March 19, (THEWILL) — The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, joined priests, religious, and the lay faithful of Enugu-Ezike Deanery for the 2026 Cathedraticum celebration, marking the fourth week of Lent with a profound call to faith, responsibility, and ecclesial unity.
The celebration coincided with the solemnity of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and guardian of the Holy Family, giving the liturgy a deeply reflective tone centred on family life, obedience, and trust in God.
In his opening prayers, Bishop Onah invoked the intercession of St. Joseph for the Church, especially for families facing crises, misunderstood women, and priests entrusted with the care of God’s people. He prayed that God would grant the faithful the grace to accept even what they do not fully understand and to reward their generous support for the Church through the Cathedraticum.
In a touching pastoral gesture, the bishop maintained his cherished tradition during the Cathedraticum: he invited the faithful to sit as he moved among them, personally blessing them — a symbolic expression of the shepherd walking with his flock.
In his homily, the bishop reflected on his recent participation in the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit to Rome, where he joined other Nigerian bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV.
Describing the visit as a pilgrimage to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, he noted that the bishops presented the painful realities facing Nigeria and received the assurance of the Holy Father’s prayers and solidarity.
“The cross I wear was given to me by the Pope. As I bless you, I bless you in union with him”, he stated.
He emphasised that this communion reflects the hierarchical and spiritual structure of the Church — from the Pope to bishops, priests, catechists, and the faithful — urging respect for authority and proper channels of communication within the Church.
Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the bishop presented St. Joseph as a model of silent strength, obedience, and discernment.
He described Joseph as a just man who, even in confusion and uncertainty, chose compassion over condemnation. Rather than exposing Mary to shame, he sought a path guided by mercy — until divine revelation clarified his mission.
“Joseph teaches us that you gain nothing by humiliating a sinner. Follow the law, but do so with love”, the bishop added.
He challenged the faithful to cultivate a listening heart, noting that God still speaks through “angels” — through people and situations around us — but many have hardened their hearts against good news while readily embracing negativity.
With pastoral urgency, Bishop Onah addressed the responsibility of parents in shaping the moral and spiritual future of their children.
“Do not allow your child to fall from faith”, he warned, describing this as one of the greatest responsibilities entrusted to families.
He highlighted the formative power of parental example, urging parents to guide, monitor, and educate their children intentionally, especially in a world filled with moral distractions.
Like Joseph, he said, parents must stand firm during the most delicate stages of their children’s lives — protecting, guiding, and nurturing them in faith.
Reflecting on Joseph’s quiet presence in the Gospel, the bishop noted that Scripture records no spoken words of Joseph, yet his actions spoke volumes.
“Joseph never wavered. He listened, obeyed, protected, and fulfilled his mission.”
He reminded the faithful that God often places individuals in specific situations not for their own sake alone, but to prevent harm and bring grace to others.
The bishop concluded by highlighting the beauty of the Church’s structure — a communion where challenges are shared, guidance is given, and unity is preserved.
“Just as bishops present the challenges of their dioceses to the Pope, so priests bring those of their Parishes to the bishop. That is how the Church works”, he concluded.
Following the homily, the Diocesan Secretary expressed appreciation to the bishop for his rich and thought-provoking message. He then outlined the procedures for the Cathedraticum thanksgiving, inviting parishes, organisations, and families to present their support in an orderly and prayerful manner.
The celebration at Enugu-Ezike Deanery became more than an annual obligation; it was a moment of renewal — a call to rediscover the beauty of faith, the dignity of family life, and the responsibility of every Christian to listen, obey, and act.
In the spirit of St. Joseph, the faithful were reminded that true greatness lies not in noise or recognition, but in quiet fidelity to God’s will.
