of persons came to bring me Christmas presents.
From 10.00am I had recollection with three Pallottine deacons I would ordain Priests the next day. I shared thoughts about Priestly life with them. Then, we went to my chapel for personal prayers. We said the rosary together. I invited to ask Blessed Iwene Tansi to intercede for them for holy priestly ministry. As I had the relics of Iwene Tansi buried inside my altar, I invited them to place their hand on the altar while praying through Blessed Tansi. I prayed that Jesus the High Priest to make them truly exemplary, holy priests. At then end, I had lunch with them.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

THURSDAY, 12 December 2019. Usual morning devotions, except that I did not celebrate Mass with my closest collaborators. Quick breakfast. Before 8.00am I set out for Owerri. Today Mons. Moses Chikwe would be consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri.
Smooth drive up to the round-about in front of Assumpta Cathedral. There was massive road construction going on along the road just in front of the entrance to the Archbishop's house. We had to go round and round until we found a backyard gate to enter the Cathedral compound.
A new Chikwe was consecrated Bishop.
BORN: 4 April 1967.
ORDAINED PRIEST OF OWERRI: 6 July 1996
APPOINTED BISHOP: 17 Oct 2019 (Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, and Titular Bishop of Flumenzer)
ORDAINED BISHOP: 12 December 2019.
PRINCIPAL CONSECRATOR: Archbishop Anthony Obinna
CO-CONSECRATORS: Bishop Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma.

Here is a report of the event by a local newspaper in Nigeria:

Bishop Moses Chikwe consecrated amid jubilation
by Nigerian Catholic Reporter | Dec 16, 2019 | Catholic News |

… Those with no ambition usually appointed bishops – Bishop Ugorji
It was jubilation galore in Owerri, the Imo State capital last Thursday, December 12, with canon shots booming at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, venue of the Episcopal consecration of Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, as the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese.
Present at the occasion were the clergy, the religious and lay faithful from various dioceses within the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and other parts of Nigeria. Many top government officials led by Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Governor of Imo State were there as well as friends of the new bishop from the United States of America.
The Pope’s representative in Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Benin and about 22 other bishops were there too.
His Grace Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri was the Principal Consecrator while bishops Lucius Ugorji of Umuahia and Augustine Ukwuoma of Orlu were the Co-consecrators.
In his sermon at the consecration, Bishop Ugorji, noted that despite the onerous responsibilities of the episcopal office, some priests are tempted to aspire to be bishops and some even tend to consider themselves the best and brightest to be appointed bishops, while forgetting that those who have the mitre in their head never have it on their head.
Bishop Ugorji revealed that, often it is those who have no ambition to be bishops that are appointed, making true the Igbo saying: “ochoniahughi, ohuniachoghi,” which a semi-illiterate once translated into broken English as: “e want want no see, e see see no want”.
“Notwithstanding the awesome responsibilities of the office of a bishop, some folks want their relations and friends to be bishops for reasons of prestige rather than for the highly demanding selfless service involved in the bishopric,” he observed.
Bishop Ugorji who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese advised the new bishop to, “Always keep in mind the admonition of St Augustine when he said that any bishop unwilling to preach Jesus Christ zealously and without embarrassment; to defend the Catholic Church with his life; and to suffer for his people without counting the cost, is “a scarecrow standing in a vineyard.”
“In a country like Nigeria that is fast losing its very soul to a growing culture of selfishness, greed and graft; a country where millions are wounded by poverty and reduced to a life of wanton suffering on account of endemic corruption; a country torn apart by tensions, divisions and bloody conflicts; a country where charlatans masquerading as pastors preach a prosperity gospel devoid of the cross, “hawk miracles”, propagate primitive superstitions and encourage malice and vengeance, the voice of a bishop must be a tireless voice that is strong in the condemnation of evil and injustice, a tireless voice that speaks of peace and reconciliation; a tireless voice that upholds authentic gospel values, and sound Christian traditions and seeks to preserve the deposit of faith in its purity and integrity.”

Cardinal Francis Arinze, who was just arriving in Nigeria from Rome through Port Harcourt airport, was in time to greet Archbishop Obinna and the new Bishop Moses Chikwe. A reporter sent out this short video clip:

WEDNESDAY, 11 December 2019. We started our day in the chapel. Before the Sanctissimum, on bended knee, we sing Adore Te, o Panis Caelice (insert).... translated:
I adore You, O Heavenly Bread,
O Lord, O God Most High.
Holy, holy, holy, holy without end.
Glory be to You forever in the sacred Host.
Remember us, O God, your servants,
and feed us always by Your grace.
Meditation follows. I saw a compilation of quotations that generated material for reflection:

"Your best teacher is your last mistake."
"I changed my thoughts and It changed my life."
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." (C.S. Lewis).
"Believe with all of your heart that you'll do what you were made to do." (Orison Swett Marden).
"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela)

Office of Lauds, Benediction and Holy Mass.
Today we had the last Plenary meeting of the year for the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium. It started with 9.00am Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha. I found the time too early for me to reach Onitsha before 9.00am. Moreover, during this period of the year in Onitsha, with many cars on the road, traffic jam is always experienced. I told the Archbishop not to wait for me. I did not join the concelebration.
In the Shanahan Hall, the meeting took place. Today, the time of the meeting was not overstretched. It ended about 1.00pm. I had to rush to Blessed Iwene Tansi Seminary to meet Bishop Ernest Obodo (Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu) who followed me to my residence in Aguleri for lunch and fraternal interaction.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the co-eternal Spirit,
While unending ages run.

TUESDAY, 10 December 2019. I woke up in Calabar this morning. Concelebrated Mass in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Quick breakfast. All of us from Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province traveled back in a convoy of the Police. We had a stop over at the Bishop's house Awgu for lunch, thanks to Bishop John Okoye. True show of fraternity. From Awgu we continued in different directions to our homes.
Te lucis ante terminum,
rerum Creator, poscimus
ut pro tua clementi a
sis praesul et custodia.

Procul recedant somnia
et noctium phantasmata;
hostemque nostrum comprime,
ne polluantur corpora.

Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.

MONDAY, 9 December 2019. Because of Sunday yesterday, the solemnity of Immaculate Conception was shifted to today. I did not join in the spiritual exercises. I hurriedly had my breakfast and set out to Awka to join other Onitsha Ecclesiastical Provincial Bishops in a convoy to Calabar. We were together: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Hilary Okeke, Bishop Jonas Benson, Bishop Denis Isizoh, Bishop Ernest Obodo, and Bishop John Okoye. We traveled to Calabar for the first meeting of the Bishops of Old Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province (today's Onitsha, Owerri and Calabar Ecclesiastical Provinces). Smooth journey to Calabar. We were received by Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem of Calabar. Warm reception. Meeting. Mass. Entertainment. Formal dinner. Further meeting. Good night.
Everything went very smoothly, but I noticed some reluctance to call the meeting its real name "Meeting of OLD ONITSHA Ecclesiastical Province. It has to be "Onitsha". This is a historical fact, providentially arranged by God himself. Without using that word, it would be difficult to understand the reason for the meeting. We postponed addressing the issue of nomenclature for now. Next meeting scheduled to take place in Owerri.
Overnight stay in Calabar.
1. Mary Immaculate, Star of the morning,
Chosen before the creation began,
Chosen to bring, for Thy bridal adorning,
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.

2. Here in an orbit of shadow and sadness,
Veiling Thy splendor, Thy course Thou hast run;
Now Thou art throned in All glory and gladness,
Crowned by the hand of the Savior and Son.

3. Sinners, we honor Thy sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for Thy pity we lead;
Grant us the shield of Thy Sovereign protection,
Measure Thine aid by the depth of our need.

4. Bend from Thy throne At the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which Thy footsteps have trod;
Stretch out Thine arms to us, Living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.

SUNDAY, 8 December 2019. Second Sunday of Advent. Omnipotens et misericors Deus, in tui occursum Filii festinantes nulla opera terreni actus impediant, sed sapientiae caelestis eruditio nos faciat eius esse consortes. Usual morning spiritual exercises: Adoration, Meditation, Lauds, Benediction. Holy Mass.
I was St Mary's Parish Maryland, Oraukwu, for a Pastoral Visit. My last pastoral visit there was in 2016. That time the Church building was at the foundation level - indeed I laid the foundation stone. Today the Church has been roofed and we are looking forward to the dedication sometime in 2020. Oraukwu people always impress me as people who love their town. Over three hundred persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
May the good Lord continue to make His kingdom flourish in Oraukwu.
Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven.

SATURDAY, 7 December 2019. Usual morning devotions.
At 11.00am I was at Holy Cross Parish, Oroma Etiti for pastoral visit. Growing population. Slow but steady progress in the people's response to the call to follow Christ.
I visit this town frequently because of the school in memory of Fr Gilbert Ohai (the holy Parish Priest that worked there, who was murdered many years ago). It is my dream to have a boarding school there. I am convinced that the good Lord will bless our efforts.
At 5.30pm, I baptized the son of my gardener - Jude Nwankwo and his wife Anuli. May this child grow in wisdom and knowledge before God and man.
Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

FRIDAY, 6 December 2019. Still at St Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre Abuja. Here it was difficult for me to follow my usual morning devotions. I skipped again breakfast. What they offered did not appeal to me.
I traveled to Abuja airport in the company of Archbishop Valerian Okeke. Air Peace Flight from Abuja to Asaba, departing at 11.00am. Smooth flight back. My closest assistants were at the airport to receive me.
Good to be back home.
Hark! a herald voice is calling:
'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;
'Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!'

THURSDAY, 5 December 2019. I woke up this morning at St Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre Abuja. At about 8.15am we boarded a bus arranged by Abuja Archdiocese to convey the Bishops to the Twelve Apostles Cathedral Abuja.
Today there was the ceremony of the change of baton. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, whose letter of resignation on completion of seventy five years was accepted by Pope Francis on 9 November 2019, today vacated the Archbishop of Abuja's seat to Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama. It was a colourful ceremony, the first time I truly witnessed it.
Cardinal Onaiyekan started the Mass in the usual way, after incensing the altar. The all sat down. The Apostolic Nuncio read the Special letter from the Congregation of Evangelization of Peoples, affirming that Archbishop Kaigama, hitherto coadjutor Archbishop of Abuja, would now take over as substantive Archbishop. The faithful acclaimed: "Thanks be to God."
The Cardinal then declared: "By this message from His Holiness Pope Francis, I hereby happily end my term of office as Archbishop of Abuja, and solemnly invite Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama until now Co-adjutor Archbishop of Abuja, to proceed to occupy the Cathedra and thus be installed as the 3rd Bishop and 2nd Archbishop of the Archdioese of Abuja and Metropolitan of the see of Abuja." Archbishop Kaigama was enthroned. There was Gloria, etc. At the end of Mass, reception. I hurriedly had my lunch and returned to St Pope John Paul II Catholic Center. Quiet evening.

Now that the daylight dies away,
By all thy grace and love,
Thee, Maker of the world, we pray
To watch our bed above.

Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,
The offspring of the night,
Keep us, like shrines, beneath thine eye,
Pure in our foe’s despite.

This grace on thy redeemed confer,
Father, co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.

WEDNESDAY, 4 December 2019. Still at St Pope John Paul II Catholic Center Abuja. I didn't find any meaningful choice in the breakfast menu offered at the Center, So, I skipped breakfast. Early at the Abuja Pro-Cathedral for the Silver Jubilee of the Metropolitan See of Abuja. Twenty five seminarians were ordained deacon by Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Many Bishops concelebrated, some suffragans of Abuja. I saw signs of disunity in the Ecclesiastical Province of Abuja.
With Bishop Godfrey Onah, we drove back to the Catholic Resource Center for the meeting of the Administrative Board of the the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, which started at about 5.00pm. Smooth meeting, indeed the fastest I ever attended. In past, we used to stay till past midnight. This time we finished before 11.00pm. I returned to St Pope John Paul II Catholic Center for the night.
Veni, veni Adonai!
Qui populo in Sinai,
Legem dedisti vertice,
In maiestate gloriae.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel!

TUESDAY, 3 December 2019. Early morning Mass. By 9.00am I left for Asaba for a flight to Abuja by midday. Very smooth flight - Air Peace. I went straight to St Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre for accommodation. About 5.00pm, I was taken to Chida International Hotel Abuja for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Catholic Television of Nigeria. A very good evening. Money raised during the evening was far below expectation considering the quality of the preparation made for the evening.
I retired at the St Pope John Paul II Centre.
Veni, Clavis Davidica!
Regna reclude caelica;
Fac iter tutum superum,
Et claude vias inferum.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel!

MONDAY, 2 December 2019. We are now in the period of Advent. I recalled our morning prayers at All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, invoking our Guardian Angel and our Patron Saints: Angel of God, my faithful guardian, to whose care God in His goodness has entrusted me, deign to enlighten, protect, guide and direct me throughout this day. Amen. St Joseph, Holy Apostles, and all our Patron Saints, be our safeguard. Pray for us that we may serve God faithfully in this life and glorify Him forever with you in heaven. Amen.
Usual morning devotions: Adoration, Lauds, Benediction, and Holy Mass.
Office day at Aguleri. There were very many persons today. Among them high number of persons looking for material help. Well, I tried to give out whatever I could afford, reminding myself of what the Lord himself said Pauperes enim semper habetis vobiscum.
I had Suor Angelita Guerriero, the Superior General of the Daughters of St Joseph, for lunch. She came all the way from Rome and was accompanied by two of her Sisters from Nigeria (Sr Stella Chioma Nnadi and Sr Eunice Adaobi Ezeadi). In my Visitor's book, the Superior General wrote: Ringrazio profondamente il Signor per aver conosciuto l'Ecc. Mons. Denis. Veramente ho scoperto che e' un uomo di Dio. Noi delle Figlie di Sam Giuseppe la ringraziamo e sopratutto ringraziamo per quanto fa in questo grande lavoro pastorale. Invochiamo sopra di Lui lo Spirito del Signore e nella celebrazione eucaristica chiediamo che continui ad essere il pastore delle anime.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Veni, veni, O Oriens;
Solare nos adveniens,
Noctis depelle nebulas,
Dirasque noctis tenebras.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel!

Preaching in village Square at Nteje

SUNDAY, 1 December 2019. First Sunday of Advent. Usual morning spiritual activities. One WhatsApp message hss been circulating for some time now. Today I paid attention to it and it made sense. It was all about reaching out to others. The message went this way:

Those who like to pay the bill, do so not because they are loaded, but because they value friendship above money.
Those who take the initiative at work, do so not because they are stupid, but because they understand the concept of responsibility.
Those who apologize first after a fight, do so not because they are wrong, but because they value the people around them.
Those who are willing to help you, do so not because they owe you anything but because they see you as a true friend.
Those who often text and send you messages, do so not because they have nothing to do, but because you are always in their heart.

And my reflection:
Yes, I remember those who show me kindness;
Those who give me gifts;
Those who send kind words to me;
Those who come to visit me.
They do all these to teach me genuine human relations and true love of God. How do I reciprocate? Doce me, Domine, viam tuam, et ingrediar in veritate tua; simplex fac cor meum, ut timeat nomen tuum
I had no external activities. So, I stayed indoors. No dull moment, however. I was at my desk.
Veni, veni Emmanuel;
Captivum solve Israel,
Qui gemit in exilio,
Privatus Dei Filio
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel!

SATURDAY, 30 November 2019. Feast of St Andrew. With the Church, we prayed: We humbly implore your majesty, O Lord, just as the blessed Apostle Andrew was for your Church a preacher and pastor, so he may be for us a constant intercessor before you. Today, in a special way I remembered my brother Andrew (Okey) who died in 2004. He was a gentleman to the core. The best graduating pharmacy student at University of Nigeria Nsukka. He was a loving brother, husband, and father. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
At 11.00am I was at Holy Family Youth Village for the 10th Anniversary of the foundation. Onitsha Priests came in large numbers since participation was compulsory. It was a day to praise the administration for the efforts to keep the hostel very well maintained, and to pray for the past and present students.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
To our Blessed I turn: Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

FRIDAY, 29 November 2019. Votive Mass: DE PRETIOSISSIMO SANGUINE DOMINI NOSTRI IESU CHRISTI.
O God, who by the Precious Blood of your Only Begotten Son have redeemed the whole world, preserve in us the work of your mercy, so that, ever honoring the mystery of our salvation, we may merit to obtain its fruits.
I was at Onitsha for the Annual General Meeting of Oluchukwu Microfinance Bank. We began the meeting with the Opening of the New ATM Machine configure for our own Microfinance bank. It was tested and money was released from it. Blessing of the machine.
From the Bank premises, we went to Shanahan Hall for the meeting. The report from Oluchukwu Microfinance Bank was very good.
End of the day.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto,
tribus honor unus. Amen.

THURSDAY, 28 November 2019. All hail, adorèd Trinity; All hail, eternal Unity; O God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, ever One. On bended knee we come before the Sanctissimum. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was St Stephen's Chaplaincy Nkwelle Ezunaka for the First Religious Profession of Stanley and Jude Thaddeus, both members of the Brothers of Stephen Congregation. The Superior General, Br Pantaleon Okafor, received the vows.
After the Mass and photo taking, I joined thn briefly for lunch and then returned to Aguleri
At 5.00pm, I was at Umuoramma Awka for the Funeral vigil Mass for Michael Nwanna.

WEDNESDAY, 27 November 2019. Usual morning spiritual exercises.
At 10.00am, I was at St Joseph's Church, Odida Abatete for the funeral of Catechist Gabriel Ozue. One of his daughters was a Good Shepherd Sister. Very many religious women attended the funeral. I asked Fr Paschal Onuselogu to give the homily. It turned out that Fr Paschal was his Godson and he knew the deceased man very well. For the catechist we prayed: We humbly beseech your mercy, O Lord, for your servant Gabriel, that, having worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel, that, having worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel, he may merit to enter into the reward of the Kingdom.
Good night, Lord.

TUESDAY, 26 November 2019. “John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’ …. The one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” (Mt 3:1-2, 11b). We sang the hymn of the the Lauds:

1. Hark! a herald voice is calling:
'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;
'Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!'

2. Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

3. Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven;

4. So when next he comes with glory,
Wrapping all the earth in fear,
May he then as our defender
Of the clouds of heaven appear.
Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 8.45am I set out for Umerum in Ayamelum LGA. One of our deacons-to-be. Emmanuel, lost his father, just some months away from his Priestly ordination. In sympathy and solidarity I decided to go and bury him - Hyacinth Onuorah Requiescat in pace.. At 11.15am, Funeral Mass at St Mary's Church Umerum. About seven priests, mainly from the area and from the major seminary, some seminarians and many lay people were present for the Mass. Fr Ferdinand Okigbo was at the helm of affairs. Very energetic and full of pastoral zeal. His activities among the people have earned him great respect and love among both Christians and Followers of African Traditional Religion. His social and pastoral engagements make me really happy and proud of him. May God bless all his efforts with abundant fruit for Christ and His kingdom.
Long journey. I slept a good part of the journey, Well, tired but extremely happy that the work of evangelization is on the right track in Umerum.
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

MONDAY, 25 November 2019. Usual morning devotions. As on other Mondays, the language of our Mass was Italian. "Celebrando il memoriale della morte e risurrezione del tuo Figlio, ti offriamo, Padre, il pane della vita e il calice della salvezza, e ti rendiamo grazie per averci ammessi alla tua presenzaa compiere il servizio sacerdotale.
Ti preghiamo umilmente: per la comunione al corpo e al sangue di Cristo, lo Spirito Santo ci riunisca in un solo corpo.
Ricordati, Padre, della tua Chiesa diffusa su tutta la terra: rendila perfetta nell’amore in unione con il nostro Papa Francesco, il nostro vescovo Valeriano, vescovo ausiliare Dionigi, e tutto l’ordine sacerdotale."
At 11.00am the Catholic Bishops of Anambra State met at the Bishop's House Nnewi. The following Bishops were present: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Hilary Okeke, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop Peter Okpaleke, Bishop Jonas Benson, and Bishop Denis Isizoh. It was a good opportunity to compare notes and discuss pastoral issues in our various dioceses. Very warm reception by the clergy and laity of Nnewi diocese.
Evening came, night came: the end of the day.
℣. Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata.
℟. Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.
Oremus. Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae praesidium: ut, qui sanctae Dei Genetricis memoriam agimus; intercessionis eius auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. ℟. Amen.

SUNDAY, 24 November 2019. Domini nostri Iesu Christi universorum Regis.
Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.
Usual morning spiritual exercises with my closest collaborators.
"Corpus Christi procession". The parishes of St Augustine Umuoba Anam, Our Lady of Victory Umueri, St Mary Ugwunadagbe, St Francis Ivite Aguleri and St Joseph Aguleri, all made procession through the streets and arrived at the field of Father Joseph Memorial Secondary School. At 2.00pm I was at the field to receive the arriving parishes with the Most Holy Sacrament. Benediction in the field of Father Joseph's Memorial School, Aguleri.
Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

SATURDAY, 23 November 2019. Usual morning devotions.
Today, I had a date with Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. Every year for the past three years I invited Onitsha Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement to go on Crusade with me. It has always been an interesting experience. A day before this rally, the members of the Movement usually go on house to house visitation to families. This morning, the Crusaders gathered in Ifite Square at Nteje, near St Anthony's Church. The place was ideal for special prayers for the community. All around the square were trees with pieces of cloth wrapped round them, obviously it was a special place of worship for the people of African Traditional Religion. The crusade already yielded some result because in front of the square close to the altar set up for Holy Mass, were left in a bag items of worship in traditional religion - a pot with some sand inside it, sticks tied together with a rope, etc. The owner had decided to leave African Traditional Religion and convert to Christianity.
I spent one hour giving Catechesis to the people gathered in the square. I would estimate about two thousand persons of mixed faith and religion. It was direct rural evangelization. When I finished giving the Catechesis, there was moment of prayer led by one of the Movement, during which they prayed for the people of Nteje: for peace, unity, work of evangelization among them, mass conversion from Traditional Religion and practices to true faith in Christ, etc. This prayer session was a truly moving moment of the crusade! Opportunity was given for sacramental Confession.
Next we had a concelebrated Mass. The following priests participated: Vincent Onuchukwu, Michael Anyichie, Innocent Udolisah, Anthony Izuu Okoye, and John Nnaemeka. On the spot, I asked Fr Mike Anyichie to give the homily. Excellent homily, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
After Mass, I went down the elevated platform and sprinkled holy water on the items of traditional religion I mentioned earlier. I prayed over them and set them on fire. Then I went closer to the people to touch them, pray for them, sprinkle holy water on them.
Spirit of God everyone's heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God, we long that you only
Fill the earth, bring it to birth,
And blow where you will.
Blow, blow, blow till I be
But the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.

FRIDAY, 22 November 2019. Adoration. Meditation. Lauds.
O Jesu mi dulcissime,
spes suspirantis animae
Te quaerunt piae lacrimae,
te clamor mentis intimae!

Mane nobiscum, Domine,
et nos illustra lumine.
Pulsa mentis caligine,
mundum reple dulcedine.
Holy Mass - Votive Mass of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. You have redeemed us, Lord, by your Blood, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us into a kingdom for our God.
I had no external programme today. So, I was at my table working till lunch time. Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

THURSDAY, 21 November 2019. Usual morning devotions. After morning meditation, we began the Office of Lauds with this ancient prayer I learnt during my interaction with monasteries:
O God,
I offer this Divine Office to you,
together with the adoration and praise of the angels and saints in heaven,
as well as that of all the priests of your Church and all other consecrated persons.
I present to you, holy Father,
through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
this chorus of prayer,
made holy in the Heart of Jesus and made one with His most holy prayer.
May all the words of this prayer
be acts of pure love, adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction,
trust, and surrender to your holy Will.
Let this prayer be for my weak self
a spiritual communion, an act of humility, and of perfect self-denial;
and may it be a sacrifice of praise and glory to you,
O Blessed Trinity. Amen.
Votive Mass of The Most Holy Eucharist. O God, who have accomplished the work of human redemption through the Paschal Mystery of your Only Begotten Son, graciously grant that we, who confidently proclaim, under sacramental signs, the Death and Resurrection of Christ, may experience continued increase of your saving grace.
Today, we restarted the work of perimeter-fencing of Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine at Igboezunu Aguleri. I made Fr Michael Odenigbo in-charge of the project. This evening, therefore, I went to supervise the work. Lord, help us accomplish this great task before us!
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. To our Blessed Mother we turn:
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus,
Sancta Dei Genetrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias
in necessitatibus nostris,
sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.

WEDNESDAY, 20 November 2019. I remembered our opening prayers in our minor seminary: Blessed be the Holy and undivided Trinity now and forever. Amen. LET US PLACE OURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HUMBLY ADORE HIM. Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore You with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign Majesty. Amen. Adoration. Morning prayers. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was at St Joseph's Church, Awka Etiti, for the funeral of Deborah Ifeoma Obi and her son Victor Obi, both of them victims of the recent fire incident at Ochanja market. The woman was trying to cross the gutter through which petrol from a fallen tanker flowing down toward ochanja market, slipped off and fell into the raging fire. Both her and her son were badly burnt. Governor Willie Obiano and all his Commissioners were present. He made a total offer of one hundred million to assist those affected.
Altogether, it was reported that six persons died in that fire incident. Onitsha archdiocese organised a second collection in all our parishes and twenty seven million Naira, which was distributed to all those affected by the fire.
Archbishop Val Okeke presided at the Mass. Many priests concelebrated. I gave the homily. Here are some of the points I made during the homily:

Fire Fire Fire
Earlier we used to have Onitsha Main Market fire disasters.
Recent fire victims:
1) Debora Ifeoma Obi/Victor Obi
2) Fr Edmund Nwagbala (Nnewi)
3) Bridget Alor (16 February 2017 – Mobil filling station), just buried last week.

Let all fire incidents be investigated and measures put in place to prevent future occurrence.

DRIVERS IN GENERAL

Observe road rules. Slow down when you meet bumps, don’t try to avoid them by veering off the road.

TRAILERS

Long trailer tankers to be discouraged inside cities.
Trailer Drivers with petrol should remember that they are carrying essential, but dangerous, material. They must be responsible persons.

PETROL STATIONS

Filling stations inside crowded cities should be discouraged.
There is need to have government approval before any station is built. A Board should be set up to supervise the activities of petrol sellers and dealers.
Those building new estates should designate where petrol station can be built away from residential and commercial buildings.

FIRE SERVICE STATION

This must be built near every market in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, etc. especially wherever there are mega markets.The market association leaders must enter into negotiation with the government and ensure that such fire service stations are built, and that such stations have functional equipment and adequate supply of water and other stuff used in fighting fire.

LANDLORDS AND OWNERS OF HOUSES WITH TENANTS AND FAMILIES

Every house should have fire extinguishers at strategic spots.
Each room in a house should have access to the location of fire extinguishers
Schools, Churches, Meeting Halls, Market stores, etc. should have fire fighter points or, at least, must be equipped with fire extinguishers.

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION

Emergency exits (Rabbits build holes with exits) must be included in the design of each house. People must avoid building cages where people are easily trapped.
In most houses in city, strong metal burglary proofs are put in place to prevent access at the entrance to or exit from rooms. Each apartment must have plans for evacuation - secret exit point must be considered!
It is important not to fill every available space in the market stores. Allowance must be made for free passage through which people can escape in case of emergency.

PHOTO TAKERS/PAPARAZZI

It is insensitive to be taking photograph of people trapped in a burning house.
Every hand must be on deck to rescue any person trapped.
Let no person sit by taking photos and blaming others for any fire incident. Every person around the place of any accident must try to do something to help.

THIEVES AFTER FIRE INCIDENT

Some thieves loot stores after fire incident. Terrible!
Many who had long time ago folded their businesses exploit the occasion. They lie that their shops were burnt down and they come forward to claim what they never had.

After the Mass, we accompanied Mmaduka, the husband of Ifeoma and father of Victor, to his compound where mother and child were laid side by side in their resting. Requiescant in pace.
Back home. Sober evening.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

TUESDAY, 19 November 2019.Usual morning devotions. My thoughts were on the two aspects of my Episcopal ministry: authority/power and service. Recently I ready an article attributed to a well known motivational speaker, Pat Utomi. In my EVERNOTE app, I saved it with the title "POWER INTOXICATION". It is about changes noticed in friends when they receive power to rule. I take out some passages that struck me.

"Almost everyone I know wonders why people in power change radically; why they become so utterly disconnected from reality that they suddenly become completely unrecognisable to people who knew them before they got to power; why they get puffed-up, susceptible to flattery, and intolerant of even the mildest, best-intentioned censure; why they appear possessed by inexplicably malignant forces; and why they are notoriously insensitive and self-absorbed.
"Everyone who has ever had a friend in a position of power, especially political power, can attest to the accuracy of the age-old truism that a friend in power is a lost friend. Of course, there are exceptions, but it is precisely the fact of the existence of exceptions that makes this reality poignant. As the saying goes, “the exception proves the rule.
"Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Look at all the power brokers in Nigeria—from the president to your ward councilor—and you’ll discover that there is a vast disconnect between who they were before they got to power and who they are now.
"Also look at previously arrogant, narcissistic, power-drunk prigs who have been kicked out of the orbit of power for any number of reasons. You’ll discover that they are suddenly normal again. They share our pains, make pious noises, condemn abuse of power, and identify with popular causes. The legendary amnesia of Nigerians causes the past misdeeds of these previous monsters of power to be explained away, lessened, forgiven, and ultimately forgotten. But when they get back to power again, they become the same insensitive beasts of power that they once were."

Power intoxication is a neurological problem.

"Researchers also found out that excessive praise from subordinates, sycophantic drooling from people seeking favours, control over vast resources they once didn’t have, and all of the staid rituals and performances of power conspire to cause “functional” changes to the brains of people in power. On a social level, it also creates what Lord David Owen, a British neurologist-turned-politician, called the *“hubris syndrome”* in his 2008 book titled In Sickness and in Power."

MY OWN TAKE
I do not point accusing fingers to any one in power. After all, as Bishop, I am also in power. Have I changed from what I used to be? What must I continue to do to keep myself "normal" and not be intoxicated by power? These are questions I must try to answer everyday of my life.

Recommendations given in the article:

“Laughing when others laugh or tensing when others tense does more than ingratiate. It helps trigger the same feelings those others are experiencing and provides a window into where they are coming from. Powerful people ‘stop simulating the experience of others,’ Keltner says, which leads to what he calls an ‘empathy deficit.’
"They should also have what American journalist Louis McHenry Howe once called a *“toe holder,”* that is, someone who doesn’t fear them, expects no favours from them, and can tell them uncomfortable truths without fear of consequences."

Every person in power must have a "toe-holder" and must never be afraid to have around him/her somebody who tells him/her the raw truth.

I found this interesting prayer for humility from an online blogger, Kevin.

Merciful Father,
Your truth runs counter to our self-exalting world:
humble service is the path to kingdom greatness.
This truth isn’t weak or foolish as the world would think,
but is a blessed and honorable gospel garment donned by those who fear You,
the One who exalts the humble and brings down the proud.
Oh, that the entire world would live in humility before You and each other!
While we aspire a life of godly humility, the pull of pride seems too strong to overcome.
We so often desire to sit on your throne instead of bowing before You as the only true Sovereign and Holy God.
We think highly of ourselves and our accomplishments
and forget we are human beings made of dust who at best can be called servants of a great God.
We even diminish the offense of pride by holding it lightly;
forgetting that pride cast Satan from Your presence and brought the corruption of your creation.
Oh, Lord, rescue us from foolish pride and help us learn from Your gentle and humble heart!
Gracious Father, reprogram our souls with your Word to remember the world is all about Jesus and not ourselves.
Help us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought,
but to delight in regarding others as more important.
Rescue us from the self-deception of pride by giving us a realistic view of our lives, talents, and relationship with you; always looking to the cross which reveals both the wrath we deserve and Your costly grace.
In our battle against pride, keep us from a false humility that fails to recognize Your gracious gifts.
Rather, help us steward what you have given us as a faithful servant—a servant ready to wear the garment of humility and serve you in whatever way would most help Your Kingdom and bring praise to Your Name.
Lord, Your Son left the pleasures of heaven for a life of service on earth—and He gave his life for undeserving and ungrateful people. Help us have His attitude, remembering that You oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. You must become greater; we must become less—only then does the glorious reality shine forth that Christ is highly exalted above every name in heaven and on earth.
May our entire being bow before You in loving allegiance, confessing You as Lord over all of our life and all of creation, to the praise of Your glory. AMEN.

My activities today were indoors...more of desk clearing. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
With St Francis, I pray:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen.

MONDAY, 18 November 2019. Very early rising. I celebrated Mass alone at 5.30am. Breakfast at about 6.10am. At about 7.30am, I set out for Enugu. Today we had one of the statutory meetings of joint meeting of Bishops of Onitsha and Owerri Ecclesiastical Provinces at Enugu, hosted by Bishop C.V.C. Onaga.
As I arrived very early, I took out time to go and visit Mons. Charles Ikeme - truly religious man, Mons. Ikeme is always a source of inspiration for me. Going to his room, you first pass through his chapel to greet then Lord. Then coming upstairs, inside his bedroom, there was an altar at one corner with a good tabernacle hosting the Lord. Mons Ikeme, was always praying, reading and writing.His great asset was his brain, fully functions. After some minutes in conversation, we prayed together and I blessed him.
By the time I returned to Bishop Onaga's house, some bishops had arrived. Usual smooth meeting. Archbishop Obinna introduced his new auxiliary bishop-elect: Mons. Moses Chikwe.
I returned to Aguleri at about 5.00pm.

SUNDAY, 17 November 2019. 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Adoration. Morning Prayers. Benediction. Holy Mass. With the Church, we pray: Da nobis , quaesumus, Domine, Deus noster, in tua semper devotione gaudere, quia perpetua est et plena felicitas, si bonorum omnium iugiter serviamus auctori.
At 10.00am, I was at Uke. Originally, I planned dedicate today. The priest who worked in this parish up till now was very slow and he relied on one man who made promise to renovate the Church. I asked him to turn to the people and appeal for support. Ndi Uke are hard working people. When he turned to them people, help started coming, but it was too late. He was transferred. Now we have a "brand" new, young man - Fr John Achebe. During my visit, there were visible signs of renovation work going on. So, today I came for a pastoral visit during which I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to over a hundred candidates. Remember your servants, whom have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit, and in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace. It was a good occasion to strengthen the people in the Christian faith.
Warm reception after Mass. The temperature was high too. Judging the speed of the renovation going on in the Church, I declared that I would return on 9 February for the dedication of St Dominic's Church. I trust Uke community. They will be ready.

SATURDAY, 16 November 2019. Usual morning rhythm of spiritual activities.
I came across a collection of "Truer words were never spoken". In the coming days, I intend to put forward some of them for my meditation. The very first one that struck me was the one attributed to Collin Powell. It has to do with our association with others. I played the video several times to let the inspirational words sink well into me.
Click on the right box to hear the words ->
Or, read below the words....

TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN...
The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
As you grow, your associates will change.
Some of your friends will not want you to go on.
They will want you to stay where they are.
Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.
Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream.
Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider this:
Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution,
because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.
You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl.
But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate
- for the good and the bad.
Note: Be not mistaken.
This is applicable to family as well as friends.
Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family,
for they will always be your family no matter what.
Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you,
they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.
"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our Friends."
"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them."
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters.
Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."

At 10.00am, I was at the Shanahan Hall for the Pastoral Council Plenary Meeting. Most people were very late. This made the meeting to start forty five minutes behind schedule. Usual pattern in Onitsha archdiocese for such meeting. The meeting ended few minutes after 2.00pm. I rushed out immediately to meet Bishop Ernest Obodo who, after inaugurating the academic year for Blessed Iwene Tansi Seminary, wanted to visit my residence in at Aguleri. Lunch with the visiting Bishop.
Quiet evening. Peaceful night.
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

FRIDAY, 15 November 2019. Memorial of St Albert the Great. One name would naturally come to mind in Onitsha and Awka a/dioceses today: our own Archbishop Albert Kanene Obiefuna. A prayer for him: We humbly beseech your boundless mercy, Lord, that the Sacrifice of Mass, which your departed servant and our Archbishop Albert Obiefuna, while in the body, offered to your majesty for the salvation of the faithful, may now bring him, too, your pardon. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Usual morning devotions: Adoration/meditation. Lauds. Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuæ memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quæsumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuæ fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Benediction. Holy Mass.
At 9.53am, I was at Madonna Catholic Church Agulu for the funeral Mass of Lady Bridget Alor, one of the frontline benefactresses of seminarians over three decades ago. I decided to attend this funeral not only to honour Lady Bridget Alor but also express gratitude to her and to all those who help seminarians. There were many priests who concelebrated. The major officers of the CWO Onitsha Archdiocese were there. Also at that Mass was another coffin of an older woman for whom the same funeral Mass was offered. For the two we pray: Requiescant in pace in Domino. Amen.
From Alor, I drove back home for quick lunch. Then I was on the road again to St Luke's Parish Omor in Ayamelum LGA for a pastoral visit. This visit was scheduled for tomorrow, but suddenly I received notification that the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council plenary meeting was ad impromptu scheduled. The parish priest requested me to keep the date. To bring the people together would be difficult if I were to cancel this first ever visit to the community. We agreed to sacrifice today's afternoon. He must increase, but we must decrease! And so to Omor I headed. A journey of a little less than two hours on a difficult road to ply. First meeting point: St Paul's parish house - Koinonia with priests who came to join in the celebration. From Fr Paul Ihebiri's presbytery at St Paul's parish we went over to St Luke's temporary Church where the faithful gathered for a Pontifical Mass. No doubt the people came out in large numbers to demonstrate their faith. About forty persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The king of the town, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume (www.ezeanaukwu.com), was there - a good practicing Catholic who truly loves his people. Lively interaction with the people. I was struck by the commitment of young people of the town as hardworking rice farmers. It was rice-harvesting time. O Lord, good Father, who in your providence have entrusted the earth to the human race, grant, we pray, that with the fruits harvested from it we may be able to sustain life and, with your help, always use them to promote your praise and the well-being of all.
By the time I left the town it was already dark.

THURSDAY, 14 November 2019. This morning we had no community prayer and no Mass. Early breakfast. At about 6.45am, I set out for Enugu with Fr Innocent Udolisah for the 95th anniversary celebration of the institution of Bigard Memorial Seminary.
At Mass today, Archbishop Guido Fillipazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio, presided and gave the homily. He ordained 25 deacons from the dioceses in Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province. The following Bishops concelebrated: Val Okeke, Hilary Okeke, Callistus Onaga, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Godfrey Onah, Denis Isizoh, Ernest Obodo, Anthony Gbuji, and Francis Okobo concelebrated. Many priests (former students) also concelebrated.
There is a prayer for priests (by St Therese of Lisieux) which I encourage people to say daily:
O Jesus,
I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests;
for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for Your priests labouring at home
or abroad in distant mission fields;
for Your tempted priests;
for Your lonely and desolate priest;
for Your young priests;
for Your dying priests;
for the souls of Your priests in purgatory.
But above all I recommend to You the priests dearest to me;
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted
and who gave me Your Body and Blood in Holy communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way, especially ....(names).
O Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart,
and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.
Amen.

WEDNESDAY, 13 November 2019.
Now that the day light fill the sky,
We lift our hearts to God on high,
That He, in all we do or say,
Would keep us free from harm today;
Would guard our hearts and tongues from strife;
From anger’s din would shield our life;
From evil sights would turn our eyes,
And close our ears to vanities;
Usual morning spiritual activities.
At 11.30am, I was at Onitsha to hold office at the Secretariat. As most people did not expect me in the office today, I had relative peace to clear my table at Onitsha. I was interviewed by Tomorrow magazine crew on Cybercrime. I left Onitsha for Aguleri at about 2.00pm. Late lunch - as such, became my last meal for the day.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Te lucis ante términum,
rerum Creátor, póscimus,
ut sólita cleméntia
sis præsul ad custódiam.

Procul recédant sómnia
et nóctium phantásmata;
hostémque nostrum cómprime,
ne polluántur córpora.

Præsta, Pater omnípotens,
per Iesum Christum Dóminum,
qui tecum in perpétuum
regnat cum Sancto Spíritu.
Amen.

TUESDAY, 12 November 2019. Usual morning devotions. Today I recall the death of my father in faith, Archbishop Stephen Nweke Ezeanyi. He ordained me priest. I was very close to him especially in his last days. He died in 1996. A man of great faith who truly loved his flock. Truly holy man. His humility was easily perceived. I still recall the song he was singing when he was taking to theater for the first surgery to remove prostate cancer. With his golden voice, he was singing it in Latin. I put it here in English:
We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting.
To Thee all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein.
To Thee cherubim and seraphim continually do cry:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the apostles praise Thee.
The admirable company of the prophets praise Thee.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge Thee,
the Father of infinite majesty,
Thy adorable, true, and only Son. And the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
Thou art the King of glory, O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. Thou, having taken upon thee to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb. When Thou hadst overcome the sting of death,
Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We pray Thee, therefore, help Thy servants,
whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy Name for ever, yea for ever and ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us, as we have hoped in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I hoped, let me not be confounded for ever.
At 5.00pm, I was at St Mary's Church Nnokwa for memorial Mass for Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya. It was an occasion to thank God for the gift of this great prelate to Nnokwa people and to the whole Church. It was a good moment to start prayers for the possibility of opening his Cause for Beatification and Canonization. In prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the soul of your departed servant Archbishop Stephen, to whom you committed the care of your family, may, with the manifold fruit of his labours, enter into the eternal gladness of his Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MONDAY, 11 November 2019. In adoration: Verbum caro, panem verum, Verbo carnem éfficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum, et si sensus déficit, ad firmándum cor sincérum sola fides súfficit. Usual morning spiritual exercises.
As usual on Mondays, the language of our Community Mass was Italian. All my closest collaborators over a period of time have memorized the common Italian texts for Mass.

Nel nome del Padre e del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo. Amen.
Signore, pietà. Cristo, pietà. Signore, pietà.
Il Signore riceva dalle tue mani questo sacrificio a lode e gloria del suo nome, per il bene nostro e di tutta la sua santa Chiesa.
Santo, Santo, Santo il Signore Dio dell'universo. I cieli e la terra sono pieni della tua gloria. Osanna nell'alto dei cieli. Benedetto colui che viene nel nome del Signore. Osanna nell'alto dei cieli.
Annunciamo la tua morte, Signore, proclamiamo la tua risurrezione, nell'attesa della tua venuta.
Padre nostro, che sei nei cieli, sia santificato il tuo nome, venga il tuo regno, sia fatta la tua volontà, come in cielo così in terra. Dacci oggi il nostro pane quotidiano, e rimetti a noi i nostri debiti come noi li rimettiamo ai nostri debitori, e non ci indurre in tentazione, ma liberaci dal male.
Agnello di Dio, che togli i peccati del mondo, abbi pietà di noi. Agnello di Dio, che togli i peccati del mondo, abbi pietà di noi. Agnello di Dio, che togli i peccati del mondo, dona a noi la pace.
O Signore, non sono degno di partecipare alla tua mensa: ma di' soltanto una parola e io sarò salvato.

At about 10.30am, I was in the office at Aguleri. This took me beyond the time for lunch. Late lunch.
O Lord grant us a quiet evening and a perfect end.

SUNDAY, 10 November 2019. 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Te Deum laudámus: te Dominum confitémur.
Te ætérnum Patrem omnis terra venerátur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi cæli et univérsae potestátes.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim incessábili voce proclámant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestátis glóriæ tuæ.

Usual morning devotions with all my closest collaborators.
As I did not schedule any external activities this morning, I stayed indoors to rest, doing only light reading. I used the time to update my computer systems and any other gadget I use that needed software update.
At about 3.00pm I left for Umueje, to St Joseph's parish for Sunday evening instruction and Benediction. I underestimated the distance of Umueje from Aguleri. It took us almost two hours to reach the Church. The faithful were there waiting. I explained some of the Church doctrines and then invited them to ask questions. It was a very lively interaction. Truly I find rural evangelization very interesting! I felt the Spirit at work: Spiritus Domini Dei super me, eo quod unxerit Dominus me; ad annuntiandum laeta mansuetis misit me.
I concluded with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Benediction.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be his holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be his most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be his most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

We safely returned to Aguleri at night. Thanks to Fr Mike Odenigbo who drove the car all the way.
Usual evening fraternal meal with the priests in the compound. Good nigh, Lord.

SATURDAY, 9 November 2019. Early rising today. Prayers in private. I had quick breakfast. At 6.35am, with Fr Mike Odenigbo, seminarian and driver, I set out for Enugu.
Today the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation celebrated fifty years of their foundation. Smooth journey to Enugu. Many Bishops (some from outside Nigeria) were in attendance. The Golden Jubilee celebration started last year. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal John Onaiyekan. It turned out to be his last Mass as Archbishop of Abuja because, at midday, it was announced that the Holy Father had accepted his letter of request for retirement. For today's Mass at Abakpa Nike, Priests came in their hundreds. The huge Church of the DDL was full to capacity and many people, especially DDL, were sitting outside. The Silver Jubilarian-Sisters were given special section of the Church. The Governor of Enugu State, Ugwuanyi - Gburugburu - was there. Former Governor, now Senator, Jim Nwobodo, was expected. Hundreds of the benefactors and benefactresses of the DDL Congregation were present.
I gave the homily. Here below is the text:

CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS (2 Cor. 5,14)
BY MOST REV. DENIS CHIDI ISIZOH
Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese

HOMILY AT THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
OF THE FOUNDATION OF DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE LOVE CONGREGATION (DDL)
Enugu, 9 November 2019

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL HOMILY

Grand reception for all the participants. Joyful event. Well organized and coordinated.
Smooth journey back to Aguleri. Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Chi ci separerà dal suo amore?
La tribulazione forze la spada?
né morte o vita ci separerà
dall'amore in Cristo Signore.

Chi ci separerà dalla sua pace?
La persecuzione, forze il dolore?
Nesum potere ci separerà,
da colui che e morto per noi.

Chi ci separera dalla sua goia?
Chi potrà strapparci il suo perdono?
Nessuno al mondo ci allontanerà
dalla vita in Cristo Signore.

FRIDAY, 8 November 2019. Our usual rhythm of spiritual exercises. Reflection on the replies to the Questionnaire> WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A BROTHER PRIEST ON MINISTERING TO HIS OWN FAMILY MEMBERS?

"Don’t. Instead refer to another priest friend who can be more objective.”—Father Terrencel Hazel, Canfield, Ohio

“A priest must have a deep, abiding love and attentiveness to his father and especially to his mother. Now, regarding siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, the priest is best advised not to start down the road of presiding at or administering sacraments because if he does it for one, he will be expected to do them all.”—Father Mark Summers, Columbus, Ohio

“Be yourself. If there’s been any kind of resistance to your priesthood from any family member, pray for the strength and grace to block out all such thoughts and memories of their lack of support for your priestly ministry. You are a priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”—Father Domenico Pizzonia, Stanford, Montana

“I have always told my family that I will do anything they ask, but they should not feel obliged to ask me to do anything. I am perfectly happy to be a guest at a baptism of wedding. I have buried both parents and several aunts and uncles and performed weddings and baptisms for family members.”—Father Philip Waters, Newark, New Jersey.

No external function. I used today to prepare for my homily tomorrow.
Quiet evening. Good night, Lord.

THURSDAY, 7 November 2019. Usual method of beginning our day. Every Thursday I encourage the People of God to pray in a special way for Priests. Those who belong to Marian Movement FOR Priests in our archdiocese are encouraged to book Masses every Thursday for Priests. Yes, priests need our prayers.
Today, I was reflecting on the article in the magazine The Priest on the family members of Priests. This group could help or impede priests in their work. There was this survey in the magazine: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A BROTHER PRIEST ON MINISTERING TO HIS OWN FAMILY MEMBERS? Here are some of the Priests' comments:
On these three I reflected:

“While our priesthood offers no exemption from family affairs, we must acknowledge our genuine energy and time limits. We can always provide pastoral care to our families through listening, hopeful reassurance and praying that God’s will be done. Nonetheless, pastoral circumstances may warrant a brother priest to appropriately administer direction or the sacraments for our families. We must allow, and not inhibit, the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain our loved ones. As we show concern for our family’s well-being, we must not forget to first honor our loving commitment to every soul of our flock.”—Father Kevin Fields, Rockville, Maryland.

“That’s a really tough question, which must be addressed on a case by case basis. In short, in challenging moments for family members, the general approach might include merely a quieting presence —addressing concerns only when specifically asked.” —Father Daniel Felming, Roswell, Georgia

“I would say that you have to minister to them equally. Try not to favor one more than the other. Encourage them to minister to each other. Call them to be active in their parish community. Assure them of privacy of any concerns they may voice to you.”—Father Paul Lemoi, West Warwick, Rhode Island .

As I had no scheduled external engagement, I spent my day reading magazines and newspapers that had piled up over a period of time.
As I came to the end of the day, I thanked the Lord for his mercy and love. To Our Blessed Mother I turn with the prayer I composed for Parish Community Rosary:
O Blessed Mother Mary, lead us to your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, help those in need: give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God’s People, assist the Clergy, and intercede for the Religious. May all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, 6 November 2019. Usual morning devotions. I did not schedule any major programme. I received a number of visitors. One of the priests that came at about 8.00am. I brought him to table for breakfast with us.
Today, I spent a good part of my time at my reading desk to read through papers which some writers brought to me for comments, corrections and imprimatur (if need be).
At lunch, I ate quietly alone. I have come to like my menu of mainly vegetable and fruits with little carbohydrate of "pasta" on tomato sauce. For some time now, I lost appetite for "swallow" (fou-fou and soup). As I get older, my body directs my appetite. Gradually, I don't have interest in alcohol. Upon reflection, this tells me that I must now pay attention to what my body communicates to me. This, I believe, is the secret of ageing gracefully. The Church has a prayer for those in my age bracket or higher, especially with reference to human relations: Give patient tolerance to all who are no longer young; open the hearts of the young to accept from them understanding and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The evening found me still at work. Supper. I thanked the Lord as I came to the end of my day.
Time to go to bed. Good night, Lord.
Ave Regina caelorum,
Ave, Domina Angelorum:
Salve, radix, salve, porta,
Ex qua mundo lux est orta.
Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Vale, o valde decora,
Et pro nobis Christum exora.

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae praesidium; ut, qui sanctae Dei Genetricis memoriam agimus; intercessionis eius auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

TUESDAY, 5 November 2019. Usual morning spiritual exercises: Adoration/Meditation. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
Lord God and Maker of all things,
Creation is upheld by you.
While all must change and know decay,
You are unchanging, always new.

You are our solace and our shield,
Our rock secure on which we build,
You are the spirit's tranquil home,
In you alone is hope fulfilled.

A group of Holy Rosary Sisters came on Pilgrimage "Walking in the footsteps of Bishop Shanahan". I celebrated Mass for them in my chapel. After the Mass, we prayed around the altar in my chapel because the relics of Blessed Tansi is embedded inside the altar. I showed them round my compound and had the joy to share with them the stories about the life of the early missionaries and converts from African Traditional Religion in the Christian village in the early 1920s. We prayed for the early missionaries led by Bishop Shanahan. Lunch and further interaction. Before they took leave of me, they signed my visitors' book: Sr Sabina Anokwu, Sr Chinaza Adinde, Sr Judith Ngozi Ugwu, Sr Roseline Chinaza Oshigbo, Sr Onyinyechukwu Anike, Sr Catherine Asomugha, and Sr Nodebechi Onah. We prayed together and I blessed them.
The visit of the Sisters reminded me of my own pilgrimage and sojourn in the Mother House of the Spiritans at 30 rue Lhomond in Paris in the early 1990s. I was privileged to be in correspondence with the legendary Fr Henry J. Koren C.S.Sp. He sent me a beautiful write-up on and photograph of Fr Louis Ward. At the Spiritan Mother House in Paris, I had an unimaginable sensation! I was in the place from where Fr Lutz and later Bishop Shanahan were sent to Nigeria. I was able to visit the Spiritan library at Chevilly to see the very reports, in their own handwriting, which those great people sent from Nigerian mission land to their superiors. I even saw a report on Fr Louis Ward, the first priest that visited my home town. These great men planted the seed of faith in my land. While they were dying one after the other, they prayed that over their bones a great Church might arise. Today we have a thriving Church in Onitsha and its environs. Even my home town, Ogbunike, has three parishes. With the Church, I offer this prayer of thanksgiving: O God, the Father of every gift, we confess that all we have and are comes down from you; teach us to recognize the effects of your boundless care and to love you with a sincere heart and with all our strength.
Later in the evening, I went to Onitsha for the monthly administrative meeting with Archbishop Val Okeke. I had supper with him. Back home in Aguleri, I was very tired. Good night, Lord.

MONDAY, 4 November 2019. During this month of prayer for the dead, it struck me that one could make a list of the priests I have known over the years who have died. Some of them touched my life profoundly.
De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine;
Domine, exaudi vocem meam. Fiant aures tuæ intendentes
in vocem deprecationis meæ.
Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine, Domine, quis sustinebit?
Quia apud te propitiatio est; et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus:
Speravit anima mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina usque ad noctem, speret Israël in Domino.
Quia apud Dominum misericordia, et copiosa apud eum redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israël ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
From 10.17am to about 3.00pm I was in the office for audience/meeting with very many people who came to see me. I consider it a privilege to meet the persons with different conditions of life - happiness, sorrow, challenges, etc. My constant prayer is that God may grant me the wisdom to know how to handle various situations I encounter. I always remember the "Serenity Prayer", written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, published in 1951. The best-known form is:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
I did not forget to reach out to people celebrating different events today: Mons. Charles Ikeme (an old Priest of Enugu diocese whom I have come to admire for his deep spirituality, love of the rosary, love of the Church, wisdom, and zeal to spread the Gospel even from his retirement bed) on his feast day (St Charles Borromeo), and my cousin Nkiru on her birthday. Many others who have Charles as their name, I sent goodwill messages by sms and whatsApp. God's abundant blessing on each and everyone of them.
Evening came, night came: the end of the day.
Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom;
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me.

SUNDAY, 3 November 2019. 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. On our knees in adoration:
Adoro te devote, latens deitas,
Quæ sub his figuris vere latitas;
Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit,
Quia te contemplans totum deficit.

Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur.
Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius;
Nil hoc verbo Veritátis verius.

Usual morning devotions.

At 10.00am, I was at St Charles' Parish Alor for a Pastoral visit. This parish is relatively small, being almost one village-parish. But the parishioners are very active. I dedicated their church about three years ago. Church attendance , percentage-wise, very high. Parish Priest: gentle Fr Gregory Okafor. At Mass, I prayed: Omnipotens et misericors Deus, de cuius munere venit, ut tibi a fidelibus tuis digne et laudabiliter serviatur, tribue, quaesumus, nobis, ut ad promissiones tuas sine offensione curramus.
There was conferment of the the Sacrament of Confirmation on over a hundred candidates and, after the Mass, the blessing of the Grotto of our Blessed Mother built by the Catholic Women Organisation. I had indoor one-on-one meeting with the Parish Priest for the inspection parish records and books. After, I had lunch which was followed by a very warm reception organised for me by the Parish.
Later in the evening, I joined the other priests in our compound for supper. I always look forward to this fraternal meeting during which we socialize, laugh together, tell stories from our experiences.... Ecce quam bonum Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum habitare fratres in unum.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

SATURDAY, 2 November 2019. All Souls Day. Usual morning devotions. Today we prayed for the dead. I remebered my colleagues, classmates, friends, very many priests I have known all these years who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine: cum Sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis. The Church grants the privilege of celebrating three Mass today. The first Mass - at the usual time after Morning Lauds. With the Church we prayed: Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength.
At 12.00 noon, with my closest collaborators we celebrated the second Mass in my chapel and prayed: O God, glory of the faithful and life of the just, by the death and Resurrection of whose Son we have been redeemed, look mercifully on your departed servants, that, just as they professed the mystery of our resurrection, so they may merit to receive the joys of eternal happiness.
For the third Mass today, I went to the Christian cemetery here in Aguleri. At this cemetery both missionary priests and the lay faithful were buried together in the past. Although the remains of most missionary originally buried in Aguleri had been transferred to Onitsha Priests' cemetery, four graves are distinct as belonging to priests. On three, the names of the dead priests were written: Rev. Fr Aloysius Muller (died on 24 May 1919), Rev. Fr Eugene Ritter (died 21 February 1901), and Rev. Fr John Engasser (died 22 November 1899). The piece from the grave of the fourth priest could not be found. Mass at the cemetery very well attended by the Aguleri people, especially the parishioners of St Joseph. We prayed: O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son, having conquered death, should pass over into the realm of heaven, grant, we pray, to your departed servants that, with the mortality of this life overcome, they may gaze eternally on you, their Creator and Redeemer.
Since yesterday through today, one thought continued to come back to my mind. It was all about life eternal for priests. My strong faith for the priests: Quoniam non derelinques animas suas in inferno nec dabis sanctos tuos videre corruptionem. What qualities would help priests to enter heaven? I decided to ask people around. The formulation: What are the qualities of a good/holy priest? I plan to publish the replies in a book form.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Thou all the night our guardian be
Whose watch no sleep or slumber knows;
Thou be our peace, that stayed on thee
Through darkness we may find repose.

Sleep then our eyes, but never sleep
The watchful heaven-directed heart,
And may thy hand in safety keep
The servants whose desire thou art.

FRIDAY, 1 November 2019. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. "Let us all rejoice in the Lord celebrating the feast in honour of all the saints, in which solemnity the angels rejoice, while the Archangels praise the Son of God.:
Ring out your joy to the lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts". In Latin: Gaudeamus .... While coming to the chapel this morning, I remembered how we used to prepare for All Hallows Seminary feast day. Nostalgia! I remembered Monsignor Otteh our Rector. O the dances: the acrobatic Mkpokiti, graceful Etilogwu and the majestic Ufie. Ah, the band drill, the marching...O good old days.
Usual morning devotions. While meditating, I imagined how heaven would be with myriads of Saints in festivity. I wondered how many priests would be there. I reflected on the qualities of a holy priest. I plan to ask around what could be considered as qualities of a good/holy priest. In the coming days I'll post people's comments. Mass of the Solemnity of All Saints in my chapel with my closest collaborators.
At 10.00am, I was at All Hallows Seminary Onitsha for a concelebrated Mass. Archbishop Val Okeke presided and preached. About 50 priests joined in the celebration. I returned to Aguleri almost immediately after the Mass.
I just remembered one of my favourite prayers from All Hallows Seminary Manual of Prayers:

THE PRAYER OF A CHRISTIAN YOUTH
O Lord, give me courage to do what is hard; courage to say no to sin; courage to hold off the quitter in me.
Give me a clean mind and clean speech; clean eyes and clean hands. Let me cherish cleanness, and recognize that it brings happiness. Let me appreciate that in purity all good things grow.
Give me a gift for kindness, so that I may never hurt another. Teach me to control my temper and my tongue, so that they do not become the instruments of cruelty. I know my own importance, Lord, but let me never fail to see that others have importance, too.
Give me strength of spirit to defeat self-pity. If I am lonesome, lead me to the knowledge that to be loved I must be lovable; that I will have no real friends until I earn them.
Give me that bigness I will need to be cheerfully obedient. Remove from my personality a sullen spirit. Teach me to take orders, so that some day I will know how to give them reasonably.
Give me zest and drive to conquer laziness. Never let me feel that I can be served without serving, or get without giving. Instruct my heart in the love of work, so I may know the joy of rest.
Give me that peace of mind which comes from knowing that I will never lead another to sin. By your grace, may no one be cheapened because he kept my company. Let all who love me, learn to love you more.
Give me, finally, such brightness, laughter and grace, that you will find in me a temple which will please you as Mary pleased you Amen,

Wedding of Kelechi & Ifeanyi Uchendu at St Joseph's Church, Aguleri

THURSDAY, 31 October 2019. Votive Mass of the Holy Eucharist. Wonderful Sacrament of love beautifully described in the Preface:
"For at the Last Supper with his Apostles,
establishing for the ages to come the saving memorial of the Cross,
he offered himself to you as the unblemished Lamb,
the acceptable gift of perfect praise.
Nourishing your faithful by this sacred mystery,
you make them holy, so that the human race,
bounded by one world,
may be enlightened by one faith
and united by one bond of charity.
And so, we approach the table of this wondrous Sacrament,
so that, bathed in the sweetness of your grace,
we may pass over to the heavenly realities here foreshadowed."
Today is the anniversary of the wedding I officiated in 2015 between Augustine Chibueze Uboh and Jane Uzoma. On such days I normally meet the couple and we talk about family matters. So, today I had lunch with Chibueze and Uzoma. They came with their baby already slight above one year of age. We had lunch together. It was a precious moment to talk about their joys, breakthroughs and the challenges. Overall, I thank God for the fantastic stories they told me about their lives. At the end, each person prayed for the other. Then I blessed them. Photos. Goodbye till next year.
As we conclude the month of October which we dedicated to St Joseph we prayed: Blessed Joseph, head and guardian of the Holy Family, protect us.

WEDNESDAY, 30 October 2019. Usual morning devotions. In my spiritual reading I found six important items in the preparation of homily. They are called "Homily Non-Negotiables". They are:
1. Time,
2. Prayer
3. Study
4. Organization
5. Concreteness
6. Evaluation
I worked indoors for a good part of the morning hours. After lunch, I went, first, to my hometown. A wife of my cousin Sunday Ikenta was buried today. I attended briefly the local funeral celebration. May the soul of Lilian and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. I left in Ogbunike quite in time for Onitsha.
At 4.10pm, I was at the Basilica compound at Onitsha, quite too early for the 6.00pm Mass - Vigil for ma Helen Oburota (mother of Fr Augustine Oburota). Mass at 6.00pm dot. Bishop Hilary Okeke concelebrated. About 20 or more priests also joined in the concelebration. I presided and Fr Marius Obiagwu preached.
It was dark when we got home. Good night, Lord.

TUESDAY, 29 October 2019. Adoration. My spiritual reading today drew my attention to the "constant prayer of priests". We all have become very familiar with most of the prayers we say every day as priests. There are particularly three constant ones: Benedictus, Magnificat, and Nunc dimittis. All three of them are canticles from the New Testament.

1. Benedictus (Luke 1, 68-75)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
  for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
He has raised up the sign of salvation
  in the house of his servant David,
as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,
  his prophets through the ages:
to rescue us from our enemies
  and all who hate us,
to take pity on our fathers,
  to remember his holy covenant
and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
  that he would give himself to us,
that we could serve him without fear
– freed from the hands of our enemies –
in uprightness and holiness before him,
  for all of our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:
  for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,
to let his people know their salvation,
  so that their sins may be forgiven.
Through the bottomless mercy of our God,
  one born on high will visit us
to give light to those who walk in darkness,
  who live in the shadow of death;
  to lead our feet in the path of peace.

2. Magnificat (Luke 1, 46-55)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
  and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
  me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
  because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
  his mercy lasts for generation after generation
  for those who revere him.
He has put forth his strength:
  he has scattered the proud and conceited,
  torn princes from their thrones;
  but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
  the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
  he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
  to Abraham and his children for ever.

3) Nunc dimittis (Luke 2, 29-32)
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.
  You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;
  the glory of your people Israel.

I wonder: Why does the Church put them before us everyday? What is the spirituality behind them? How should we say them? I will do my to go deeper and deeper to discover the reasons why the Church has put these canticles on our lips everyday. Pope Benedict XVI in 2011 while recommending that we become accustomed to using the Liturgy of Hours said: "Our relationship with God can only be enriched by our journeying toward him day after day."
I did not have any external engagement today. So, I paid attention to the booklet on the rosary.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

MONDAY, 28 October 2019. Usual morning devotions. Adoration of the Eucharistic Lord. Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Miserere mei. Amen. Mass in Italian language.
I was indoors throughout the morning and afternoon hours working on the booklet for Community Rosary
At about 4.58pm, I was in St Anthony's parish, Igbariam, to supervise the reconstruction of the Church. I was truly satisfied. Fr Ben Udogwu was very focused. I prayed for the safety of the workers and for God's blessing on the sponsor of the project. I hope to be able to thank him publicly during the dedication of the Church next January 2020.
Adiutorium nostrum in nomine Domini, qui fecit caelum et terram!

SUNDAY, 27 October 2019. 30th Sunday of Ordinary time. I began my day, as usual, with my closest collaborators before the Lord. It is always a wonderful experience to encounter the Lord one on one: "He looks at me, and I look at Him". Silent adoration. Moments of interior prayer of gratitude, of repentance for acts against the infinite love of God, of endless petitions, of promises to develop a better me. Time to consider pastoral challenges. One challenge stared me on my face: how do I resolve these contrasting situations city church vs village church realities? Somebody sent me this message:

"In a typical city Church, almost every weekend there is a wedding. In a typical village Church, almost every weekend there is a funeral.
In a typical city Church, no one will know you unless you really want to be known. People make donations freely and even anonymously. People pay tithes and huge offerings. In a typical village Church, everyone knows everyone including where each lives. every family makes contributions for whatever project. People don't pay tithe as such, they pay levies.
In most cases, people remember the city Church when they have something to show. But they remember the village church when what to show have been exhausted.
A typical example will be funeral. When the person is alive and bubbling, he gives his whole self to the city Church. When he dies and is lifeless, his whole body is given to the village church for burial.
I have served in both city and village. The challenge in the village church is huge. Most of the village Churches I have served, the offerings they make in a year is often less than what some city churches make in a month. Most times, the only way they survive is through levies which unfortunately, people don't usually comply to until serious measures are put. Funeral is one of the measures. Even though, I may not like it, but you will need to be in their shoes to truly understand.
I think we all have to be a little responsible. Why do we only remember our village Churches when it is time for marriage banns announcement or burial? If you consider your body good enough to be buried in the village, why do you think doing a little contribution to help them take care of the faith of your own village people will be a bad idea?
You pay tithe in big parishes, give huge offerings, donate for bazaars, but you forget the parish where your grandmother in the village is being nourished spiritually. When she is sick, the priest struggles with the road to go anoint her.
Once in a while, send something to your home parish. Don't wait until you are dead and they begin to remind your dead body how irresponsible you have been to them."

Our morning hymn from the Office of Lauds:
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need,
The wisdom of my god to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Holy Mass. Breakfast.
At 10.43am I was in Umumbo, Ayamelum, for a Pastoral visit. Over two hundred candidates were made full members and soldiers of Christ. I started my Episcopal ministry here in Umumbo where I dedicated Ss Peter and Paul Church. This took place just a week after my Episcopal consecration. So, today's visit was my second pastoral visit.
One happy incident took place during the Mass. Informed that the quarrel between Igwe and the President General of the town had created much tension in the town, I asked both to stand up in the Church. I urged them to suspend all hostilities and sue for peace. As a gesture of disposition to promote peace, together they brought the offertory gifts, I allowed them to address the congregation, each person outlining his efforts from now to promote peace. The whole Church assembly prayed for them. The two persons exchanged a kiss of peace. Joy, joy, joy!
After the Mass, I went over to bless the new school building. Very elaborate reception followed. The elders of the town were there in large numbers.
At about 4.15pm we started our journey - rough road. We made it home safely home.

To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that we may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he has done!

SATURDAY, 26 October 2019. Special devotion to our Lady of Saturday. Usual morning devotions by my closest collaborators and me.
Today is the anniversary of the funeral and burial of my beloved mother, Theresa Nnennia Isizoh (1939 - 2012). I still remember her death as if it happened today. My Christian faith, hope and instinct assure me that she made it to heaven. O God, who commanded us to honour father and mother, have mercy in your compassion on my mother Theresa, forgive her her sins, and bring me to see her one day in the gladness of eternal glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Requiescat in pace.
At St Joseph's Catholic Church, Aguleri, a new family was begun. With the concelebrating priests (Fathers Matthew Obiekezie, Francis Ezumezu, Clement Aghadinuno, George Ekwunife, Celestine Chigbo, Frederick Ndimaeme, Collins Okoye, George Udenabo, Benedict Udogwu, Joseph Igweagu, Charles Izuakor, Anthony Izuu Okoye, Michael Anyichie, Innocent Udolisah, Michael Odenigbo), I blessed the marriage of Kelechi Uchendu and Ifeanyi Uwaje. Ifeanyi belongs to a set of triplets. She became the first of my family members after my siblings to wed. The Church has this prayer for the bride:
Graciously crown with your blessings your daughter Jennifer Ifeanyi,
so that, by being a good wife (and mother), she may bring warmth to her home
with a love that is pure
and adorn it with welcoming graciousness.
Bestow a heavenly blessing also, O Lord,
on Simon Kelechi, your servant,
that he may be a worthy, good and
faithful husband and a provident father.
Grant, holy Father,
that, desiring to approach your table
as a couple joined in Marriage in your presence,
they may one day have the joy
of taking part in your great banquet in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Of great significance was that two priests (Fr Matthew Obiekezie and Fr Francis Ezumezu) who were present at my sister Ann's wedding with Joe Uwaje participated today in their daughter's marriage in the Church. That was Pastoral bridge building!

FRIDAY, 25 October 2019. It is Friday. Normally our language for Mass on Fridays is Latin. So it was today. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus; fac nos tibi semper et devotam gerere voluntatem, et maiestati tuae sincero corde servire.
At 11.00am, I was at Ihiala for the funeral Mass for Ma Agnes Ifeanyi (aged 101 years), the mother of Fr Victor Ifeanyi. Bishop Peter Okpaleke presided, Msgr Hypolite Adigwe gave the homily and I did the final commendation. I left for home immediately after Mass.
This evening I had interaction with Jennifer Ifeanyi Uwaje (my niece, one of the triplets) and Simon Kelechi Uchendu, a couple I'd wed the next day. It is my usual to talk about the marriage matters with couples I wed. Occasion to assess their level of preparedness, to check their papers and to assist them access the Sacrament of Penance.
Evening went, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.

THURSDAY, 24 October 2019. Usual morning spiritual activities. On our knees my closest collaborators and I presented ourselves to the Lord in Eucharistic adoration and meditation.
Adoro Te, o panis coelice, /O Domine, o Deus maxime.
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, sine fine sanctus. /Semper Tibi gloria sacra sit sub hostia.
Nos famulos, o Deus, respice, /Et gratia nos semper refice.
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, sine fine sanctus. /Semper Tibi gloria sacra sit sub hostia.

Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass: Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. We prayed: O God, who for your glory and the salvation of the human race willed to establish Christ as the eternal High Priest, grant that the people he has gained for you by his Blood may, through their participation in his memorial, experience the power of his Cross and Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Afternoon spent in my study room still working on the Community Rosary booklet.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. To our Blessed Mother Mary we turn:
Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, 23 October 2019. Our hymn for the morning prayer today:
Lord, God, your light which dims the stars
Awakes all things,
And all that springs to life in you
Your glory sings.
Your peaceful presence, giving strength,
Is everywhere,
And fallen men may rise again
On wings of prayer.
In my beloved community of Iwene Tansi we celebrated the Votive Mass of the MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS. We prayed: As we venerate the most holy Name of Jesus, mercifully grant us, Lord, that, savoring its sweetness in this life, we may be filled with everlasting joy in our heavenly homeland. Through our Lord Jesus Christ , your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
At about 7.30am I met the Rector (Fr Charles Onwumelu) and the Priests (Fathers Romanus Egenu, Anthony Aggiah, George Oguejiofor, and Charles Ebuka Anene) on the staff of All Hallows Seminary Onitsha. They came to pay a courtesy visit to me and to seek my advice on the administration of the seminary. Good exchange. I was on the staff of All Hallows Seminary at various stages of my formation in the seminary and after my Priestly ordination before I went to Rome. Then, with Fr Linus Edogwo who was visiting and the Seminary Fathers, we had breakfast.
Also the same morning, I received the Seminarians of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy from Umuahia. They came to conduct an interview for their school magazine (Echoes of Mercy). I offered them breakfast before. Later, I sat down with them. Their interview was on the areas of African Traditional Religion, Inculturation, Growth of the Christian Faith in Nigeria, etc.

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on;
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene: one step enough for me.

TUESDAY, 22 October 2019. Usual morning devotions. No external activities today. I was indoors preparing the English version of my booklet Parish Community Rosary. The Igbo version is out. I found it very helpful in leading the rosary recitation in parishes. The English version is for school children. The Igbo version is for the rural setting. One prayer, said before our Father in each decade, I would like to stick to the mind of those I pray with in the schools I visit is this:
O Blessed Mother Mary, lead us to your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, help those in need: give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God’s People, assist the Clergy, and intercede for the Religious. May all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection. Amen.
It is my dream to be able to lead the rosary recitation on Saturdays systematically in every parish in the regions I look after. There are about ninety parishes and I have been able to visit about a quarter. I find it a beautiful experience every Saturday to be in a parish Church to recite the rosary with a community. I would to teach the following prayer in Igbo to the people:
Ezigbo Nne m Marịa, Nne nke Chukwu, biko búrú ekpere m tata bugara nwa Gị Jesu. Mee obi m ka o jupụta na grasịa nke Chukwu. Nyere m aka ibi ńdụ di mma n’ụwa a, ka m were soro ndị Mmụọọma na ndị Nsọ niile kwee ukwe otito nke Chukwu n’ala eze eluigwe.

MONDAY, 21 October 2019. Adoration. Meditation. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. This is our usual rhythm of morning spiritual exercises. We followed the same order this morning.
Recently some of the Priests of Onitsha archdiocese were transferred to new places. It is always a challenge for some people to pack their things from one place and to settle in a new one. Some are sad because of "demotion" from a "big" parish to a "small" one. Some people feel cheated. Others are favoured. I was just meditating on the effects of transfers in our work as priests. We are constantly on the move. A booklet written many years ago by Fr Godwin Ikeobi is entitled The Power of Transfers. I could not but think of my own transfer from Rome back to Onitsha after twenty six years. These transfers tell us that we are transient. I love to hear again and again the "Pilgrim Song" by Sister Miriam Therese Winter: We are lonely by birth. We are only like pilgrims on earth. Born to be king, time is but a temporary thing, only on loan while on earth. The sooner we realize it the better that the comfort we enjoy on earth is temporary, the power we wield is short-lived, our authority is finite, and the work we do on earth is time-bound. What truly counts for us is that we are given assignment in the vineyard of the Lord and we do it diligently well within the time set by the Lord. Which part of the vineyard does not really matter. The nature of the work assigned to us does not also matter. When we do our work well, God rewards us. That is all that really matters. Deus in adiutorium meum intende!
St John Newman teaches us that God has specific task for each and everyone of us. This month's The Priest, records the advice of the new Saint Newman: “God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission —I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. “I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do his work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it —if I do but keep his commandments.”“Therefore, I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. He may take away my friends, he may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me —still he knows what he is about.”
I was happy to receive some of the priests who worked in difficult parishes around me here,who were recemtly transferred to other places. They visited me to express their gratitude for the encouragement I gave them during the years they worked nearby. We had lunch together in my house. God bless them and the people they now serve.
Usually in our community here, the language of the Mass every Monday and Tuesday is Italian. We do it really well. So today we prayed: Dio onnipotente ed eterno, crea in noi un cuore generoso e fedele, perché possiamo sempre servirti con lealtà e purezza di spirito. Per il nostro Signore Gesù Cristo, tuo Figlio, che è Dio, e vive e regna con te, nell’unità dello Spirito Santo, per tutti i secoli dei secoli. Amen.

SUNDAY, 20 October 2019. 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Usual morning devotions. Today Archbishop Val Okeke celebrated his birthday. It was a day to thank God for the gift of him and thus I prayed: Deus, Pater donorum omnium, a quo descendere confitemur quidquid habemus aut sumus, beneficia doce nos immensae tuae pietatis agnoscere, ac te sincero corde totaque nostra virtute diligere.
At 10.00am, I was at St Anthony's parish for a pastoral visit. About two hundred and fifty persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Parish Priest, Fr Vincent Onuchukwu, who is also the Episcopal Vicar of Igbariam region organised the people very well. Good attendance. The Igwe, Roland Odegbo, with his cabinet chiefs attended. Lively parishioners. Many priests concelebrated. After the Mass we crossed over to another part of the place where the rectory was located. A new Church is under construction beside the residence of the parish priest.
Later in the evening, at about 7.15pm, with Fr Innocent Udolisah and Fr Michael Odenigbo I was at the Archishop's house for a birthday dinner, which was attended by some priests and religious living within Onitsha metropolis. Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Archbishop Val.
We returned late from Onitsha to Aguleri. Evening came, and night came, the end of the day.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven--
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

SATURDAY, 19 October 2019.
Sing, all creation, sing to God in gladness!
Joyously serve him, singing hymns of homage!
Chanting his praises, come before his presence!
Praise the Almighty!
Great in his goodness is the Lord we worship;
steadfast his kindness, love that knows no ending!
Faithful his word is, changeless, everlasting!
Praise the Almighty!
Adoration. Morning Prayers. Holy Mass.
At 9.45am, I was St Patrick's Cathedral Awka for the wedding of Àdaeze Cecilia Agbo-Anike and Kenechukwu Anthony Igwegbe. The bridegroom belongs to the Youth wing of Ahobites 1971 (my classmates at All Hallows Seminary. Many priests were in attendance. So also many senior staff members of different universities were present. Both fathers of the spouses are professors. Wedding done, I rushed back to Aguleri.
At 5.00pm I was at Abatete for spiritual talk and holy hour with the members of the Secular Institute of St Raphael.
Back to Aguleri. Supper. Good night, Lord.

FRIDAY, 18 October 2019. Usual morning devotions. A beautiful psalm to start the day:
O God, be gracious and bless us and let Your face shed its light upon us.
So will Your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn Your saving help.
Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and exult for You rule the world with justice.
With fairness You rule the peoples, You guide the nations on earth.
Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.
The earth has yielded its fruit for God, our God, has blessed us.
May God still give us His blessing till the ends of the earth revere Him.
Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You

Today in 1986 something very unusual happened. Some Aguleri people expelled their parish priest because Blessed Tansi was buried at Onitsha instead of Aguleri. There was a detailed account of this event well circulated at that time. Strangely this sad event took place just a day after the first major miracle through Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi was recorded. The lady cured of cancer was from the very town that sent the minister of God packing. Despite the tumult, the assault on His Church, God was still blessing the town. Why? Quoniam in aeternum misericordia eius - For His great love is without end!
Since then, the Church has moved on. Four new parishes have now been carved out of St Joseph with resident priests.
Yes,
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants HIs footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm

Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

THURSDAY, 17 October 2019. Today in 1986 Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi was re-interred at the Priests' cemetery Onitsha. The body was exhumed from the Monks' cemetery at Mount St Bernard in UK, with the permission of the Bishop there, and was brought home to facilitate the process of the beatification of our holy man. The people of Aguleri insisted that the body must be taken to their town for burial. Violence broke out. The relics had to remain in Lagos for over a month before they were brought to Onitsha. Our holy man was eventual buried at Onitsha.
On the same day, before the reburial, a cancer patient (Philomena Emeka of Aguleri) touched the casket and she received an instant cure.
In our chapel, we followed our usual spiritual exercises. Adoration. Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass (Feast of Blessed Iwene Tansi).
At 11.00am we celebrated Holy Mass to commemorate the reburial of Blessed Tansi in Onitsha and the recording of the first major miracle through him. Mass at Ama Okene, Igboezunu Aguleri. Fr George Ekwunife, with his parishioners prepared the arena. There were many participants, mainly members of Blessed Iwene Tansi solidarity movement. Mons Emma Nwosu (national postulator) gave the homily. I was the principal celebrant. About five other priests concelebrated. After Communion, we prayed: Father, we have partaken of the heavenly banquet from which your servant Blessed Cyprian Michael drew the strength to serve you with heroic virtue. May we also be strengthened to serve you with our whole heart. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, 16 October 2019. Usual morning devotions. From All Hallows' Seminary Manual of Prayers:
LET US ASK OF GOD THE GRACES THAT WE NEED.
O my God, you know my weakness, and that I can do nothing without the help of your grace. Do not refuse it to me, my God, but grant it according to my needs. Give me strength to avoid the evil you forbid, to do the good you expect of me, and to bear patiently the trials you are pleased to send me. Amen.
At 11.00am, I was at the Archdiocesan Secretariat Onitsha for office. I finished at about 2.40pm and reached home in Aguleri at about 5.14pm. Lunch. Supervision of the compound repairs.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
"O most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and likewise my most dear Mother, in your sacred hands, under your powerful protection, and in your compassionate heart, I place now and for ever my body and soul, my hopes and happiness, my pains and afflictions my actions and pursuits, my life, death and entire being, that through your merits and intercession, my whole existence may be directed to the perfect accomplishment of your hold will and that of your adorable Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

TUESDAY, 15 October 2019. I woke up at the Jubilee Hotel, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
Prayer from All Hallows' Seminary Manual of Prayers:
LET US THANK GOD FOR HIS GIFTS, AND OFFER OURSELVES TO HIM: O my God, I most humbly thank you for all the favours You have already me. Since it is by Your goodness that I am given this day, I wish to spend it entirely in Your service. I consecrate to You all my thoughts, words, actions and sufferings. Do bless them, O lord, so that they may all be inspired by love of You and tend only to Your greater glory. Amen.
At 6.30am, I was in the chapel for private meditation. Then we said together the Office of Lauds. Mass at 7.00am. I concelebrated with many of the priests participating in the Plenary Meeting. Bishop John Afareha of Warri was the chief celebrant and the homilist.
After the Mass, there was group and individual photo taking sessions. Breakfast.
Opening session. Some addresses of welcome: Director of Communications Warri (Fr Benedict Ukwutege), President of SIGNIS Nigeria (Fr Patrick Alumuku), etc. Before my own address, I took roll call of the directors present and those who were simply representatives. Then I ascertained those who had established two important arms of communications - Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) and Catholic Association of Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN). Then I addressed them. One of the participants (Fr Martin Anusi) published his note on what I said:
"Few Points From The Keynote Address by Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, CBCN Chairman of Social Communications*

Some Directors of Communications are overburdened with multiple pastoral duties that they hardly have the needed time to really develop Communications Apostolate their Arch/Dioceses.
The Directors of Communications were urged to ensure that the CBCN mandated bodies (CAMPAN, CAEAN etc) are functional in all the Arch/Dioceses in Nigeria.
If you don't announce yourself, nobody will know about you. Catholic Newspapers should not continue to relegate church stories to the background. Let's promote church stories and get the required attention to enable people have access to church news.
We are loosing so much positive self esteem in Nigeria due to so much bad news emanating from the country. Let Catholic Journalists rise up and give hope to Nigeria and the world via positive stories from Nigeria.
Let's maximise the power of social media and put them into better use. Directors of Communications WhatsApp forum is not for celebrating birthdays alone, but by sharing relevant good stories emanating from different corners of the country.
Every Printing Press should think of the way to diversify. Aside bulletins and church documents, they can venture into other areas of printing for greater productivity.
He said there's need for follow up to ensuring that CAMPAN & CAEAN are existing and functioning in all Dioceses. He said that he would do some follow up check on this.

TTea break followed. I mmediately after the break, after exchange of pleasantries with many of the the partificpants, I waived goodbye to them, I left for home. "May Almighty and Merciful God make our journey peaceful and prosperous and may His Archangel Raphael accompany us on the way so that we may go back to our work in peace, safety and good health. Amen." Smooth journey back home to Aguleri.
Grazie Signore, rendiamo grazie a te che regni nei secoli. Amen.

MONDAY, 14 October 2019. Before the Eucharistic Lord we prostrate. Down the memory lane, I began recollecting how I used to put myself in the mood for meditation. Throughout the time I was in the minor seminary, after invoking the Blessed Trinity, we used to say this beautiful prayer: LET US PLACE OURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HUMBLY ADORE HIM. Most holy and adorable Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons, I believe that You are here present, I adore you with the deepest humility, and with all my heart I offer You the homage due to Your sovereign Majesty. Amen.
Usual rhythm of spiritual exercises. Adoration of the Lord in Holy Eucharist. Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili Passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti; tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Holy Mass. Breakfast.
I worked at my desk till midday when I had my lunch. Then at 2.30pm, with Fr Mike Odenigbo and Onyeka my driver, I traveled to Warri for the 2019 second plenary meeting of the Diocesan Directors of Communications in Nigeria. It took us about three hours on roads that were generally good.
Warm reception on arrival in Warri by Fr Benedict Ukutegbo, Diocesan Director for Social Communications, and his team. Good accommodation. Evening came, and night came: end of the day.
O Christ, the Light of heaven
And of the world true Light,
You come in all your radiance
To cleave the web of night.

May what is false within us
Before your truth give way,
That we may live untroubled,
With quiet hearts this day.

May steadfast faith sustain us,
And hope made firm in you;
The love that we have wasted,
O God of love, renew.

SUNDAY, 13 October 2019. 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Usual morning devotions: Adoration of the Lord.
Victime salutaire, ô Christ / Protège-nous de l’ennemi.
Ouvre pour nous l’entrée du ciel : /Fortifie-nous, Fils éternel.
Victime expiatoire, ô Christ, /Ton peuple en toi seul se confie.
Toi qui es son unique espoir, /Donne ta paix quand vient le soir.
Dieu Père et Fils et Esprit saint, /Accorde-nous la vie sans fin
Dans ton Royaume, Dieu Sauveur. /A toi la gloire, à toi l’honneur. Amen
Meditation. Divine Office. Benediction. Holy Mass.
Reflection on how to prepare a good homily. The magazine , The Priest, has the following as six non-negotiables in preparation of homilies.
1. Time
2. Prayer
3. Study
4. Organization
5. Concreteness
6. Evaluation
At 10.00am, I was in at St Anthony's Church - Green Gate Estate, an out-station of St William's parish Nkwelle Ezunaka. In our time, this was the first time a Bishop came on pastoral visit and instead of going to the mother parish Church, chose to go to a station. I was sending a message: the outstations where many people now live should be encouraged to grow. Consciously, I was taking the Gospel to the doorsteps of the People of God. The response was enthusiastic. About two hundred persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In the coming days, I hope to promote different Catholic devotions in the area. I promised to return soon for community rosary.
Back to Aguleri, I thanked God for the privilege granted to me to minister to His own people. With joyful song:
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

SATURDAY, 12 October 2019. I woke up in the morning feeling very happy and satisfied that I was home for real. Usual spiritual exercises. At the end of the Mass, as part of our "October Devotion", together with my collaborators we said the Prayer to St Joseph:

To you, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations,
and while imploring the aid of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.
By that love which united you to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God,
and by the fatherly affection with which you did embrace the Infant Jesus,
we humbly beseech you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities,
by your powerful intercession.
Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family,
the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption;
graciously assist us from Heaven, O most power protector,
in our struggle with the powers of darkness;
and as you did once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life,
so now defend the Holy Church of God
from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity.
Shield each one of us with your unceasing patronage that,
imitating your example and supported by your aid,
we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death,
and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.
V. Blessed Joseph, head and guardian of the Holy Family
R. Protect us.

At 10.00am, I was at the Villa Mater Christi (House for the Elderly Sisters) Nkpor for Mass with the Immaculate Heart Sisters. "A day with the Immaculate Heart Sisters" to celebrate the feast of my patron Saint Denis. As done over the years since I became Bishop in the archdiocese of Onitsha, the event began with Holy Mass in the chapel of the Villa. Immediately after the Mass, there was an interactive session. I sat down in the middle and the Sisters asked me many questions on their areas of interest: Church affairs, doctrinal issues, general matters. I responded frankly to the best of my ability. Then we went outside for entertainment by Novices, Postulants and Students of the schools run by Immaculate Heart Sisters. Then, there was cutting of Cake. Speeches. Then, for greetings and more personal interaction, I went to each of the elderly Sisters, most of whom I knew when they were in active service. I promised them that I would come to them on Christmas day (25 December) this year for Holy Mass and lunch. I hope to be able to provide the lunch for them. Then, we went to the refectory of the Villa for lunch. Thanks to Mother M. Claude Oguh and her Council. I received many calls and messages from Immaculate Heart Convents from different parts of the world. God bless Immaculate Heart Sisters worldwide for the great work they do and for this annual interaction with them.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

FRIDAY, 11 October 2019. I got up very early in the morning. Short conversation with God. Then I took EHJ taxi to the MM2 airport in Ikeja st 6.00am to take a flight at 7.30am to Asaba. The flight, Air Peace, was punctual.
Fr Innocent Udolisah, a seminarian and my driver were waiting for me. From the airport we drove straight to Oraifite (Nnewi diocese) where I presided at the funeral Mass for Lady Cecilia Ogbenyeanu Onuchukwu (the mother of Fr Jude Onuchukwu. Bishop Hilary Okeke, the Ordinary of the diocese, was present together with very many priests. I prayed for the dead: Deus, qui nos patrem et matrem honorare praecepisti, miserere clementer matri nostrae, Ceciliae, eorum peccata eimitte, nosque eos in aeternae claritatis gaudio fac videre.
Ma Cecilia was buried inside one of the rooms in her home, as Ogbaru customs required.
From Oraifite I drove home. I planned to visit briefly Mons. Emma Nwosu to talk about the Cause of the Canonization of Blessed Iwene Tansi. But, being already very tired, I forgot it on the way.
Happy to be home. My collaborators and assistants were very pleased to welcome me home and I was truly happy to see them.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Mon âme exalte le Seigneur,
exulte mon esprit en Dieu, mon Sauveur !
Il s’est penché sur son humble servante ;
désormais, tous les âges me diront bienheureuse.
Le Puissant fit pour moi des merveilles ;
Saint est son nom !
Son amour s’étend d’âge en âge
sur ceux qui le craignent.
Déployant la force de son bras, il disperse les superbes.
Il renverse les puissants de leurs trônes, il élève les humbles.
Il comble de biens les affamés,
renvoie les riches les mains vides.
Il relève Israël son serviteur, il se souvient de son amour,
de la promesse faite à nos pères, en faveur d’Abraham et de sa race, à jamais

THURSDAY, 10 October 2019. Last day in Abidjan. Holy Mass in the morning. Breakfast. One of the Priests of Ivory Coast who visited me in Nigeria some time last, and now studying at the university here in Abidjan came over to see me.
Early lunch. Time to thank the staff of the CERAO house, the priests, etc., for their hospitality. With Bishop Emmanuel Badejo and Fr George Nwachukwu, we went to the airport.
Smooth flight on Air Cote d'Ivoire from Abidjan to Lagos. Overnight stay at the facility of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
I slept off fast. Good night, Lord.

TUESDAY 8 - WEDNESDAY 9, OCTOBER 2019. In Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) 7.00am: Morning prayers in common. Breakfast.
In these two busy days, the following persons, members of the RECOWA Episcopal Commission for Communications, participated: Bishop Lucas Kalfa Sanou, Bishop Denis Isizoh, Bishop Raphael Balla, and Bishop Emmanuel Badejo with supporting staff Fr Joseph Aka (Secretary General RECOWA, and Fr George Nwachukwu (Director of Communication of RECOWA), Fr Celestine Sanga (Second Deputy Secretary General of RECOWA).
The two full day meeting gave us opportunity to review the three-year schedule of activities for the Directorate of the Social Communications within the structure of RECOWA=CERAO,
Our daily Masses were scheduled in the evening preceded by Vespers which many lay faithful attended. On 9 October the Communications Director of RECOWA gave me prominence in the liturgical functions. I was the principal celebrant of the Mass in French. With the Church I prayed: Dieu qui as envoyé l’évêque saint Denis et ses compagnons annoncer aux païens ton Évangile, et qui les as gardé inébranlables dans leur martyre, nous t’én prions, accorde-nous la grâce de les imiter en sachant mépriser la faveur du monde, sans jamais craindre ses attaques.
Later after Mass, I was invited to cut a feast day cake. Wine toasting followed. Then supper.
I love the following prayer for faith, which I learnt from my mother (ardent member of the Legion of Mary) in our local language. And now I am able to say it also in French:
Accorde-nous, Seigneur,
a nous qui servons sous l'étendard de Marie,
cette plénitude de foi en toi et de confiance en elle,
qui sont assurées de vaincre le monde.
Donne-nous une foi vive et animée par la charité,
qui nous rende capables d'accomplir toutes nos actions
par un motif de pur amour pour toi,
Et de toujours te voir et te servir dans notre prochain;
une foi ferme et inébranlable comme un rocher,
Par laquelle nous demeurerons calmes et constants
au milieu des croix, des labeurs et des déceptions de la vie;
une foi courageuse, qui nous inspire
d'entreprendre et d'accomplir sans hésitation
de grandes choses pour ta gloire et pour le salut des âmes;
une foi qui soit la colonne de feu de notre Légion
pour nous conduire unis dans notre marche en avant,
pour allumer partout les feux de l'amour divin,
pour éclairer ceux qui sont assis dans les ténèbres et l'ombre de la mort,
pour enflammer les tièdes, pour rappeler à la vie
ceux qui sont ensevelis dans la mort du péché;
une foi qui guide nos pas dans le chemin de la paix,
afin qu'après les luttes de cette vie,
et sans déplorer la perte d'un seul membre Notre Légion puisse se rassembler
dans le royaume de ton amour et de ta gloire. Amen.

MONDAY, 7 October 2019. I woke up at about 4.30am at EHJ Ikeja. By 6.00am I was in the taxi heading to Murtala Mohammed international airport. Check in Air Cote d'Ivoire for flight to Abidjan to attend the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA), Episcopal Commission for Communications. Very smooth flight.
On arrival at Abidjan airport, Fr George Nwachukwu, the RECOWA Director of Communications, was there to receive me. We drove to Regional House of the French speaking West African Episcopal Conferences. Accommodation systematization. Visit to the chapel. I was attracted to the beautiful wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary: kneeling down in a posture of prayer, holding a basin to collect petitions, slightly raising the basin up to Christ placed high above the altar area. The people put their petitions inside the basin. I hope to be able to reproduced the scene some time in the future.
Holy Mass with Fr George and two lay faithful. Good occasion to revise my French. Supper. Early to bed.

Nous vous saluons, Reine,
Mere de misericorde, notre vie, notre joie, notre esperance, salut.
Enfants d'Eve, nous crions vers vous de fond de notre exil.
Nous soupirons vers vous, gemissant et pleurant dans cette vallee de larmes.
O vous notre advocate, tournez vers nous vos regards misericordieux.
Et apres l'exil de cette vie, montrez nous Jesus, le fruit beni de vos entrailles,
O tendre, aimante, douce vierge Marie.

SUNDAY, 6 October 2019. 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Usual morning devotions. Adoration. Meditation. My mind went to another point to continue the meditation on how to make a parish vocation friendly:

2. Active Identification
There may be some young people that you or others identify as possible candidates. First, begin to pray for them intentionally. Get others to join you in prayer for them. Do some penance for their vocation. Second, befriend them and perhaps invite them to be involved in parish ministry. Can they serve at the altar or as a lector? Liturgical ministries are important seedbeds for vocations to the priesthood. Ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts and, when the time is right, pose the question to them. As the saying goes, timing is everything, and laying the groundwork and sowing seeds is important for the call to be heard and responded to.

Before the Office of Lauds, as our daily practice, we said the following prayer:
"Lord God, I offer this Divine Office to you, together with the adoration and praise of the angels and saints in heaven, as well as that of all the priests of your Church and all other consecrated persons.
I present to you, holy Father, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this chorus of prayer, made holy in the Heart of Jesus and made one with His most holy prayer.
May all the words of this prayer be acts of pure love, adoration, thanksgiving, satisfaction, trust, and surrender to your holy Will.
Let this prayer be for my weak self a spiritual communion, an act of humility, and of perfect self-denial; and may it be a sacrifice of praise and glory to you, O Blessed Trinity. Amen."
Benediction. Holy Mass. Breakfast.
At 10.00am, I was at Regina Caeli parish, Umuoji, for a Pastoral visit. Here we visit the smallest parish, by population and geography, in Umuoji. This was the second time I was visiting this parish. The first time I came, we celebrated Mass outside (because of the construction work going on: the Church was not yet roofed). There was confirmation and blessing of the Chapel of Adoration. This time, the second visit, the roofing of the Church had been completed. So we celebrated Mass inside the Church. Sacrament of Confirmation conferred on over a hundred persons. Grotto of our Blessed Mother blessed. Large turn out of the People of God. Warm reception. Joy, joy, joy. I requested for a brief reception because I was leaving urgently for Lagos. Quick lunch.
I hurriedly changed my dress and at 2.30pm, I headed to Owerri. From there I boarded flight to Lagos via Abuja (since there was no direct flight to Lagos.). Smooth arrival in Abuja. Quick transfer to the next flight in Abuja. Happy landing in Lagos. I stayed overnight at the facility of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters in Lagos.
Resta con noi, Signore, la sera
resta con noi che avremo la pace
resta con noi, non ci lasciar
la notte mai più scenderà
resta con noi, non ci lasciar
nelle vie del mondo, Signor.

SATURDAY, 5 October 2019. Morning conversation with our Blessed Mother. Usual morning spiritual exercises with my closest collaborators. Meditation. Our Lord Jesus Christ lamented that "Messis quidem multa, operarii autem pauci". While some places in the world enjoy vocation "boom", others have vocation "doom". For many reasons, many young people do not take to the road to priesthood these days. Many factors contribute to this situation. My reflection is on how to promote vocation in a parish setting. I found interesting some recommendations in The Priest. There, Cartwright makes seven suggestions. I take the first today and beg the Lord to lead me to implement it in my pastoral ministry:

"1. Get Parishioners to Pray
A supernatural call requires a supernatural response. Prayer is the first ingredient to more vocations. For example, some parishes include a petition for vocations each week in the general intercessions. Perhaps the priest of the parish may offer a Mass for vocations from the missal on occasion? Another consideration includes things such as the occasional Holy Hour for vocations, especially near times such as Good Shepherd Sunday, St. John Vianney’s feast day, Priesthood Sunday, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart, diocesan ordinations, priestly jubilees, significant moments in the life of the parish and the local Church. Prayer is the necessary first ingredient to vocations."

Here is the Church's prayer for Vocations to Holy Orders: O God, who willed to provide shepherds for your people, pour out in your Church a spirit of piety and fortitude, to raise up worthy ministers for your altars and make them ardent yet gentle heralds of your Gospel.
I see everyday the need to organize better our liturgical practices here in our part of the world. I have happily concluded the revision of the arrangement of the Eucharistic Prayers in Igbo for Concelebration. Soon it will go to the press. .
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

FRIDAY, 4 October 2019. St Francis of Assisi. Usual morning devotions.
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
At 10.00am, I was at St Vincent's Church Ogbunike to celebrate funeral Mass for the eternal repose of our catechist Hyacinth Mbamalu. He is fourth on the list of the Catechists that have worked for my people. Here is the list, in order of service: Paul Umeanuka (teacher and catechist, from Igboukwu), Vincent Mbamalu (retired police office and catechist), Gabriel Ibeazor and Hyacinth Mbamalu. Over sixty Catechists were present for the funeral Mass. We prayed: We humbly beseech your mercy, O Lord, for your servant Hyacinth, that, having worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel, he may merit to enter into the rewards of the Kingdom."
Back home in Aguleri. Again, late lunch. Quiet evening.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

THURSDAY, 3 October 2019. In Nigeria we celebrated today the Memorial of St Therese of the Child Jesus. A bright new day. In the good old days, we recited this prayer in Latin every morning. I still do it but in English. O Jesu, vivens in Maria, veni et vive in famulis tuis, in Spiritus sanctitatis tuae, in plenitudine virtutis tuae, in veritate virtutum tuarum, in perfectione viarum tuarum, in communione mysteriorum tuorum, dominare omni adversae potestate in Spiritu tuo ad gloriam Patris. Amen. Pope Pius IX granted - 300 DAYS' INDULGENCE to all the faithful who with contrite heart and with devotion say this prayer.
Our usual rhythm of spiritual exercises.
Indoors throughout the day. Evening. Night.
Salve Regina mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo et spes nostra salve
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae
Ad te suspiramis gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle
Eia ergo advocata nostra, illos tuos miseri cordes oculos ad nos converte
Et Jesum benedictum fructum ventris tui nobis post hoc exsilium ostende
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis virgo Maria.

WEDNESDAY, 2 October 2019. Usual morning spiritual exercises. From this month's edition of The Priests, I read the following lines for my spiritual reflection: “O Priest, who are you? “You are not yourself because you are of God. “You are not of yourself because you are the servant and minister of Christ. “You are not your own because you are the spouse of the Church. “You are not yourself because you are the mediator between God and man. “You are not from yourself because you are nothing. “What then are you? “Nothing and everything.”Our ministry may not always be understood, and we are bound to encounter misconceptions that both amuse and annoy. However, if we can reflect upon our true identity in Christ, then we can endure the unexpected twists of ministry with a hearty laugh. Yogi Berra said it best, “When you come to the fork in the road, take it!”May your day be filled with the joys of ministry! ". (Contribution by Fr Michael Ackermann).
At about 11.15am, I was at my office in Onitsha. Since I had been away from the office for a very long time, I had a crowd waiting to see me. This is God's work. Before I set out to the office, during morning spiritual exercise, I often ask the Lord to guide my encounters with people in the office. When I come into the office, before meeting the people, I always ask the Holy Spirit to lead me to make correct discernment and give me right words to use when I meet people. I invited God to my office this morning. Doce me, Domine, bonitatem, disciplinam et scientiam. I closed the office at about 2.45pm.
Back home: late lunch. "Cool" afternoon coffee. Little sleep. Long evening of hard work. And, just before sleeping off: To our Blessed Mother:
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

TUESDAY, 1 October 2019. Solemnity of Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. I received many "New Month" greetings of good wishes. God bless them all the senders.
We began our day before the Blessed Sacrament.
O Sacrament most Holy,
O Sacrament Divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving,
Be every moment Thine.
Point for reflection: I am reminded of a story that I read once in Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s book “Priests for the Third Millennium”about a group of priests who had an audience with Pope St. John XXIII at the Vatican. The dozen or so priests gathered in the room all had impressive titles and credentials and noted such as they introduced themselves. However, one embarrassed priest received the greatest reception of all when he admitted to the Holy Father that he was merely a simple parish priest. Yes, a hardworking, simple parish priest often is the one who endears himself to others and inspires faith and action." How can achieve that simplicity of a parish priest?
Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass.
I needed to sit up long hours for a good part today. It is a joy to read and write.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

MONDAY, 30 September 2019. Usual morning devotions. Memorial of St Jerome - great scholar who translated the Bible into Latin and wrote many works of his own, including letters and commentaries on Holy Scripture. Morning prayers and Holy Mass with my close collaborators and Fr Mark Otong (Priest of Ikot Ekpene diocese),visiting.
At 10.00am, I was at Holy Trinity Basilica Onitsha for the funeral Mass for Mons. Matthew Obiukwu. For concelebration: Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Hilary Okeke and Bishop Denis Isizoh. Until his death, Mons Obiukwu was the oldest Priest, by ordination (ordained by Archbishop Charles Heerey on 27 July 1958), working in Onitsha Archdiocese. May he rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Back to Aguleri after the funeral, I had a quiet evening.

SUNDAY, 29 September 2019. Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Usual morning devotions. In adoration before the Eucharistic Lord:
Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all!
How can I love Thee as I ought?
And how revere this wondrous gift,
So far surpassing hope or thought?
Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore!
Oh, make us love Thee more and more.
Oh, make us love Thee more and more.
At 10.00am, I was at St John's parish, Oba. The Church was full and very many people were in attendance. A good number could not be accommodated inside the church, and they stayed outside. Thanks be to God, it was a sunny day. My homily was on the significance of the anointing with Chrism, and on the family as domestic Church. Three hundred and fifty (350) candidates were confirmed. We prayed: Accompany with your blessing from this day forward, O Lord, those who have been anointed with the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Sacrament of your Son, so that, with all trials overcome, they may gladden your Church by their holiness and, through their works and their charity, foster her growth in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
After the Mass, I blessed the grotto of Sacred of Jesus, of Blessed Virgin Mother and, finally, of the Divine Mercy. Very warm reception. Dance. Singing. People stayed on and on. At about 4.15pm I blessed the people and took leave of them to return home.
Evening came, night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.
Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
to keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
of this world in the next.

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

SATURDAY, 28 September 2019. Today thirty-four years ago I was raised to the Order of Presbyters through the instrumentality of Archbishop Stephen Nweke Ezeanya. It was a Saturday and the venue was St Vincent's Catholic Church, Ogbunike. Unworthy as I am, God made even me His instrument and channel of graces and blessings to humanity.
We praise thee, O God : we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee : the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud : the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim: continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty: of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles : praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets : praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs : praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world : doth acknowledge thee;
The Father : of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true : and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory : O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man :
    thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death :
    thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants :
    whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints : in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people :  and bless thine heritage.
Govern them : and lift them up for ever.
Day by day : we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name : ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us : as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted : let me never be confounded.
Before coming out of bed, I had conversation (Rosary) with our Blessed Mother. Then followed the usual rhythm of spiritual activities. Mass of my Priestly ordination anniversary was celebrated. Incline your merciful ear to my prayers, O God of all compassion, and enlighten my heart by the grace of the Holy Spirit, that I may worthily celebrate your mysteries, faithfully serve your Church and love you with eternal charity.
  Ah hundreds of messages (sms and WhatsApp) hit my inbox! Too many to read and reply.
Today, I remembered with gratitude all those who helped me on the way to the Priesthood, and all those who have continued to sustain me all this time. To those who have passed on, may the Lord grant them eternal rest. Every person was very happy. I still preserve a copy of the Address of Welcome and Congratulations read to Archbishop Ezeanya and the new priests, Frs Denis Isizoh and Dominic Okafor:

AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME PRESENTED TO HIS GRACE, MOST REV. DR STEPHEN N. EZEANYA, THE ARCHBISHOP OF ONITSHA ON THE OCCASION OF THE VISIT TO OGBUNIKE TO ORDAIN THE FIRST PRIESTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AT OGBUNIKE ON 28 SEPTEMBER 1985.
Your Grace,
We, the entire Ogbunike Catholic Community, have great pleasure to welcome you to Ogbunike on the occasion of your first visit to our town to ordain the first priests of our Catholic community here. Your visit this day give many of us the opportunity of meeting you since your elevation to the episcopacy. It scintillates joy and happiness in our minds as we welcome you, now as our Archbishop. We, therefore, congratulate you on your elevation. Qe seize this opportunity to reaffirm our faith in Jesus Christ, our unshaken loyalty to the Catholic Church, and our confidence in your leadership. We pray the Almighty God to guide you, keep and protect you, and to give you all the necessary strength and energy to pilot the affairs of the Church in this part of our country, Nigeria. We, therefore, say to Your Grace "AD MULTOS ANNOS".
With today's ordination of Rev. Fathers Denis Chidi Isizoh and Dominic Ibezimife Okafor, the Catholic Church in Ogbunike has reached a further and glorious milestone in its history. The first seed of the Catholic faith sowed by Rev. Fr Ward in 1912 has today produced good fruits. If the raising of indigenous priests is a potent parameter for assessing the growth of faith within a community, then the Ogbunike Catholic community has today qualified to be promoted to that "Premier Division" in the church circles. The event today gives us hope of a greater future, a stronger faith in God and a lasting peace and unity among all Ogbunike people. We pledge to pursue with renewed vigour the completing of the church building projects at both St Vincent's Church, Nkwo Amawa Ogbunike and St Stephen's Church, Ogbamgba Ogbunike.
Permit us here, Your Grace, to address a humble request which had seriously been engaging our minds for many years. We pray Your Grace to consider the elevation of the Catholic Church in Ogbunike to the status of a parish with a resident priest. The merit of this idea which is the continued growth of the Church in Ogbunike, need not be over-stressed. It will surely deepen our faith and facilitate evangelism in our town. We have no doubt, therefore, that Your Grace will give this our request your favourable consideration.
We will not conclude this short address, Your Grace, without thanking you for your patience in listening to it in spite of the onerous ordination ceremonies. While we commend Your Grace to the kind care and protection of the Almighty God, we pray that in all your ways and dealings you may see His light and enjoy His guidance. We pray also that the Lord of all knowledge will you firmly in the discharge of the onerous tasks and duties of your office.
As hospitable people, our greatest happiness will be found in Your Grace griously accepting our humble presents (a cow, etc.)
We will be happy if Your Grace will permit us to say a few words to our newly ordained priests, Rev. Fathers Denis Chidi Isizoh and Dominic Ibezimife Okafor. We thank God who gave them courage and strength to choose this vocation. We commend the young priests' loyalty to the Lord and their humility in accepting to serge in the Lord's vineyard. They have made us proud with their determination, devotion and singular achievement. We, therefore, continue to urge them in these words from the Ordination Instruction: "Share with all men that word of God which you have received with joy. While you meditate on the law of the Lord, see that you believe what you read, that you teach what you believe and that you translate your teaching into action."
Our dearly beloved young priests, it is with humility, joy and a sense of belonging that the Catholic comminity of Ogbunike makes this presentation (documents for a new Volkswagen 1600cc Beetle car, etc.) to you. It is our hope that these presents will aid you in proclaiming a new era of the Lord in His vineyard. We wish both of you many years of labour in converting men to Christ.
In conclusion, Your Grace, we thank you and all the clergy here present, the newly ordained priests, all our august visitors, the Igwes and the Ndichies and all and sundry, for being with us here this day and for making this ordination and the associated celebrations possible and successful. It is to you all thank you and may God bless you.
(Read by Barrister B.S.C. Ibeziakor)
Rev. Dr Dominic Ibezimife Okafor died on 22 April 2008. Praesta, quaesumus, Domine, ut anima famuli tui Dominici sacerdotis, quem in hoc saeculo commorantedm sacris muneribus decorasti, in caelesti sede gloriosa semper exsultet. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

FRIDAY, 27 September 2019. St Vincent de Paul. Our attention - the poor, the marginalized, the voiceless, the oppressed in our society. Something I read sometime ago> "Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers don't drink their own water. Trees don't eat their own fruit. Sun doesn't give heat for itself. Flowers don't spread fragrance for themselves. Living for others is the rule of nature. And therein lies the secret of living." This is Lesson from Nature's altruism. Any lesson for me?
Usual morning spiritual activities. I had two guest priests visiting me. Together with Fr Innocent Udolisah and my other close collaborators we offered Holy Mass for Archbishop Jude Okolo (now Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland) who was commemorating the anniversary of his episcopal consecration. Our prayer for him: Da, quaesumus, Domine, famulo tuo Taddeo, quem pascendo gregi tuo in Apostolorum successione praefecisti, spiritum consili et fortitudinis, spiritum scientiae et pietatis, ut, populum sibi creditum fideliter gubernans, Ecclesae aedificet in mundo sacramentum.
I was at my reading desk for a good part of today.
Sit laus Deo Patri,
summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto
tribus honor unus. Amen,

THURSDAY, 26 September 2019. Memorial of the Martyrs Ss Cosmas and Damian. We pray today: Magnificet te, Domine, sanctorum tuorum Cosmae et Samiani veneranda memoria, quia et illis gloriam sempiternam, et opem nobis ineffabili providentia contulisti.
The September edition of the magazine The Priest is devoted to the Christian Family as Domestic Church. Quoting the Catholic Bishops Conference of USA, the magazine offered tools for building up a Domestic Church. Here are the some of the recommended tools to families:

Begin praying as a family and reading from Scripture daily, certainly before meals, but also first thing in the morning or before bed. Find a time that works for your family.
Have a crucifix in a prominent place in the home, and in every bedroom.
Make the sacraments a regular celebration —take the whole family to confession and Mass!
Make worshiping God a priority. Never miss Mass, even while traveling.
Teach stewardship and charity to your children, through word and example.
Demonstrate love for your spouse, your children, your neighbors and the world.
Talk freely about the presence of God in the joys and sorrows of your life.
Welcome into your home and support priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and lay ministers in the Church.

Today, I had no external engagement. I had time to work on the "pending" files on my desk. I inspected the renovation work on the old 1914 Church of St Joseph Aguleri. My 1971 All Hallows old boys Association offered to pay for the work. I entrusted the supervision of the project to Fr Mike Odenigbo (my assistance Secretary). I was satisfied with the progress so far.
Quiet afternoon, peaceful evening. Good night, Lord.
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

WEDNESDAY, 25 September 2019. The lyrics of Pilgrim Song by Sr Miriam Therese Winter always makes me sober when I reflect on it.
We are lonely by birth.
We are only like pilgrims on earth.
Born to be king, time is but a temporary thing, only on loan while on earth.

Like the wind in the tree,
we have been rather reckless and free.
Thrown far and wide, we long to settle down beside the stream flowing through eternity.

Like the grass on the lawn,
we will pass by the way and be gone.
A lesson to learn, we walk but once there's no return. Time is always moving on.

We are longing for One,
for a song and a place in the sun,
a home up above where everyday is lived in love, for rest when the journey is done.

Usual morning spiritual activities. Adoration. Lauds. Benediction. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in excelsis. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Holy Mass.
At 10.00am, I was at the Shanahan Hall Onitsha for the Plenary Meeting of the Archdiocesan Priests. Today, the new posting of Priests was announced. It became apparent that we were running short of priests to fill the parishes in the archdiocese. Many were sent out for further studies. There were also many sent out on mission - to work in dioceses mainly in Europe and America. Some people expressed concern about this latter group in the overall work of evangelization in our own part of the world.
Back home at Aguleri for late lunch.
Evening came, and night came: the end of the day. Good night, Lord.
Accept, divine Redeemer,
the homage of my praise;
be thou the light and honour
and glory of my days.

TUESDAY, 24 September 2019. Usual morning spiritual activities. Immediately after breakfast, I went to my study room to read.
At 11.00am, I was at 41/43 Felix Nwoko Street, Federal Housing Estate 3-3 Nkwelle Ezunaka, for the blessing of St Theresa of Child Jesus International School. The major school buildings from nursery to secondary levels were already built. Proprietor: Ulumma Theresa Mgbeobuna. With her husband they were present for the blessing. After the blessing, I interacted briefly with the staff and students.
Back home, I had a quiet lunch. Free evening.
This song, arranged by Lucien Deiss, which we used to sing during my seminary days in the seventies, came to mind - I do not even know why...

Let me sing of your law, O my God;
Let your love come upon your people.

Through your own word, Lord give us life;
In your Holy keeping, happy is my soul.

I have made known to you my ways;
You have heard my pleading;
Now teach me your laws.

Show me the way to keep your law;
Let your holy precepts dwell within my mind.

Deep in my soul my sorrow lies;
Ever keep your promise, let my heart be glad.

O take me far from evil ways,
And in your great mercy, guide me in your paths.

Within your law I choose to live;
In the paths of wisdom, I walk evermore.

My heart is strong, my joy is full;
Following your law, Lord, freely do I walk.

Praise to the Father and to the Son;
Glory to the Spirit, now and evermore.

MONDAY, 23 September 2019. Memorial of Padre Pio. I was physically present at St Peter's Square Rome both for the beatification on 2 May 1999 and the canonization on 16 June 2002. On both occasions, I saw see of heads in the Basilica Square. This great saint always identified himself as "poor friar who prays."
Usual morning devotions. Mass of the Memorial: Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace, gave the Priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son and, by means of his ministry, renewed the wonders of your mercy, grant that through his intercession we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ, and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At 10.00am, I was at Holy Trinity Cathedral Basilica Onitsha for the funeral of Fr Felix Uchenna Udoh. Very gentle Priest. About him, his classmates (1996 Priests) wrote that he "a hard worker, a quiet person who knew how to relate with everyone. He loved life deeply and lived with empathy towards others. When he laughed, he did so without a mask but in almost a boisterous fashion. He had a keen sense of looking nice and clean. He was a good man. He would never shy away from telling you his mind on issues." One very painful side of the story was that few days separated his death and that of his brother. Both died of the same family of sickness - CANCER! We pray: Hear with favour our prayers, which we humbly offer, O Lord, for the salvation of the soul of Felix, your servant and Priest, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name, may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SUNDAY, 22 September 2019. Domine, labia mea aperies. Et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.
Venite, adoremus et procidamus et genua flectamus ante Dominum, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Deus noster, et nos populus pascuae eius et oves manus eius. Usual rhythm of spiritual exercises: Adoration cum meditation. Office of Lauds. Benediction. Holy Mass. It always a joy to start the day with my closest collaborators before the Eucharistic Lord. It is a great privilege to kneel before him to acknowledge Him as our maker.
At 10.00am, I was at Oraukwu for the dedication of Holy Family Church, built by Chief Joseph & Loretta Ukeji (Ejison). The attendance was impressive. It was a roll-call of very many prominent citizens of Anambra State. Simple Church but very well furnished. The piece of land where the Church was built was very well managed. An upstair. The downstair - hall. Upstair church, with gentle steps to make it easy for people with arthritis to climb. To God we address this prayer:
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.
For in this visible house that you have let us build
and where you never cease to show favor
to the family on pilgrimage to you in this place,
you wonderfully manifest and accomplish
the mystery of your communion with us.
Here you build up for yourself the temple that we are
and cause your Church, spread through the world,
to grow ever more and more as the Lord’s own Body,
till she reaches her fullness in the vision of peace,
the heavenly city of Jerusalem.
And so, with the countless ranks of the blessed,
in the temple of your glory we praise you,
we bless you and proclaim your greatness, as we acclaim:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
I happily note that Oraukwu people generally work well together. When Ejison built the Church, other indigenes of the town executed other projects - some of the church pews, Rectory, Chapel and grotto. The following spearheaded these projects: Uchenna Okafor (Omenyi), Julius Umeji (Jumatex), Joe Madueke Jr (Ezemanwanneya), Ejike Obiaju and Joseph Ezennia (Ononenyi).
The gentle Parish Priest was Fr Peter Egwuonwu. The Catechist: Emma Nkachukwu. Chairman dedication committee - Anthony Okafor. Thanks for a job well done!
After blessing the people, I took leave of the community at about 5.20pm. Smooth drive back to Aguleri.
Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

SATURDAY, 21 September 2019. Usual morning devotions. Still tired from the long journey yesterday. But I have to move on, praying that the Lord will continue to give me strength to accomplish the tasks before me. Yes, Omnia possum in eo, qui me confortat. Caritas Christi urget nos.
At 10.00am, I was at the Regional House of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) at Ogidi for the Opening Mass for their Regional Chapter. Well attended. The Superior General, Sr Leonie Martha O'Karaga was present. For the Sisters we prayed: Infunde in eis, quaesumus, Domine, spiritum intellegentiae, veritatis et pacis, ut quae tibi sunt placita toto corde noscamus, et, quae tibi sunt placita toto corde noscamus, et, quae noverimus, unanimi volutatum consensione sectemur. I left immediately after the Mass for lunch in my residence at Aguleri.
At 5.00pm, I was at Holy Family Parish, Oraukwu, to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation on about a hundred candidates. Recalling the Book of Prophet Isaiah: Et egreditur virga de stirpe Iesse, et flos de radice eius ascendet; et requiescet super eum spiritus Domini: spiritus sapientiae et intellectus, spiritus consilii et fortitudinis, spiritus scientiae et timoris Domini; et deliciae eius in timore Domini. During homily, I stressed on the significance of the anointing with the holy Chrism. Immediately after the Mass was a good opportunity to be briefed on the preparations for the Church's dedication the next day.
I returned late to Aguleri.
Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on;
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene: one step enough for me.

FRIDAY, 20 September 2019. Last day in Abeokuta. Early rising. Holy Mass at 5.00am. Soon after, in our convoy with Police escort, we set out on our return journey home. Smooth journey. I slept almost all the way. We reached Onitsha shortly before 2.00pm. The convoy stopped in front of Zik's mausoleum at Onitsha. All the Bishops (Val Okeke, Lucius Ugorji, Augustine Ukwuoma, Callistus Onaga, Godfrey Onah, Michael Okoro, and Denis Isizoh) on the convoy came out of our cars, held hands together, forming a circle, prayed the Lord's prayer and thanked God for His protection. Beautiful to behold! Gesture of solidarity, fraternity and love. Then we blessed ourselves and each person departed separately to his home. In about half an hour I was in Aguleri.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
  Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
  Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
  And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

THURSDAY 12 - THURSDAY 19 September 2019. 2019 Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. VENUE: Divine Mercy Pastoral Centre, Abeokuta.
At the end of the Plenary, the following Communiqué was issued:

MOVING BEYOND PRECARIOUS LIVING IN NIGERIA.
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOP CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA (CBCN) AT THE DIVINE MERCY PASTORAL CENTRE, AGBAMAYA, OBADA-OKO, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, 11-20 SEPT 2019

1. PREAMBLE
We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria held our Second Plenary Meeting for the year at the Divine Mercy Pastoral Centre, Agbamaya, Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State from 11-20 September 2019. Having prayerfully reflected on issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian State, we now issue this Communiqué.
2. IN COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY FATHER POPE FRANCIS
The Holy Father Pope Francis has come under attacks in recent times. Of more serious concern are the attacks coming from some higher levels of the Church in some parts of the world. As members of the Episcopal College, of which the Holy Father is the Head, we regard these attacks as the proverbial ill wind that blows no one any good, bearing in mind that there are other more legitimate and traditionally tested avenues of expressing our opinions to the Holy Father. To be able to lead the flock of Christ in the right direction in a world filled with many contradicting and confusing voices, we as a College must speak with one voice. We therefore recognise that “The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the Bishops and of the whole company of the faithful” (Vat II, Lumen Gentium 23). We reaffirm our faith in and commitment to the Pontificate of the Holy Father Pope Francis. Consequently, we pledge our loyalty and availability to him in the exercise of his Petrine office, and we promise to continue to cooperate with him fully in the discharge of his divine mandate as the Pastor of the Universal Church (cf. Code of Canon Law, Cann. 331, 334).
3. STATE OF THE NATION
i) Continued Insecurity and the Need for Respect for Human Life
There are, unfortunately, still many instances of killings as a result of banditry, kidnapping, assassination, armed robbery, reckless use of force by security agencies and lynching. Lately, too, there is an upsurge in the cases of suicide, even among our youths. Furthermore, the clashes between herdsmen and communities, and the activities of Boko Haram insurgents have continued, in which many innocent people lose their lives. These make living in Nigeria very precarious. We recognise the efforts being made by the government to fight insecurity in the land. However, we emphasise that a lot more still needs to be done in this regard. We pray for the peaceful repose of the victims and sympathise with the bereaved families. We reiterate that without adequate security of lives and property, there can be no stability and enabling environment for meaningful development. We observe that the Federal Government, in which the power to control the major security agencies is vested, is overwhelmed. There is, therefore, need for proper decentralization of these agencies for effective results. We call on all citizens to be law abiding and vigilant, be one another's keeper, live by sound moral principles and, above all, obey the commandments of God. We urge governments at all levels to provide the enabling environment that would make it possible for both the government and the private sector to create job opportunities for our teeming youth population. This would certainly minimise the menace of insecurity in our land. We continue to urge the government and security agencies to do all they can to secure the immediate release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls and all the other persons still in captivity.
ii) Necessity for National Integration
We thank God for making it possible for our country to continue to exist as a sovereign nation. Yet, much effort is required from both government and citizens in order to have a nation in which everyone and every part, irrespective of differences of tribe or religion or political affiliation, will have a sense of belonging. We note with dismay that many months after the general elections, many parts of our nation are still in disarray. The country is badly divided. This is evident in appointments to positions of national importance, sharing of resources, and distribution of social amenities. We urge especially the Federal Government, to ensure that it does not allow ethnic or religious hegemony to prevail in our multi-religious and secular state. No one religion should be favoured over another. There should be fairness, justice and neutrality in relation to all religions and ethnic groups, for where there is no justice, there can be no peace, unity and development. We therefore enjoin all Nigerians to see themselves as one united people and work for justice in order to ensure a peaceful and united nation.
iii) Religion, Politics and Life
We are grateful to God that in these trying times, many Nigerians remain manifestly religious. Our practice of religion, however, seems to have little effect on our moral, socio-economic and political lives. While praying for solutions to our problems, we must endeavour to be just in our dealings with others, work hard in fulfilling our duties, and collaborate with others in the social transformation of our country. We observe that our democracy is derailing from what it should be. The qualities of accountability, transparency, independence of the judiciary, respect for fundamental rights, observance of the rule of law, and fair and credible electoral process, to mention only these, are still lacking. We therefore urge all politicians, businessmen, religious leaders, public servants and indeed all citizens to live out the values of their faith for the common good. To all of us we address the challenge of our Lord Jesus Christ: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Mt. 5: 13-14).
4. XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA
We denounce the horrendous xenophobic attacks in South Africa in which many non-nationals, including Nigerians, lost their lives and/or have their property looted and/or forced to flee the country for their dear lives. We condemn the unfortunate reprisals on perceived South African investments in some part of Nigeria, as two wrongs do not make a right! We pray for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives and sympathise with those who have suffered bereavement, injuries and heavy losses. We commend the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) for being prophetic in their condemnation of the attacks and urging the government to take decisive steps to end them. We join our brother Bishops in vehemently condemning the attacks and with them draw the attention of all nations to Deuteronomy 10:18: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” At the same time, we note that South Africa and Nigeria have come a long way in fraternal and diplomatic relations. We advise Nigerians living at home and abroad to be good and law abiding.
5. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE AND THE IMPORTANCE OFTHE FAMILY
Marriage, the sacred and inviolable union between one man and one woman, is under pressure throughout the world. In our country, this pressure has been increased by the economic and social crises that have lasted for several years. As a result, many a family is no longer stable enough to fulfill the traditional roles of the family in the Church and in the society. We therefore reiterate that the family, as the cradle of life and development, needs to be helped to rediscover as well as to cherish its divine mandate as the first school of virtues and values. Parents are called upon to, by their words and examples, uphold the ideals of decency, discipline, honesty and marital fidelity. The pursuit of wealth and 'success' must be guided by those values if families are to bequeath to the wider society responsible young people, who cherish hard work and merit, who respect elders, value the sacredness of life, the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage and are willing to honestly contribute to the building of the nation and the growth of the Church. Parents are also enjoined to keep vigilance over their children and wards, in order to provide moral guidance and protection from unhealthy influences, sexual deviance and exploitation. In spite of present economic challenges, we urge the members of families never to throw away the important African and Christian values of respect and care for the elderly.
6. A CALL ON THE PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS
In union with the Holy Father Pope Francis, we thank and encourage those priests and religious who continue to put themselves at risk in serving the people of God and giving themselves up unreservedly, never to give up. However, we also insist that the times call for holiness of life and more sacrifice on the part of all priests and religious if we are to be true to our vocations. All priests and religious must exercise discretion and be committed to a life of simplicity that is consistent with the life of the Master, who had nowhere to lay his head (cf. Lk 9:57-58). An ostentatious and materialistic life of luxury draws unnecessary attention and portends counter witnessing.
We also enjoin all priests and religious to have a healthy relationship with young people and do more to inculcate the faith in them. Altar servers, members of the Association of the Holy Childhood, teenagers, members of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Young Catholic Students (YCS), Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) and others, need faith mentoring to ensure a fruitful future for the Church. All forms of abuse of minors and vulnerable adults are to be abhorred, since they are a betrayal not only of the confidence our people repose in us but also of our vocations and ministry as priests and religious.
7. EVENTS IN THE CHURCH
This year marks the centenary celebration of the Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XV, Maximum Illud, on the Church's missionary role, issued on 30 November 1919. To mark the celebration, Pope Francis has drawn the attention of the entire Church to the Extraordinary Mission Month of October 2019. This month serves as a momentous opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the missionary mandate of Christ, to assess the effectiveness of our response to this mandate, to reignite our zeal for the mission, and provide prayerful support for missionary efforts all over the Catholic world.
The International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) held their World Council meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, from 30 August to 10 September 2019 with the theme: “Taking Action for Peace, Here and Now.” The Golden Jubilee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) was celebrated in Kampala, Uganda, 19-29 July 2019. The Conferences of Africa and Madagascar were represented. The Jubilee celebration provided a significant opportunity for the Church in Africa to evaluate her evangelizing strategy and effectiveness of her becoming Family of God in the true and rich sense. The third Plenary Assembly of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) was held in Ouagadougou 13-20 May 2019. Thirty-four Nigerian Bishops were in attendance. The Assembly called on the governments and civil authorities in the West Africa region to pay more attention and commit more resources to the development of the youths. The next Plenary Assembly comes up in the year 2022 and will be hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). We take this opportunity to congratulate Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Co-adjutor Archbishop of Abuja and the Apostolic Administrator of Jos Archdiocese, on his re-election as the President of RECOWA.
We congratulate the Ecclesiastical Provinces of Abuja, Benin City, Calabar, Ibadan, Jos and Owerri for celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their erection this year. May the Church of Christ continue to flourish in our land. Amen. We thank God for the increase in the number of Bishops in Nigeria. Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese, was ordained on 25 April 2019. Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, the Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, was also ordained on 9 May 2019. We wish Most Rev. Albert Fasina, the Bishop Emeritus of Ijebu Ode Diocese, a happy retirement and thank him for his services. We thank God for Most Rev. Paul Olawoore who on 12 July 2019 officially assumed office as the substantive Bishop of Ilorin Diocese. We rejoice with and thank Most Rev. Ayo Maria Atoyebi, OP, the Bishop Emeritus of the same Diocese for his stewardship. We regret the death of Most Rev. Kevin Joseph Aje, the Bishop Emeritus of Sokoto Diocese, who died on 27 May 2019 and has since been buried. We condole with the Bishop, Priests and the Laity of Sokoto Diocese and pray God to grant his servant eternal rest.
We equally congratulate the Dioceses of Maiduguri and Ijebu Ode on their epoch-making achievements. The Diocese of Maiduguri dedicated her St. Patrick's Cathedral on 10 July 2019. Ijebu Ode Diocese celebrated the Golden Jubilee of her canonical erection as a Diocese on 18 July 2019.
8. CONCLUSION: A CALL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE
The Nigerian State is much endowed with natural, human and spiritual resources. Sadly, political authorities have not been completely diligent in relating to these resources neither have they been fair and equitable in distributing them. Justice requires them to give everyone their due, from sharing of resources to caring for the human person. Where there is no fair sharing of wealth and opportunities, there is bound to be crisis. It is only when we have justice that we can have true peace and sustainable development. We enjoin all Christians and people of good will to preach daily this message of justice and peace, and to live it out coherently. May the Blessed Virgin Mary our Mother, the Queen of Peace and Patroness of Nigeria intercede for us.

WEDNESDAY, 11 September 2019. Early Mass, followed immediately by breakfast. With Bishop Onah (though in different cars) we went down to the archbishop's house at Onitsha. There we met other bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical province: Bishops Michael Okoro, Paulinus Ezeokafor, Jonas Benson Okoye, Peter Okpaleke, John Okoye, Godfrey Onah, Callistus Onaga, and me. Brief meeting at Archbishop Okeke's house. Breakfast for those who wanted.
At 8.43am, we said prayers togethers. In a convoy and with Police escort, we set out for Abeokuta to attend the 2019 second plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria scheduled to take place Abeokuta. Long journey it was. We arrived our destination (Newly built Divine Mercy Pastoral Centre) at the suburbs of the city of Abeokuta. Systematization. Exchange of pleasantries among the arriving bishops. Supper
Soon I stretched myself on my bed. Good night, Lord.

TUESDAY, 10 September 2019. Morning meditation before the Sanctissimum. Many people are concerned about the crisis of leadership in the Church and in the society. What are the qualities of a good leader? Random listing: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
1. Honesty and Integrity, Confidence, Inspire Others, Commitment and Passion, Good Communicator, Decision-Making Capabilities, Accountability, Delegation and Empowerment, Creativity and Innovation, and Empathy.
Long have I known the distinction between a BOSS and a LEADER:
Boss drives employees / Leader coaches them.
Boss depends on authority / Leader depends on goodwill.
Boss inspires fear / Leader generates enthusiasm.
Boss says "I" /

Bishop Denis Chidi ISIZOH