Felix Kilonzo

The Adoration Ministries in Nigeria have become a subject of concern, as they seem to have deviated from the true purpose of Eucharistic Adoration. Instead of fostering spiritual growth and devotion to God, these ministries have prioritized fame, greed, and material gain. As Father Chidiebere Philip notes, "Many are no longer centers of true worship, they have turned into crowds, noise, spectacles, politics, and fan clubs." This commercialization is a distortion of the true purpose of Eucharistic Adoration, which is to deepen our spiritual connection to Jesus Christ and foster a relationship with God through reverence and adoration. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes, "The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). However, in many Adoration Ministries in Nigeria, the focus has shifted from worshiping God to worshiping priests or seeking quick miracles and material gain. The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Mic...

Friday of 23rd week in ordinary time year C  1st reading:1 Timothy 1:1-2.12-14 Responsorial psalm:Psalm 16:1-2a and 5.7-8.I 1 (R. See 5a) Gospel reading:Luke 6:39-42 THEME:A Tribute to Father Mychal Judge "Righteous are you, O Lord, and just are your judgments" (Psalm 118:137). These words resonate deeply as we reflect on the life and sacrifice of Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and chaplain with the New York City Fire Department. On September 11, 2001, Father Judge gave his life in service to others, embodying the very essence of righteousness and justice. His unwavering dedication to serving others is a testament to the transformative power of faith and love. As we read in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me worthy and appointed me to serve him." Father Judge's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving others. He ministered to firefighters, the sick, the h...

In the Christian life, it is essential to be vigilant and discerning, particularly when it comes to teachings that claim to offer spiritual insight or guidance. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians provides a timely warning against false teachings, emphasizing the importance of remaining rooted in Christ. As Paul writes, "See that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8). This cautionary advice serves as a reminder that not all teachings, no matter how plausible or appealing, are grounded in the truth of Christ. The passage from Colossians highlights the danger of being swayed by "plausible arguments" that deviate from the core message of the Gospel. In a world where various philosophies and ideologies abound, Christians are called to be discerning, ensuring that their beliefs and practices are aligned...

Pope Leo XIV's message on the importance of following God's plan is a powerful reminder for people of all ages. By proclaiming Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis as saints, the Pope highlights the significance of living a life directed towards God. These young laymen's lives serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that holiness is attainable for everyone. The Pope's quotes emphasize the importance of faith, trust, and service in living a life that follows God's plan. He encourages people to trust in God's love and providence, to be humble and serve others, and to foster peace and forgiveness. These values are essential for building strong, meaningful relationships and creating a more compassionate and just society. One of the key takeaways from Pope Leo XIV's message is the importance of abandoning oneself to God's adventure. This requires a willingness to listen to God's word and empty oneself of worldly attachments. By d...

As we reflect on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, we're reminded that following Jesus Christ is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The Paschal mystery of Christ's cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Christian life" (CCC 571). This journey requires us to carry our cross and follow Him, embracing a life of sacrifice and death to ourselves. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our love for Him above all else. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). This radical commitment requires us to put Jesus first in our lives, even above our loved ones. As Pope Francis reminds us, "Christ is the centre of creation, Christ is the centre of his people and Christ is the centre of history." Th...

The question of what constitutes the authentic Christian faith has been a perennial concern since the earliest days of the Church. This challenge is poignantly illustrated by St. Augustine's observation in 397 AD: “Though all heretics wish to be called Catholics, yet when a stranger asks where the Catholic Church meets, no heretic will venture to point to his own chapel or house.” This statement underscores the enduring tension between those who claim to represent the true faith and those recognized within the broader Catholic tradition. The Apostolic Foundation: St. Peter and St. Paul The foundation of the Catholic Church is deeply rooted in the apostolic era, particularly through the ministry of St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Peter, often regarded as the "rock" upon which Christ built His Church (Matthew 16:18), played a pivotal role in the early Christian community. His leadership in Jerusalem and later in Rome symbolized the unity and continuity of the Church’s mission. ...