Stephen C N

There is Hope and future in Africa !

2011-11-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

Africa is the continent of hope, although Politically Africa is unstable due to crisis which is rooted in quest for power and authority and corruption. But there are crisis in the world economically, religiously and politically.

Unequivocally with many wars, humanitarian crisis , ethnic crisis, religious differences, man inhumanity against others yet God is still sustaining this great continent , which is the cradle of great civilization. Poverty is at high places insecurity the order of the day but Africa continue to grow more and more viable religiously and economically.

Western civilization was brought to us by the west which followed with it education, Christianity et al. Presently the future of Christianity in my own humble opinion is dependent on Africa and economically there is hope in Africa. Hope is in Africa religiously and economically , Africa is the continent of hope , Hope is in this great nations that make up the African continent despite many crisis, tribulations, poverty, insecurity, yet there is high hope.

There is more to be done to revitalize the political instability in this great continent of Africa. more openness, tolerance and above all enlightenment which means having the light in you and thus able to enlighten someone around you. Africans are great people, great region and super continent in this wonderful world rich with many natural resources and endowment.

Hope is Africa and Africa has Future and the World need Africa and Africa need the world. God bless Africa

English Day With Amazing Pupils

2011-04-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

2010-09-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

DIPLOMACY RULES THE WORLD

Diplomacy has been negleted in the world crisis, there is conflict, war, hatred, jealousy, stereotypes to mention but a few in the world today. Over the past years people fail to accomodate and accept compromise with which diplomacy goes with, i dont mean accepting ideas and things which are unethically justifiable but bringing diplomacy in our everyday life, work and enviroment.

There are religious crisis, ethnic conflict and wars every were has our leaders try to involve diplomcay in solving the issues. diplomcay a saying goes rules the world but that saying has been long forgotten. when we involve diplomacy in our everyday life in problem solving indeed our world will be a happier place and posterity will never forgot those who applies diplomacy to make our world the essence of its creation by God. Our world requires lots of love according to great mother teresa and diplomacy with good will is the best answer in handling the crisis in our world today

Sylwester

2010-01-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

Oprah Winifrey ends show

2009-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Celebrated chicago Born Tv show queen ends her unprecedented Tv show in 2011. "According to yahoo news after a quarter-century on the air, saying "prayer and careful thought" led her to her decision.

Winfrey told the audience that she loved "The Oprah Winfrey Show," that it had been her life and that she knew when it was time to say goodbye. "Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and feels right in my spirit," she said.

Winfrey talked about being nervous when the program began in 1986, and thanked audiences who had invited her into their homes over the past two decades.

"I certainly never could have imagined the yellow brick road of blessings that would have led me to this moment," she said.

The powerhouse show became the foundation for her multibillion-dollar media empire, but in the last year, has seen its ratings slip 7 percent. Winfrey, 55, is widely expected to start up a new talk show on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a much-delayed joint venture with Discovery Communications Inc. that is projected to debut in 2011. OWN is to replace the Discovery Health Channel and will debut in some 74 million homes."

From yahoo news : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_en_tv/us_winfrey_show_ending

Nobel laurete of the Year!

2009-10-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

President Barack Obama has been named as the winner of 2009 international nobel peace prize. lauretes prize is awarded in various discilpine, like in physics, Chemistry,Physiology or Medicine, Economics and Peace. He took the winner of peace this year to become the 3rd sitting american president winner of nobel prize within some months in office.

Unequivocally president obama is an icon of international diplomacy, he believes in diplomatic moves in all problems, i was opportune to watch and heared him addressing muslim university students in cairo egypt, his life, manner and level of political and religious tolerance expresses his essence of being. he may not be a pure conservative which i sometimes dont agree with his views. but he

respects all human beings and believes in equality of all human beings, the differences in race, gender, sex

and others. I wish him the very best long live African, long live Americans and long live the

happiest world and at Peace hopefully.

Shacken but Can't Shattered!

2009-10-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Your life can be Shaken, but not Shattered, "the purpose, passion and power to stand firm when your world falls Apart" is also a very good book you can order online @http://search.barnesandnoble.com

by Mathew Hagee

Common Questions People Ask

2009-09-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

How can potentials be discovered?

How can individuals stay focused?

How can patience leads to success?

How can Education transforms your aspirations?

How can individual differences shape personality?

Travelling Open's The Horizon

2009-08-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

London Bridge
Amusement Park

Greater Manchester

2009-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

West Minster
Catholic Archdiocese

2009-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Victoria Station
Sight Seeing Bus
Heathrow Airport

Stratford Station

2009-08-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Denmark Copehagen
Tivoli Park

Tivoli Copehagen
Arhus Denmark
Lille France

Harmburg Germany

Brussel Belgium

Faith Endures Joy Comes In the Morning!

2009-08-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Those in trial times are next to line for promotion, supernatural break through and good harvest u are looking for, joy comes in the morning God will not fail those that believe in him if God is with you who can be against you. Freedom and success is from God. "In wars u either win or loose, there is no substitue for victory (pastor John hagee)". Therefore victory has no subtitute, injustice is only as powerful as ur memory of it. Better days is coming for those that weep to laugh. Those who created yesterday pains for others will not control their tommorrows Potentials.

If Wishes were Horses Beggars & Dreamers Would Ride

2009-07-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

If wishes were horses beggars would ride

If wishes were horses dreamers would ride

if wishes were horses unborn child would ride

If wishes were horses man would fly

However,dreams, wishes, come true when reality and hard work transforms them into a concrete actions. God is love he blesses, help,fulfils and answer prayers based on your hardwork and sufferings of all good dreams and wishes. Help your children o lord!.

Art of Random kindness

2009-04-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

What changing the world means can be represented by 3 letters A.R.K "Act of Random Kindness". To change the world is simply when you help and emphatized with at least one person around you, 'act of random kindness'.

Nigeria Day

2009-04-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Worth Reading

2009-01-25T04:33:00.000-08:00

It's a truism that Leniency is never a weakness, is characterized by been tolerant, less strict. Doing good is an unconditional price . To give alms is necessary for our lives, To forgive those that fails is unaviodable, To be Tolerant is the key to unity of people despite the race. Please your creator and your heart not another.To be self Opinionated or independent of public opinion is not convincing but to be self Motivated can be Considered. To have at least one good person to confide on is not bad. To do good with conditional exploiting intent in return is not worth it, To have doubts before doing good is not appreciated but praying before thinking of doing good is the antidote to Michiefs or dubiousity.

To treat some with disdain and lack of trust is agianst the divine law of creation of lives. The respect to lives is ethically justifying, To be Religious is of the Heart and not of the appearnce, Be less strict in condeming others because it's one of the attributes of Hypocrites and it's infact hypocritical, Do not Promise,say what you cannot actualised. Learn to talk less but Listen the Most. Gesticulate when deeply hurt do not hide it. When one cannot stand up for somethings there will be failures in everything.To mention but a few these and many more is worth meditating think about this and stay focussed and confident unlike never before!.

To Listen Youtube Scrol down and pause the Music

2009-01-17T01:57:00.000-08:00

Perogies Preparation

Xmas1.

Xmas2.

Yet Another Day

2009-01-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

Is another New day in a New year God Almighty has done marvelous for us Holy is his name

Season's Greetings

2008-12-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Is it Not Right Time He Resign

2008-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Is it not about time President Mugabe resign peacefully why defiants and intoxicated in absolute power that corrupts absolutely.

imagine the troubles in the region and recently the chorela outbreak disease killing his people and instabilities here and there in Zimbabwe. why can't he accept is time to leave office for the contemporary, after decades in office.

Leadership is of
God not of man, imagine the pictures of the poor zimbabweans under the scourge of hardship, hunger and presently the epidemic of cholera outbreak. I am deeply concerned and pray for God's help in zimbabwe and the rest of african countries like dafur sudan and other places were there is humanitarian crisis.

Humble & Innocent Dove

2008-11-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

What does it take to make a wrong right, simply been humble and modest. humility is according to wikipedia is " derived from the Latin word "humilis", which is translated not only as humble but also alternatively as "low", or "from the earth", and "humus", humid, which in the past it was believed that emotions, diseases, depressions, where causes by imbalances of body waters. Because the concept of humility addresses intrinsic self-worth, it is emphasized in the realm of religious practice and ethics where the notion is often made more precise and extensive. Humility as a religious or spiritual virtue is different from the act of humiliation or shaming though the former may follow as a consequence of the latter." It is worth been humble and honest respectively.

Congratulations Mr President!

2008-11-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

Good thing Can indeed comes out from a Black Man he is epitome of great change, he is tried, tasted, trusted and finally elected. Peace and stability to the world. Congratulations Mr President Obama, (igwe - King) and Joy to africa and the whole world

2008-10-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and i thank God for the gift of new life, new hope, great opportunities and above all gift of another year. I pray to God to bless my parents, brothers, sisters i thank him for our lifes and good health for success and my friends, nephews,nieces,inlaws,relatives and all.
I thank all my blog friends and unknown bloggers.(The pictures are my little nephews and Niece).

Founder's Day (Opus Dei)

2008-10-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Today is October 2nd and the 80th Anniversary of the Opus Dei foundation by St Jose maria Escriva. According to information in wikipedia ' Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (January 9, 1902 – June 26, 1975) (also known as José María or Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás, born José María Mariano Escrivá y Albás) was a Catholic priest from Spain, and founder of Opus Dei. He was canonized in a controversial process by Pope John Paul II, who declared Saint Josemaría as "counted among the great witnesses of Christianity.

He had a doctorate in civil law at the University of Madrid and a doctorate in theology at the Lateran University in Rome.
He was a member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology and Consultor of the Congregation of Seminaries, and Consultor of the Pontificial Commission for the Authentic Interpretation of the Code of Canon Law.

His principal work was the foundation, government and expansion of Opus Dei. He and the organization have been accused of many things, including political involvement. CNN Vatican analyst John Allen Jr. however, says that these accusations are mere myths that grew from black legends propagated against Opus Dei and Escrivá. Opus Dei and Escrivá continue to be polarizing subjects among certain members of the Catholic Church'. Eugene from Information Office of the Prelature of Opus Dei in Nigeria told me that there is going to be a Pictorial exhibition on the life of St. Josemaria in Enugu the opus dei Center located in the South eastern part of Nigeria from 11 - 17 october, 2008.

Is Good To Be Free

2008-07-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

Freedom is good is nice that finally Ms Betancourt who has been on hostage by farc rebels for more than 6 years is now free. i hope others still in hostage by Colombian Farc rebel will be freed too.

KRAKOW IS FINE

2008-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

TO BE AFRICAN IS A GIFT

2008-05-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

To be African is a special gift from God believe it or not, no matter what happen or were one is leaving or no matter the situation,

in life one must give account of his or her pedigree.

To be a black man is never a crime.

Because God knows why he created all human being in his image and likeness.

He knows why some are white in there skin colours and while some are black in there colours.

While is there so much discrimination in the world, what crime have we committed to be African,

can we question God's creation.

I know quite well that there exist

some forms of cheat and insincerity among our african brethren

but

actually all cannot be like that.

All human beings are created equally in the eyes of God.

To be a true African Child is a special gift from God and i am glad to be from Africa.

IS HE NOT A SYMBOL OF PEACE?

2008-04-10T02:51:00.001-07:00

Tenzin Gyatso the name of the 14th Dalai Lama according to the list of Dalai Lamas." Dalai Lama is the title given to an individual who is the spiritual and, sometimes, temporal leader of Tibetan Buddhist worldwide. This person is believed to be the current incarnation of a long line of Tulkus, or Buddhist Masters, who have become so enlightened as to be exempt from the wheel of death and rebirth.

These ascended masters have chosen of their own free will to be reborn to this plane in order to teach humanity. A Lama (meaning "Teacher") is a title given to many different ranks of Tibetan Buddhist clergy".

Is this man not a symbol of peace? is he not a spiritual leader? is he not a perfect leader of his Buddhist especially in tibet. I have never seen anyone been awarded a medal by U,S authorities without been recognised worldwide as a famous person of peace. While is the Government of china after this man of peace why is there so much man's inhumanity to his fellow man going on in Tibet.

Recently the U,S speaker Ms pelosi spoke out against China's rule in Tibet. The earlier the international community stand up to speak about the inhumanity in tibet the better for the world and peace will reign in Tibet and in the world.

EASTER GREETINGS

2008-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

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A Blessed holy week, and Memorable Easter Celebrations to all

IT'S VERY COLD IN RZESZOW BUT SPRING IS COMING!

2008-03-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

I don't like winter season, it comes with many sickness i am happy is going and very soon spring which will usher in summer season will come, and i will feel the heat and hotness of the weather like in Africa and Nigeria my home Country.

YOUTHS & VALENTINE'S D

2008-02-14T04:21:00.000-08:00

Celebration of Valentine's day comes every 14th of febuary annually. The orign of the feast of Valentine dates back to the 14th century, in the hey days of Roman Empire.The church had named St Valentine the patron saint of young lovers in holy courtship and consecrated love. St Valentine a Roman Priest was murdered in 269 AD for disobeying the emperor's order of not wedding soldiers. Valentine saw it as offensive and an aberration of God's purpose, the promiscuity, irresponsible parenthood and abuse of sexual love that was engendered by the empero's policy.

God created that overwhelming attraction to enable creatures participate in creation and only in the permanent union of man and woman can procreation be morally achieved. The feast of Valentine is a healthy christian celebration that looks at love and friendship as caring for each other, having positive thoughts about others and wishing each other well.

Indeed, it has become necessary to return to the orignal concept of the feast because, when one talks of love these days, people's mind go to romance and sex, while most youths misconstrue valentine day to be a day the larger society gives tacit approval or turns the other way in the face of pre-marital and extra marital sexual relation. we must not forget that apart from the many evil consequences of this vice, including the spread of the globally ravaging Hiv, it also leads to moral ruin and national decadence. This is far from what St Valentine stood for.

The society at large should join in the outright condemnation of the media campaigns which tend to reduce valentine day to mere celebration of lust. All hands must be on deck to hep children grow up as children of God because it is a segment of society to experience some emotion towards the opposite sex, which is the crisis of growing up. married partners should be made part of the activities on valentine day. let that remind them of the love that binds them together. Let them renew that love and keep it aglow to enable them overcome the difficulties of married life.Finally, our advice to young lovers is that holy courtship and consecrated love of the type St Valentine encouraged and died for can only be achieved throug a life of holiness.'Leader Vol xlv'.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN KENYA

2008-01-31T03:37:00.000-08:00

The Post electoral crisis in kenya started pretty long time, i am aware of the crisis and the situation there but i thought it will stop after some time but each time i open news in the internet kenya will be the headline.

The cause of all the humanitarian crisis and killings of innocent lifes in kenya is simply because of bad leadership in kenyan government. When will democracy be actually at work in africa?, when will african leaders be ready to stop electoral fraud or rigging or manipulation of votes to ,ake themselves be forever leaders. I

have written so much about bad leaders in africa. So many have died in kenyan crisis simply

because of one or two persons. Why did african leaders wants to be in power for decades or many years before they can hand power to people of there choice and not people of masses choice.

Recently "Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has warned to turn his back on Africa if the continent's leaders again reject his proposals for african closer unity. He said Libya would instead look towards Europe and the Arab world." Gaddafi's has a nice agenda by calling for africans to unite to be one and United States of Africa but my question is that is he ready to leave power to another person in libya to rule or is he going to be a leader in libya until his death?, this is part of the problem in

africa. Corruption and power intoxication is the problem we africans are suffering.

Many africans are running to to Europe, America and better countries in the world simply becuase of lack of security and basic necessities for life. Most African countries has money more than some european countries but bad leaders are always making the life of common people to be in bad shape oh God help us Africans from the hands of the oppresses leaders.

NOT GOOD TO HEALTH

2008-01-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

Several cases of sickness has been traced to the dangerous of smoking or exposing oneself to smokes or enviroment were there is too many smokes. Many cases of poor health conditions of some people especially some patients in the hospital can be traced to smoking. The most dangerous of smoking is in public places.

According to bbc news 'A court in Nigeria has adjourned a multi-billion dollar lawsuit brought by the government against three major tobacco firms until March.
The government is seeking $44bn in compensation for the costs of treating smoking-related diseases.

The firms are also accused of deliberately trying to promote smoking among young Nigerians.
The firms, British American Tobacco, Phillip Morris and International Tobacco deny all charges.'

Smoking is dangerous to health and can cause many harmful effect to our bodies.

VIOLATION OF HUMAN LIFE

2008-01-06T03:02:00.000-08:00

Abortion is the premature termination of pregnancy induced by illness, drugs, or physical factors where the fetus cannot survive. 'Abortion entails the taking of human life and is a violation of the life-generating process. Therefore, abortion should not be allowed under public law as an ordinary or standard means of family planning, or for the social and psychological convenience of those responsible for a pregnancy.'

In Many Countries and nations especially in Europe and America abortion is practiced freely and is legal. The act is violation of the very essence of human being. it is extermination of precious life. who knows how many lifes God has sent to this world to redeem us and they did not come to life because of abortion. In Poland Abortion is like a crime it is not even mention there is a baby boom in Poland and there population is increasing everyday. In Africa although some practise it but is rare in Nigeria it is not allowed but some secretly does that.

The most surprising thing is that some married women leaving with there husband even practice abortion, when they don't want pregnancy or when they don't want a particular sex like a male or Female. Some practice abortion as a family planning method what a wicked act. The only Best method of practising family planning which is also approved by the catholic church is Billing Ovulation Method.

Human life is Sacrosanct and should not be violated by another person let us appreciate the life God gave us and stop the wicked act of aborting innocent lifes of babies in the womb, crying of the Billions of this babies will be disturbing God, and the earlier it is stoped better for us and we avoid the wrath of God.

2008-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

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May God bless all my friends, family and all this new year and may God have mercy on me to achieve my heart desire with good health amen. Happy New Year to all.

2007-12-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
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To all friends, family and well wishers.

FELIZ NAVIDAD
WESOŁY BOŻE NARODZENIE
MERRY CHRISTMAS
EZIGBO ANURI NA NCHETA OMUMU JESUS CHRIST

2007-12-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

GREAT LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

What a giant and wonderful church is this? so amazing and worth including as one of the wonders of the world. La Sagrada Família is spanish word for 'The Holy Family' it is a Roman Catholic basilica under construction in Barcelona, Spain. This famous church cathedral construction according to information i gatherd is not supported by any government or official church sources. Private patrons funded the initial stages. Money from tickets purchased by tourists is now used to pay for the work, and private donations are accepted through the Friends of the Temple.

The construction of sagrad famila Construction actually began in '1882 and its formal title is Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. Originally designed by Antoni Gaudí (1852 – 1926), who worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to the endeavor, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí is said to have remarked, "My client is not in a hurry." After Gaudí's death in 1926, work continued under the direction of Domènech Sugranyes until interrupted by the Spanish civil war in 1935.

Parts of the unfinished building and Gaudí's models and workshop were destroyed during the war by Catalan anarchists. The design, as now being constructed, is based both on reconstructed versions of the lost plans and on modern adaptations. Since 1940 the architects Francesc Quintana, Isidre Puig Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari and Francesc Cardoner have carried on the work.

The current director and son of Lluís Bonet, Jordi Bonet i Armengol, has been introducing computers into the design and construction process since the 1980s.

Mark Burry of New Zealand serves as Executive Architect and Researcher. Sculptures by J. Busquets, Etsuro Sotoo and the controversial Josep Subirachs decorate the fantastical façades. According to the newspaper El Periódico de Catalunya, 2.26 million people visited the partially built basilica in 2004, making it one of the most popular attractions in Spain. The central nave vaulting was completed in 2000 and the main tasks since then have been the construction of the transept vaults and apse. Current work 2006 concentrates on the crossing and supporting structure for the main tower of Jesus Christ as well as the southern enclosure of the central nave which will become the Glory façade.
Recently, the Ministry of Public Works of Spain (Ministerio de Fomento in Spanish), has projected the construction of a tunnel for the high speed train just under where the principal façade of the temple has to be built. Although the ministry states that the project poses no risk to the basilica, the engineers and architects of the temple disagree as there are no guarantees that the tunnel will not affect the stability of the building.

A campaign is being waged by the Sagrada Familia preservation society (Patronat de la Sagrada Familia) and the neighbourhood association AVE pel Litoral."I wish i will have the opportunity to visit this great Basilica and according to me this great Church Construction is Antoni Gaudi's MAGNUM OPUS. (The Pictures is from Sagrad Familia website)

2007-11-29T08:43:00.004-08:00

SALVE REGINA (HAIL HOLY MOTHER MARY)

SALVE REGINA

Salve Regina,
Mater Misericordiae
Vita dulcedo
et spes nostra salve

Ad te clamamus,
exsules filii Hevae
Ad te suspiramus,
gementes et flentes
In hac lacrimarum valle

Eia, ergo, advocata nostra
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui
Nobis post hoc exsilium ostende
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis, Virgo Maria.

2007-11-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

MARRIAGE IN IGBO TRIBE NIGERIA

Marriage is a legal union between a Man and a Woman coming together to live and stay together happily as husband and wife. The aim of marriage is not only for procreation. It is a sacred institution as well as a vocation, because not everybody is going to get into marriage. Religious and Priests do not marry because that is their vocation, which they heartily accepted. Unequivocally marriage is sacrosanct and very important in life.
There are many tradition and cultural settings in Nigeria and there are more than 80 tribes in Nigeria and so many different languages in Nigeria. There are three main Religion in Nigeria Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion. But my Focus is on Christian marriage.

with kindness while the children in turn also love their parents and honor them.

In Nigeria marriage is one of the highly regarded traditional values. We have other values like, respect for the elders, respect for the authorities, committing no adultery, respect for human life, respect for expectant women to mention but a few. We so much believe in the sanctity of marriage and the traditional union existing and only between a Man and a Woman and not other way round, in Igbo tribe in the southeastern Nigeria from were I came from, in Africa and Nigeria in particular, that is why divorce is not so popular over here in Nigeria. Although the issue of adultery still persists which is one of the sins which has eaten deep into our Christian lives and it has destroyed many homes. The issue of adultery has caused so much traumatic and psychological problems to families in the world. It has separated many children from their parents, parents from their children and families from their homes. However in Nigeria marriage with children are highly regarded especially male children, which in our cultural and social setting the significance of their heir is what matters. Some Christians in Nigeria remarry when their wife is unable to give them children especially male. Children come from God, male or female that is what Christians should know. Marriage is not only for children, because it is also a call and ordained by God. They’re many families and homes without the fruit of marriage or childless yet they have strong faith in the lord and remain good Christians. In Nigeria some men who are about to marry normally impregnates their partner before marriage. The reason they do that is to make sure that their wife is fertile yet they called themselves practicing Christians in Nigeria. In some Catholic dioceses pregnant bride are not allowed to wear wedding gown into the church during wedding mass. This might be part of the measure to check pre marital sex and to discourage men trying the fertility of their partners before marriage.
Love is very important in marriage because a true Nigerian Christian marriage is that which all members of the family love one another.' The husband love and treat his wife with kindness, the wife love and should not usurp authority over her husband, parents should also love their children and treat them with kindness while the children in turn also love their parents and honor them.

TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE IN IGBO TRIBE

(WINE CARRYING CEREMONY)

After Christian marriage in the church the bride and the groom must have to travel to their home town in the village to perform the traditional marriage right. It is a must in Nigeria and virtually all the tribes in Nigeria observes this traditional marriage right it‘s popularly called Wine Carrying ceremony or (Igba Nkwu Nwanyi) in the southern part of Nigeria called Igbo tribe. And this tribe is mostly Christians ranging from Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Protestants and other denominations with Catholicism as the majority religion in this Igbo tribe. Traditional marriage in relation with the Christian marriage goes together. Sometimes couple performs this right with money if they don’t want to celebrate it in a bigger way but it is imperative that the bride has to take her fiancé to her kinsman and when the fiancé is very far away the member of the bridegroom must represent him and every thing will officially performed and the bride price will be paid.

IMPORTANT OF CHILDREN IN MARRIAGE

Nigerian Marriage especially my tribe children are very sacred and worth having in every marriage. Unlike in Europe were married couples engaged themselves in building a family without caring about having children though needed by them. In Igbo my tribe a woman without any child normally sees herself as one with a course she can do anything to get a child but many wise ones among them look unto the lord for a child others will go to fetish and traditional medicine men in order to get a child.

In Conclusion husband as the Pater Familias or head of the family in christian marriage should look after their homes and be God's fearing just like St Joseph the husband of blessed Virgin Mary and father of Jesus Christ did, for a happy marriage produces a happy parents, happy parents produces happy homes, happy homes produces happy children, happy children makes a happier family, and happier family makes a happiest society.

2007-11-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

POLSKA/NIGERIA VIEWS

Uneqivocally most Poles are very Religious and has a strong root in catholicism. Majority of poles are Roman catholic though there are few other christian denominations that exist from information i gathered. In other hand i was born and nurtured in Nigeria. My parents are from Nigeria. Nigeria is a very large country in african continent. there are many religions in Nigeria but the most three popular ones are Christianity, islam and Traditional Religion. In all this denominations Roman catholic has few percentage of population more than the rest of other religions. So catholicism is not the only religion in Nigeria just like it is majority in poland.There are various culture in Nigeria just like it is in poland but unfortunately in Nigeria there are many tribes and different cultural settings that existed in Nigeria. There are over 80 tribes in Nigeria and i came from the tribe called Igbo in the south eastern Nigeria majority christians in general and Roman Catholic, Anglican and others respectively and in particular.i discovered that in Rzeszow and Poland there is a strong tradition of a relationship or union between a man and a woman. In some other places even in Nigeria there existed some few places were you will notice a relationship that existed between the same sex although it is illegal in my country but few practice that, but in poland is not like that even if it existed i have not seen or heard about that.

Again In Poland there is regard for the sanctity of human life, life is very precious to poles even though in Nigeria we had such belief in the right to life but some violate that for example termination of pregnancy or abortion is very common in Nigeria but not approved but many still practice abortion. But in Poland from the fact i recieved there is right to life no abortion .Greater percentage of Poles are very hospitable and peaceful in Nature my experince at train station in warsaw when i arrived poland for the first time proved to me that poland and her citizens are very kind and lovely people. they do not cheat or decieve people forigners in there country.Before coming to Poland i knew quite well that there is low employment in Poland so i was never surprise with that because i knew and read in the news about many poles leaving there country to other countries like ireland, United kingdom and U.S.A. But fortunatley there economy is improving better than it used to be in the past decades.The idea of racism existed but very little in Poland, it is a cankerworm that has eaten deep in the lives of some white men especially those that are not religious, but in Nigeria there is no such thing like descrimination or racism in Nigeria. Nigerians saw white men as second God and always give anything to make any white or even forigners happy.

From my point of view polish women are more friendly than there men. some experinces showed that making a friendship here is more of with polish Female. i have never seen any of my Nigerian brothers here who can boast of having a polish male friend if not only women and girls. But in Nigeria we make a lot of friends with any class young, old, men, women, boys, girls, rich and poor alike . we live together and friendly with all.Finally without fear or favour i personally like poland and her citizens even though there is low level of employment for forigners. My experinces here and relationship i have had since i came here proved to me that poles are very peaceful people, they are contended with what they have and above all very hospitable and trust worthy unlike in my place oif birth. The life of late Great pope John Paul II summarizes the very essence of how average poles are like.

2007-10-29T10:57:00.002-07:00

RZESZOW

2007-10-28T01:51:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

October 28 of every year is my birthday anniversary and i thank God for the gift of new life, new hope, great opportunities and above all making me to see another year on top of the ones he gave me. I pray to God to keep my parents Sir and lady Innocent and Cecilia Nwagbo of Knight of St Mulumba and my 5 brothers and 2 sisters alive and healthy prosperous and my friends, nephews,nieces,inlaws,relatives and enemies alive and healthy too.(This Picture is when i was 1 year old).

I enjoy all my blog friends and comments contributors to say a big Happy birthday to me starting with Fr Odon de Castro who introduced me to blogging, My dearest friend Sr. Jose Luis Dimas, feripula, Mr John Bowden, david, aguila libera, Biby Cletus, fr Cristian,Ingrid Smith,Carl Jylland-Halverson and other bloggers.

May God bless you all and keep us all alive to see our next and many birthday Years again. i will attach more pictures of how i look presently together with this when they are ready. (This November too will mark one year i started blogging).
Feliz Cumpleaños Stephen!
Happy birthday Stephen!
Ezigbo Anuri na ncheta omumu gi Stephen!

2007-10-16T04:38:00.001-07:00

POLAND CELEBRATES PAPAL DAY

"The entire citizens of poland in home and diaspora today celebrates the 7th Papal Day today. This year, the main theme is John Paul II - defender of human dignity. Masses, concerts, lectures and workshops are taking place all over the country. The faithful are praying for a quick beatification of John Paul II and spreading knowledge on his pontificate and teaching. A hundred thousand volunteers are collecting money for talented but poor youth to help them with their education. Papal Day is celebrated annually on the Sunday preceding the anniversary."

The main day late Pope John Paul 2 Papacy began was on 16 October 1978 and this 16th of October 2007 marks exactly 27 years he was elected pope. until his death on his papal apartment in vatican two years ago on 2 April 2005 at the age of 84.

Pope John Paul II real name is (Karol Jozef Wojtyla) he was born on 18 May 1920(1920-05-18)Wadowice, Kraków Poland. "His early reign was marked by his opposition to communism, and he is often credited as one of the forces which contributed to its collapse in Central and Eastern Europe. In the later part of his pontificate, he was notable for speaking against war, fascism, communism, dictatorship, materialism, abortion, contraception, relativism, unrestrained capitalism, and what he deemed the "culture of death" Pope john paul II speaks many languages like Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Croatian, Portuguese, Russian and Latin. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he canonized a great number of people. In 1992, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. On 2 April 2005 at 9:37 p.m. local time, Pope John Paul II died in the Papal Apartments while a vast crowd kept vigil in Saint Peter's Square below. Millions of people flocked to Rome to pay their respects to the body and for his funeral.

The last years of his reign had been marked by his fight against the various diseases ailing him, provoking some concerns as to leadership should he become severely incapacitated/vegetative, and speculation as to whether he should abdicate. On 9 May 2005, Pope Benedict XVI, John Paul II's successor, waived the five year waiting period for a cause for beatification to be opened. Pope John paul was loved by many Nations and religion both christians, islams or moslems and even the traditional religious adherents. he will always be remembered.

2007-10-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

NIGERIA CELEBRATES

Nigeria celebrates 47th independence anniversary today, i know it is a remarkable day in our Nigeria history and exactly 2 and half decades Nigeria was independent of british rule. is unfortunate i have to observe this important day in poland were i am now more pictures of the city rzeszow the region i am currently staying for studies will be posted soon. But it is a cool city in the south eastern poland.

2007-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

THANK GOD WITH ME

This is the pictures of my elder sister who just had a new baby few days ago, it was a terrible experince she pass before giving birth to her second son Chinemerem Brian Cyril, he is about 2 weeks old and brother to chisom Michael cyril. She means a lot to me and i always remain grateful to her after God. The almighty Lord has work marvel for me and our families holy is his name

2007-08-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

ETHIOPIA CELEBRATES HER NEW MILLENIUM IN SEPTEMBER 11 2007

One would ask why is Ethiopa the ancient old dynasty of Africa about to celebrate her new millenium this september 11 2007, when other countries had there's in the year 2000. Unfortunately that day reminds United States of America and the citizens the tragic terrorist attacks on their country but for Ethiopia "it will be welcoming the coming of the second millennium. The following morning will be the first day of the year 2000 (and of the month of Meskerem) according to the Ethiopian calendar".It's indeed going to be a happy momment for them. "Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which comprises twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five days (or six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western (Gregorian) calendar with Christmas being celebrated on January 7 and New Year on September 11, which can be extremely confusing to westerners. The Ethiopian clock is similar to many equatorial countries and there is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian and Western time. This means Western 6:00am is 12:00am

Ethiopian time and 6pm Western time is 12 noon Ethiopian time. Ethiopia is also three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)." In Ethiopia there is no adjustment of clocks for Winter or Summer Time, so there is no putting clocks backward or forward an hour. Being close to the Equator there is almost twelve hours of constant daylight. In Addis Ababa, sunrise begins at around 06.30 and sunset is about 18:45.

Ethiopia according to sources is as large as France and Spain combined and has one of the richest histories on the African continent. Ethiopia is one of the few African countries never to lose its independence(CF http://www.ethiopiantour.com/) Ethiopia has many kings but their last king Haile Selassie ruled them for 45 years before he was overthrown by the Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1974.

2007-07-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

I PERSONALLY STAND WITH YOU

I don't know what else others think but I personally stand with "A prominent critic of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo, Pius Ncube, is being sued for alleged adultery." To me weather archbishop ncube committed the crime of adultery or not, which was accused him with his secretary and following the lawsuit which has been filed by the husband of a woman who worked as a secretary in the archbishop's office., i still stand with him. Archbishop is a human being and capable of ill, i believe the government of zimbabwe, mugabe and xanopi party is at work to silence the outspoken and indefatigable highest ctritic of mugabe. who has single handedly open a challenge and called for street protest against the leadership of president mugabe.

Trying to destroy the image of man of God will not help to improve the economic inflation in zimbabwe. Almost the whole world is calling for a change of government of mugabe, he cannot continue to rule he is a tyrant and oppressor capable of silencing his opponent, he should be ousted and i believe the time has come for that. I am not supporting any evil even though i don t know if the archbishop is guilty or not of the accusations. But the government of mugabe will not succeede with this because here in africa we are against his rule and that of the entire corrupt wicked African leaders .

2007-07-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

AFRICAN UNION Summit ACCRA 2007

The leaders of the African continent are meeting in Accra Ghana today 1st july for a 3 days summit to discuss on how to make african continent come together and integrated as the one United State of Africa which is championed and been pushed by Libya's Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. "But this idea of a single pan-African government was orignated by Ghanian first leader Kwame Nkrumah who led Ghana to independence in 1957".
The idea is a welcome one but the big question is are the African leaders ready for the said unity of the continent. African leaders are they ready to battle with corruption existing in there countries, political instability, economic instability, religious intolerance, educational instability, crisis in our neighbouring african countries like dafur sudan and other countries in Africa.

These African leaders are they ready to fight corruption among themselves, what about electoral fraud and rigging existing among themselves. It is a pity to mention this what about these leaders who saw themselves as the only credible leader to rule there country until there death even after there death there son or family person will continue to rule. president Gaddafi of libya wants unity of africa is he ready to leave power to another person he has been rulling his country for decades, what about in congo DRC Kabilla started from where his father ended, in Zimbabwe President mugabe refused to hand over power to another person even from his party and he continued rulling for years. In south africa mbeki is aspiring to rule again for the third time which there constitution forbids. In Nigeria the former president obasanjo wanted to change the constitution and rule again for the third time but failed he has to rig election to impose our new president yaradua to us although the new president is from a good pedigree.And many other countries of africa and there leaders.

The issue of economic growth, fighting poverty and crisis should be addressed before african unity. Leaders of african continent should think of how a poorest african can feed with at least 1 dollar daily. I am not skeptical with the idea of unity of africa because i believe that africa due to there hospitable nature and with the natural resources God gave us will someday be united and developed like Europe and America. (Pictures from BBC News)

2007-06-20T06:48:00.003-07:00

AVE MARIS STELLA(Hail, star of the sea, fostering mother of God

I so much like this song which was revealed to St Bridget and that whoever sings this song in the eventuality of any danger shall not be harmed.

AVE MARIS STELLA

Ave maris stellaDei mater alma

Atque semper virgoFelix coeli porta

Sumens illud AveGabrielis oreFunda nos in pace

Mutans Hevae nomen

Solve vincla reisProfer lumen caecis,Mala nostra pelle

Bona cuncta posce.

Monstra le esse matremSumat per te precesQui pro nobis natusTulit esse tuus.

Virgo singularis Inter omnes mitis Nos culpis solutosMites fac et castos.

Vitam praesta puramIter para tutumUt videntes JesumSemper collaetemur.

Sit laus Deo Patri Summo Christo decus Spiritui Sancto

Tribus honor unus.

Amen.

2007-06-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

THE G8 PLEGDES I HOPE WILL BE FULFILLED

I Hope the world richest and most industrialized countries of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. which according to the wikipedia free web encyclopedia represent about 65% of the world economy. will fulfill the $60bn Aids deal they made to help in Africa especially in fighting Malaria, Hiv and TB.

"On the final day of their summit, they repeated a commitment made at the 2005 Gleneagles Scotland summit to double aid for Africa by the end of the decade".

Even though some anti poverty campaigners expressed disappointment on the outcome of the last summit of the G8 leaders in Germany, but to me is more than a success if they will fulfill there plegdes to Africa especially the worst part were there are crisis. A bird at hand worth thousands in the bush.(Pictures from bbc.com)

2007-06-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

MY FIRST NEPHEW

Chisom Michael Cyril is my first nephew from my eldest sister. He is a 1 year and 8 months today. i pray for God's guidance and protection on him so that he will grow up being God fearing young lad. May God bless and protect his father and my first sister.

MY SECOND NEPHEW

Kamsi Chelsea Nwandu is my second nephew from my immediate and second elder sister. He is 5 months old now. May God's protection rest upon him and his father and my second elder sister.

2007-05-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

There is a lot of crisis in the world now especially in the african continent. In Iraq, sudan, somalia, cote d' voir Nigeria, Lebanon,east timor and so on. many said they did not see Rwanda genocide coming, the conflict between the Hutu-dominated government forces and the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front army led to an escalation of ethnic tension throughout country which led to the lost of many innocent lives. many children were left orphan and displaced almost a million lives lost from april to july 1994.

What about the ongoing world's worst humanitarian crisis in darfur sudan. Did we not saw that coming too. Tens of thousands of lives were lost, many were in the different refugee camps, many innocent girls who are not even up to adolescent age were victims of rape, hunger, sickness, deaths, malnutritions and so on, why all this man's inhumanity to fellow man. There is no love, no tolerance, no peace the using of chidren as soldiers (child soldiers) a lot of victims of this humanitarian crisis has suffered a lot. some took very dangerous risk trying to leave

their countries to other countries in europe through sea with ordinary boat. just like we heard in spain canary islands, The Spanish government has sent back more than 750 African migrants, including 30 children. most of them were senegalese to their homes were they came from, to me that was not fair. entering into another country illegally is not good, but what about the risk these poor africans took, what about the crisis back home which forced them to fled, what about those that died in the sea with others trying to reach europe by sea. what about those there small boat capsized and so on.

The spanish government, italian and other european countries near the western coast of africa should reconsider and investigate well before sending home illegal immigrants just like the spanish government 'said all illegal immigrants would be expelled.' this is part of the humanitarian crisis.
So many africans has suffered because of poverty, bad leadership and corruption. That is why millions of Africans were scattered round the world outside there continent.pictures copied from (www.thewe.cc)

2007-05-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN WE ABUSED

Corruption from web meaning is lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain. In Africa corruption has eaten deep in the minds of africans especially the leaders. corruption is a universal problem, even in the civilized world like the west. But in africa the practice is the order of the day.

Here in my country corruption is the worst nightmare that we have ever suffered as citizens for decades. Bribery, corruption, power intoxication, dictatorship reigns supreme here in africa. despite that poverty is every where here.

The recent election in my country explains how corrupted our leaders were, in my country our governmnent is fighting corruption but has the worst record of being corrupt themselves with the shelter of their immunity which will not cover them forever. How can the government be fighting examination malpractice when they massively rig and manipulate election in the very presence of these school children. Here in my country virtually all children knows what it takes to rig election, to do malpractise in school and other unethical things. This is as a result of bad leadership. I always said that 'what a person gives he takes, nobody gives what he has not and cannot offer, he who pays the piper calls the tune.' (The children we abused today due to our evil leadership and corrupt practices will have revenge on the society tommorrow.) Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep in our lifes which we inherited from our corrupt leaders, both inside our families and the government

2007-05-04T01:17:00.000-07:00

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

Msgr. T. Merson of blessed memory was until his death a Roman Catholic Priest from San Francisco Archdiocese california U.S. for more than 2 decades.
His service to his archdiocese was unprecedented and worth commendable. He was a very humble priest he always thought about the good of others before he thinks of himself.

The little i knew about him although i have never met with him before but i was in contact with him until his death is that his priesthood was indeed the essence of his being. I requested for his picture am yet to receive that when i do i will post it. Msgr Merson's last sentence in his reply to my letter was " i am in his thoughts and prayers". And he too will always be remembered in my prayers. God be with you and the rest of the faithful departed.

2007-04-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT ELECT

Governor Umaru Yar'Adua of katsina state in the Northern Nigeria is declared the winner of Nigeria's non credible elections. The 56 years old former chemistry teacher, is set to be Nigeria's first university educated leader, after being elected as Nigeria's next president in controversial polls, From my own view he is a moslem and of a good pedigree but he is in a wrong party, because the rulling party has failed Nigerians. There was no credible elections in most parts of the country. The president elect and other elected officials of the rulling party were imposed on us Nigerians we never voted them. In my state of residence no election was conducted yet there was a result. we were totally disenfranchised and discriminated. well posterity will judge the rulling party and there leader the outgoing president. He who pays the piper calls the tune unequivocally the results was never a surprise to most Nigerians. However democracy is still the best form of government no matter what happens democracy is what we want viva Nigeria

2007-04-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

ABSOLUTE POWERS

Absolute power as the saying goes corrupts absolutely. Here in Africa the quest to be and remain ad infinitum in the office as a president is very common. The recent crisis in zimbabwe is as a result of hard and power intoxication and selfish spirit in African leaders. president robert Mugabe has been in office for decades. yet he saw himself as the best and committed leader to rule his country until his death. How can somebody who is more than a political age be allowed to still rule. how are we sure the following crisis in his home town is not as a result of his ageing.

Liberty and Freedom of expression is not fully allowed in african continent. Here in Africa, political opponents are seen as the worst nightmare, people or groups who are not benefitting from the ruling parties are been marginalized and targeted at times accused of felony, treason arbitrary arrested and detained. like it is seen and felt in zimbabwe. Too many hunger, lack of freedom, poverty, children were not going to school. many country men were leaving the country to other neigbouring countries like south Africa and the rest of the world. Why is African leaders like this? not only in zimbabwe, it is same all over african continents. even here in my country democracy is just starting but leaders don't like to quit office when there tenure expires. presidents will try every possible thing to amend the country's constitution which will extend their current tenure. Some expecially the rulling parties manipulate to win elections. Some countries are being ruled by the same leader for so many decades. In libya, uganda, congo, cote d 'voire, sudan, ethiopia, liberia which has gain a new freedom by there new female leader etc. Why this long stay in office. must one person be the only credible leader. It is the wish of the masses to ask a leader to continue to lead them when they think the leader will take them to the promise land. Not only in Africa, countries like cuba, iraq though the decades of sadam hussein has ended and others. Indviduals should not see themelves as the only sole and credible leader. abuse of power is not worth in a democracy which is still gaining ground here in africa. freedom of expression should be allowed by media and the citizens and even religious tolerance. leadership is from God and should not be abused but respected. The current situation in Zimbabwe requires urgent attention and Mr Mugabe needs to be call to order from his zanu PF party or even replaced by someone else, not allowing him for another tenure since the zimbabweans are calling for change even from the Church.

2007-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Today march 24th marks the first anniversary his Eminence William Cardinal Levada the Archbishop Emeritus of Sanfrancisco Archdiocese was created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman church in the consistory of March 24th ,2006 in the first pontificate of pope benedict XVI and his successor in the office of the congregation of the doctrine of faith. I wish him many more years in the service of his holyness.

2007-03-10T00:49:00.001-08:00

INCULTURATION IN THE AFRICAN CHURCH

The Term in a lay man’s understanding is an effort to join Christianity to one’s culture, especially African traditional religion.N.I, Ndiokwere in his bookThe African Church today and tomorrow stated:"Inculturation is a process by which Christ is made present,Meaningfully and loveable to a people in their native cultureWith a view to enable The people Fully African and Fully native."The nomenclature has not been cleared until recently. But it must be distinguished from AGGIONAMENTO. Aggionamento means an updating, a ‘renewal’ of the church were it already existed.According to Achunike "aggionamenti refers to the renewal of those aspects of the church that can and must be renewed – the particular aspects that must be updated." Its not concerned with mere adaptation, which deals with the messenger and the individual elements of the Christian religion and church. Terms like assimilation, christianization, acculturation, Africanization, accommodation and enculturation can be used to describe Inculturation.INDIGENIZATION of all those terms expresses in a generic way what the whole enterprise is all about. Some Igbo Christians today face the dilemma of being a good Christian at the same time authentic Igbo men and women. And there are some Christians who ambidextrously go to church and consult oracle because of their tradition. Inculturation is the solution to this dilemma.Inculturation seeks to make us fully African and fully Christian. Inculturation can take many forms, it makes us an Igbo man and woman and at the same time a true Christian. However not much has been achieved in inculturating Christianity in Igboland except perhaps in ozo title – taking and in marriage when its done before wine carrying ceremony. Even this has no uniformity or universality in Igboland. It varies from diocese to diocese. Part of this problem is the lack of the encouragement and patronage from the church hierarchy. Some authors, uses Inculturation and Indigenization interchangeably. Indigenization can be seen as Inculturation, domestication or incorporation.Another big question is how do we indigenize the churches? We can indigenize the churches by bringing the traditional beliefs in the church like our traditional names, traditional titles and clothes in the church and Christianize or inculturate them. The work of the church is to fight and exterminate the social evils of our traditional beliefs and cultures. For Inculturation to take place, the evils of our tradition should be replaced with good ones fostered and enriched with Christian values. Catholic accommodates African culture than the Protestants.Inculturation is not a mixture of Christianity and African traditional religion, which can result to syncretism. It’s the task of making Christianity in all its aspects our own, truly African. It must be attractive, lively, lasting and authentic.Finally, there are some problems and obstacles of Inculturation in the African church, as NDIOKWERE rightly stated.‘Language Problems, the situation of skepticism/DivisionFear of syncretism, fear of Adulteration and distrustFor things African.' In conclusion, further areas to be inculturated includes liturgy, Igbo masks or mmamwu, and other local festivities.

NOTES: Igbo – This means a tribe from the southeastern part of Nigeria and majority Christians. IgboMasks or Mmamwu – This means a masquerade and it is a traditional dance in the southern Nigeria at which masks and other disguises are worn. Ozo – This means a traditional title taking by some chiefs or elders in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Wine Carrying Ceremony – This is the traditional form of marriage in Nigeria prior to the Church marriage.

2007-02-15T01:48:00.000-08:00

MY LITTLE NEPHEW

Michael Chisom is my little nephew he is just a year old now, i still imagine a boy of yesterday whom i knew when and time he was born is now 1 year old. Well congrats my little nephew chisom, he means a lot to me i am like a father he is seeing now bcause his father is not at home, and his mother my elder sister works here home. Bravo Michael happy birthday and many more years to come.

2007-01-31T01:27:00.000-08:00

MERCY KILLING (Euthanasia)

Euthanasia from web definition means the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that produces rapid unconsciousness and subsequent death without evidence of pain or distress, or a method that utilizes anesthesia produced by an agent that causes painless loss of consciousness and subsequent death.

Euthanasia is also known as mercy killing, it is not common in Africa, any body that takes his life or requested that his life will be taking because of illness or distress, will not be giving a well deserved burial and even will not by the church. Human life is holy and is of God, we african's believe in the sanctity of life. Life should not be taking away by the so called painless death or mercy killing because there is nothing absolutely mercy about the killing in the eyes of God. people and country that practise it should have rethink that God alone gives and takes life at his own will.

2007-01-22T02:05:00.000-08:00

WORLD VIOLENCE

violence just like poverty is one of the greatest threat and problems mankind is suffering,politcal violence, religious violence,sexual violence,kidnappings,vandals, and secterian violences are in increase every day worldwide. the world will be better when communities, societies different religions learn to tolerate one another, violence goes with violence and two wrongs cannot and will never make a right.

2007-01-10T03:04:00.000-08:00

THE CHALLENGED IN AFRICA

Poverty is one of the greatest problems facing human existence especially in the African continent, economic instability, wars, hardship, terror and manultrition. Many part of the Africa is experiencing poverty, and to me what poverty really means is one without any hope and salvation. Charity they say is very expensive if you can afford it, but developed countries should try there very best to come and salvage our fellow human beings especially in Africa were wars and economic instability is the order of the day, were leaders are very corrupt and selfish. Many souls have perished in wars, manultrition and hardship.

let us all join hands to help our fellow brothers especially in the Africa. if you have never being poor or experienced poverty you will not know what it means to be poor especially the physically challenged. Help the oppressed, help the needy, help Africans were ever and how ever you can were there is crisis, in darfur, Somalia, even in Asia and some part of the world make the world a better and happier place for your neighbor, put a smile on the challenged.

2006-12-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Christmas is the annual Christian’s celebration or festival of the birth of Christ on 25th of December of every year. Advent heralded the period of Christmas. Advent is from Latin (Adventus) which means coming. It is the period with four Sundays before Christmas. Christmas is a very important religious season for us Christians just like the period of Idel fitri, Kabir, Salaam etc is important to our Moslem brothers.This period is not only the season of celebration of the birth of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is also a special period of reflection for us Christians. It is a moment of prayers and alms giving.

The period of Christmas is so terrific and celebrated by all, here in my country people normally travel home for their celebration. Apart from the celebration of Christmas, it is also a period most people commit many atrocities in the name of Christmas celebrations like stealing to maintain the social status, adultery, hoarding, licentiousness, killings through sacrifices or rituals, robbery, promiscuity, profligacy to mention but a few.

Many Christians are intoxicated by this dynamic but important season of Christmas. It is a period people show of their wealth and riches. It is a period some Christians who don't participate in church's activities donates generously in other that their name will be praised. It is a period of savagery, it is not many people that travel home for Christmas celebrations that return safely and healthy. Some living in the village uses this opportunity to annihilate and bewitches their enemy living abroad yet some of them are Christians. Christmas is a Joyful moment to the world especially we Christians. It is a period of private meditation and devotion, it is a period we confess our sins, it is a period we remember the Hoi polloi (common) people among us, it is a period we thank God for the gift of his son Jesus Christ who came to salvage us from sin, hardship and punishment.

Finally Christmas is a period Christians should thank God for their lives. It is a period we venerate the saints (Dulia), it is a season we honor Blessed Virgin Mary (Hyperdulia) through whom God was made man in Christ Jesus. And it is a moment we Christians should worship God (Latria) in a special way for giving us his only begotten son to be born of a woman for our salvation and freedom. (Viva Christians).

2006-12-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

RELIGION & FREEDOM

Religion is the belief in the existence of gods or god, who have created the universe and given man a spiritual nature, which continues to exist after the death of the body.

Religion theologically could be defined 'as man's awareness and recognition of his dependent relationship on a transcendent being'. The purpose of religion is to promote peace to man. God wants peace in every religion and in every religious adherent. Mother Theresa of Calcutta stated this clearly that peace begins with just a smile. Therefore every religion must be in peace, any religion which cannot encourage or promote peace is not worth calling a religion. Religion binds and unites people, communities, tribes, nations and countries together. Religion never started to bring differences, wars and destruction.

There are many religions in the world; few of them I know are Christianity, Islamic, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrians, Buddhism and African traditional religion. Christianity and Islamic religion are the two main religions in the world and there are often differences between this two religion in some country. Jesus Christ is the founder of Christianity and the champion of human freedom while Mohammed is the founder of Islam, which promotes peace too. The two religions are from the same origin Jewish religion or Judaism.

Many people has been mislead and wrongly thought not to preach the truth and what is morally and ethically accepted in the eyes of God and man. Many countries were at war today because of lack of religious tolerance. Sectarian violence is increasing every day, religious radicalism, fundamentalism, fascism and even terrorist attacks and threats. Some of these just started because of hatred and lack of understanding and accommodation to one another in different religions.

Religion is transmitted socially and not biologically. Religion is to promote unity, love and peace. Pope John Paul II of blessed memory was a champion of peace he reached out to all religions. Even Pope benedict XVI his successor is also preaching peace and unity to all religions especially between Christians and Moslems. His recent visit to turkey, his meeting with the orthodox patriach and the istanbul famous blue Mosque also centered on religious tolerance and freedom. Every religious adherent should therefore recognize that religion was there to help man who is a religious animal to attain eternal salvation. All religion and their adherents should preach peace, love and dialogue instead of violence. When we realize that peace is the essence of religion all we smile to one another like mother Theresa of India said abinitio, and the world will be a better place for all and God will have honor, praise and glory.

2006-12-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

CARDINAL LEVADA

William Cardinal Levada was born in Long Beach on June 15, 1936. His great-grandparents immigrated to the San Francisco Bay area from Portugal and Ireland in the 1860's. Except for a three-year interval when his family lived in Houston, Texas, the Archbishop attended elementary and high schools in Long Beach, followed by four years of Seminary College in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

In 1958 he was sent to pursue his seminary formation in Rome at the North American College, and took his graduate theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, receiving a post- ordination doctorate in sacred theology maqna cum laude. After ordination as a priest in St. Peter's Basilica on December 20, 1961, he spent five years in parish work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, including part-time high school teaching and college campus ministry. After receiving his doctorate, he taught theology at St. John's Seminary School of Theology, located at Camarillo in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. During these six years he also served as the first Director of Continuing Education for the Clergy in the Archdiocese.

He was consecrated a bishop in 1983. Appointed Titular bishop of Capri and auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles. He was appointed archbishop of Portland Oregon in 1986, archbishop co-adjutor sanfrancisco California august 17 1995.Cardinal levada has been working in Vatican Rome since 1981 from U.S. he has known pope benedict since then in the same office that is why the holy father unequivocally entrusted the office of the doctrine of faith to him. Cardinal levada is so nice to his people and those who worked with him, especially his secretary at sanfrancisco archdiocese Monsignor Thomas merson of blessed memory. Archbishop George.H. Niederauer is the present archbishop of sanfrancisco and he is been helped by archbishops, john.C.Cluster and ignatius wang.

Cardinal Levada is a conservative from liberal nation, he has been following the orthodox teachings of the church. He is the 7th and Archbishop emeritus of sanfrancisco archdiocese after archbishop Quinn. He was created a cardinal of the holy roman church in the consistory of march 24th ,2006 in the first pontificate of pope benedict XVI and his successor in the office of the congregation of the doctrine of faith.

2006-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

JESUS CHRIST THE TRUE FOUNDATION

Foundation literally means principle, idea or fact on which something is based or layer of bricks, concrete etc. Every building has a foundation, the building whose only real foundation is Jesus Christ.

WHAT FOUNDATION REALLY MEANS

Foundation is the source from which something originates. According to Isa: 48:13, God made it clear that my hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them they stand forth together.

The foundation must be firm and effective, Christ is the foundation for Christian believers. Our faith is in him, if we don t have strong faith in times of temptation we will fall just like how storm, flood and wind will pull down a foundation that is not well established.

If Jesus is not the foundation for us Christians there can be no foundation. God can test but does not tempt and deceives. Satan is not the alternative because he has come to kill, destroy and not to support any structure which foundations stands for.

There are reasons why some people probably will not start with a foundation while building a house. It could be as a result of laziness, spending unwillingly, excessive and selfish desire for wealth, power or looking for easier ways.

Some Christians are yet to believe the fact that Jesus Christ is the only foundation. Some foundation can be destroyed especially those assumed to be true when actually they are not strong and viable.

Every Christian’s faith is rooted in Christ and must come from God. Because Jesus is the beginning and end, infinite, ultimate, transcendental and immanent. Let us put all our faith in the foundation of Jesus Christ, which is the final.

2006-11-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIANITY IN PRACTICE

Christianity is the belief that Christ was the son of God, and of his teachings, a Christian in the other hand is the adherent of Christianity
A practical Christian is another Christ or Christ like (Alter christus) and Ambassador of Christ (Legatus Christi) on earth. To be a real Christian requires a lot of sacrifices and unconditional love, for God is love. According to John 3:16-18 the highest _expression of God’s love for us mankind is the gift of Jesus Christ the only son of God as a sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. This is the climax of God’s love for mankind, and a practicing Christian should be ready to sacrifice all for the love and glory of God. Anyone who calls himself an authentic Christian should prove that by being a light to others, because it is only when you have the light in you that you can enlightens others around you and that’s what enlightenment stands for in the Christian aspect.
In the Gospel of John 3:19; 8:12.9:1-5; 12:33 -36, 1:1-7 Jesus discusses the essence of light as he is the light of the world. He came to the world so that people might have light, yet many people have darkness, because of their evil deeds. Anybody who genuinely follows Jesus will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus knew the Jewish belief that illness was the consequence of sin, for the disciples questioned him on this in the case of a man born blind. Jesus told them that the man’s blindness was a manifestation of the work of God while it was Day, for in the Night, no one would work”, they had to accept the messiah now, that they have the opportunity to do so, and otherwise they would become the sons of darkness as his people who had rejected him. John the Baptist declared that he was not the light, but he came to bear witness to the light and that the light is Jesus Christ. So every Christian should be a source of light to his communities, neighbours, friends, families and even to enemies.
A total Christian is one who is morally upright no matter your status in the church or government. You have to be conscientiously consistent, and keep the commandments of God. A real Christian is one who loves God as well as his fellow man. A good Christian does not love God and hates his fellow man even if he is a renowned sinner, for it is crystal clear that we should love our brother sinners but hate his sins, and pray for his repentance. A practical Christian does not discriminate against anyone,” Our Society today is always divided into two groups of people: the rich and the poor, the high and the low, the black and the white, the bright and dull, the healthy and the sick, the beautiful and the ugly, the intelligent and the unintelligent, the powerful and the powerless, the saints and sinners, the wise and foolish, the learned and unlearned, the heroes and hooligans, the sons of the soil and the outcaste, the accepted and the ostracized, the dwarfs and giants.”
Love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. John 13:34 -33; 15:12 -13 “A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another.” This is clear command of Jesus Christ on love on to all Christians.
A true Christian should always be cheerful irrespective of the Ups and Down, challenges, denials, ordeals and trials in life. A practical Christian should always depicts the image of God (Imago Dei) and not like hypocrites who will like people to know when they are praying or fasting.
Further more, Mary the mother of God should be a Model for every Christian. Since her presence every were and anytime is filled with Joy. Therefore every Christian should be a source of joy and antidote or opium to sadness and in difficult times. A practical Christian should be Modest, and prayerful, because prayer is the only weapon we have to annihilate the devil and remain steadfast in the lord as a Christian. A good Christian should be respectful, tolerates other religion and above all be sincere in what ever we do no matter our vocation be it a priest, bishop, doctor, nurse, lawyer, carpenter, pilot to mention but a few. We Christian must try our very best to carry out our work diligently, especially by recognizing that every thing comes from God and to him must all thing return.
Finally a practical Christian should have trust, hope and faith in God in times of hardship. A true Christian is not one that goes to church and ambidextrously consult oracles, traditionalist, believe in the power of witches and charms. Only the absolute faith in God the almighty and good works is required for our Christianity to be authentic and practical.