Posted on 06/07/2025 2:29:39 PM PDT by ebb tide
ENUGU, Nigeria (LifeSiteNews) — The Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Nigeria, conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on about 1,000 candidates in just one day this week.
The Diocese of Enugu announced that on June 4, Auxiliary Bishop Ernest Obodo confirmed a whopping 983 faithful in a single day, whose ages ranged from teenagers to adults. The number of candidates who received the sacrament is among the largest recorded numbers in the diocese’s recent history.
In his sermon for the confirmation Mass, Bishop Obodo emphasized that the massive number of confirmands is a sign that “God is working in the diocese.” The auxiliary bishop also reminded the candidates that their reception of the sacrament marks the beginning of their spiritual journeys guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit is our ultimate comforter. He removes the heart of stone and gives us a new spirit, transforming us into new creations,” he said. “Though we may not see Him, we feel His impact. Like wind and fire, the Spirit purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens us.”
READ: Nigeria ranks #1 among all countries in Mass attendance despite massive persecution: report
The bishop further stressed to the faithful that the Holy Spirit leads us to truth and moves us to live in accord with God’s will.
“The Holy Spirit teaches, convicts, and leads us to truth. He awakens our conscience and calls us to live according to God’s will,” he said.
As the historically Catholic continent of Europe’s Catholic population has rapidly declined, Africa has seen the highest growth of Catholics in recent years, recording an increase from 272 million in 2022 to 281 million in 2023 – a 3.31 percent growth. With 35 million Catholics, Nigeria has the highest Catholic population on the continent.
This tremendous growth in Nigeria’s Catholic population is in spite of the brutal persecution of the country’s Christians. The 2025 Global Christian Relief (GCR) Red List report named Nigeria as the most dangerous region for Christians.
READ: Nigeria, 3 other African countries are deadliest for Christians: report
The GCR report detailed how “most of the killings” in Nigeria happened in the country’s northern “sharia” states, where Christians “often live in remote villages in semi-arid landscapes, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks.” Notably, the same report highlighted the failure of the Nigerian government in stopping these anti-Christian attacks, stating that “despite government assurances that they will defeat the extremists, the violence continues to escalate.”
Ping
What lies will you come with now, foister?
Nigeria.
According to the group Open Doors, More Christians have been killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined since 2009.
At least 50,000 Christians killed in Nigeria 2009-2023.
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, whether Catholic or otherwise.
Islam and Communism have made a devil’s bargain, in more ways than one. On this Pentecost: Come, Holy Spirit to Africa and everywhere, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love!
I exchanged e-mails with a Nigerian prince.
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
I learned that prayer a long time ago.
Has it been that long since you've last been to Mass?
We had so many Confirmations and first communions in our parish this year, we had to hold them over the course of three weekends, the Mass being packed for each event. We have reverent and beautiful liturgies, strong sermons, and no “children’s Mass.” A lot of young families are bringing their children to Mass these days. Let the babies cry all they want—the sound of life is a beautiful sound.
All you need is faith and belief in Jesus. Works isn’t going to get you into heaven.
Happy Pentecost! 🕊️🔥
Nobody says they do.
What Catholics Believe About Faith and Works
I didn't post this for you, BTW, since you won't read it anyway, but for those who honestly want to know the facts and aren't consumed with mindless hate and ignorance.
And there we go. First ignorant comment.
Look up the heresy that you can work your way into heaven while you embrace to the prosperity gospel.
Christianity was first referred to as The Way.
Belief and works go hand in hand. James chapter 2.
“All you need is faith and belief in Jesus. Works isn’t going to get you into heaven.”
So Jesus’ work on the cross was a waste of time? Sacramental grace comes from that work.
It’s one thing to oppose a thing, but to oppose a thing you clearly don’t even understand doesn’t make you look very intelligent.
The last time I attended a Catholic Mass I dipped my finger in the Holy Water, I don’t remember if it was my index finger or my middle finger, but I made the sign of the cross, touching my forehead, my breast plate and both of my shoulders. I didn’t get burned, and I felt well when I left. Still searching a bit.
Excellent!
Thanks for admitting you’re not a practicing Catholic.
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