……….the Sons of Mercy Way.

1. The resurrection is the source of Christian hope: our lives are not circumscribed by life as we know it now, but can open onto a new life in the presence of God. This is the mystery beyond words, yet somehow today it has to be the subject of our preaching. However, there are two widely held misconceptions which prevent people hearing what the liturgy says about the resurrection today in its symbols, prayers, and readings. A useful task is to draw attention to these mistaken ideas. The first is that it was some sort of resuscitation, a trick to prove that Jesus was right; an event which you either believe happened or did not happen back then. This misconception distracts from a hope in our resurrection in the future. The resurrection is not about resuscitation, but our future transformation. The second, and far more widespread notion, is that resurrection is just a fancy terms for a belief in an afterlife of some sort or other — the number of practising Christians who think that re-incarnation can be squared with Christian faith is an indication of this confusion’s prevalence. Our faith is not about some kind of postmortem survival, but in God’s gift of the fullness of life.

2. So, the first point is to avoid ‘explaining ‘ the mystery as if it were a series of ‘facts’ that can just be acknowledged as having happened so-and-so many years ago. In earlier times each item in the resurrection accounts was studied like the clues in a detective story with the aim of building an apologetic that would explain the ‘how’ of the resurrection and the ‘what’ of the risen body of Jesus. But the kerygma of the resurrection lies not in the details of ‘the first Easter,’ but in the reality that those who join their lives with the Christ shall share a fuller, glorious, transformed life as the gift of the Father. We can inherit the Father’s gift of glory as the final fulfilment of human life. It is worth pointing out that the disciple today must not be distracted by the ‘how’ and ‘what’ questions of ‘the first Easter’ from remembering that Christian faith strains onward to the future: the cost of discipleship now and tomorrow is worth it for the path of righteousness does not end with a grave. Many wonder whether or not they ‘can believe’ in the empty tomb, but this misses the point. Belief in the resurrection is seen when someone, even in the face of death, still follows the path of love with the confidence that the Father will ‘not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let his Holy One see corruption’ (Acts 2:27 [Ps 16:10]).

3. Second, belief in the resurrection is not some Christianized version of a belief in the immortality of the soul. A belief in immortality is a human sense that a bit, some sort of spiritual
residue, can survive without a body. The belief in the resurrection is that we are each creatures willed by God, in whose histories God is interested as the loving Father, and into whose history he has sent his Son sharing our humanity, and therefore whose whole existence ‘spirit, soul, and body’ can be transformed to become part of his Son’s glorious body. Easter is not a celebration of a ‘survival factor’ in humanity, but of the Father’s love so that nothing good shall perish, but be given even fuller life.

4. To believe in the message of Easter is not a matter of tombs long ago in Palestine, but having the conviction that it is worthwhile to seek to bring light in darkness, to oppose lies with truth, to work for justice in the face of human corruption, and to say that death does not have the last word.

5. When we profess our faith in the resurrection of Jesus we are not setting out something with the intention that our understandings should grasp it and comprehend it. Jesus has been transformed to a new kind of existence by the Father beyond our understanding and we can only express it in symbols such as that of the empty tomb — tombs, after all, are designed to hold their remains indefinitely. By contrast, the proclamation ’Jesus is Risen’ is an invitation to share in a new way of seeing God and the universe, and it is only from within this new vision (faith) that it makes sense. Hence, the ancient theological dictum, based in Isaiah 7:9, ‘unless you believe, you will not understand.’ The message of Acts and the gospel is that we are invited to live, to live in a new way, to live in Christ — and that in living in this way we discover in the midst of suffering and death that the Father will raise us as he raised the Christ.

6. If we join with those who accept the invitation to new life in Christ, which is what we say we are doing in accepting baptism commits us to a way of living. The early followers were referred to as being on ‘The Way’ (see Acts 9:2; 18:26; 19:9 and 23; 22:4, 14 and 22) and our oldest extant teaching manual (The Didache) begins by contrasting ‘The Way of Life’ (to be followed by disciples) with ‘The Way of Death.’

7. The thought of resurrection may fill us with joy, but the life-demands that accepting it makes on us can be great: we must do as we would be done to (cf. Didache 1:2; Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31), we must practice the forgiveness we desire from the Father (cf. the ‘Our Father’), and we must act with gentleness. Only in constant effort to live life in this way can we glimpse the truth of the empty tomb.

8. To live this life demands patience, a waiting for the good things to be revealed — the practice of the virtue of hope: we must always be of good courage … for we walk by faith, not by sight (cf. 2 Cor. 5:6f). Today is our day for rejoicing in the risen Christ, for thanking the Father for his love, and for reminding ourselves of that to which we have committed ourselves: The Way. Death has contended with Life, yet despite tombs and symbols of death all around us, we proceed to commit ourselves to life, confident that as the Father transformed the existence of Jesus, so he will transform the whole creation. Mercy made him die for as man, and mercy made him save us as God. This mercy is love. Love is a life we live for others as we accept them to help. The proof of this help is that we forgive.

Thus, with us, and for us; Easter endears us to be more of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy. Sons, who live mercy. This is our way with Easter!

‘What sense does a retreat make to a religious?’ A retreat is basically the most religious thing a religious can do. Paradoxically, there is nothing more necessary for the religious than that s/he withdraws to a quiet place, that they spend prolonged hours in listening; that they present themselves to God and get their spiritual batteries charged before they offer the light to others. Hence, the relevance of a retreat.

Between the 5^th and 9^th of March, the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation had her annual retreat for her brothers and priests. The retreat was held at SMMM Retreat & Conference centre, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

This year’s retreat which had Rev. Fr. Charles Mary Eke, OFM cap., as the moderator {this is the second time he is moderating our retreat, the first was in 2002} was one of a “full-filled week!” Giving the general theme of this year’s retreat as: A Religious as a Pilgrim of Sanctity, Fr. Charles set the ball rolling on the first day with preponderance on the topic: Am l a Gospel man? This question has become so important for the religious of today. According to him, with the burdening realities of iniquitous rage, recycling of idolatry, fascinations, seductions and many options of living; it has become necessarily important for the religious to check how s/he has or can live out the implications of their calling. Our deliberations this first day saw our resolve that it is only when we live by the gospel: being men of truth, hope and unswerving faith in God, can we bear rich and strong witness to God.

The second day of the retreat had us deliberate on the theme: the religious, a man of prayer and friend of God. Outlining the two ways of looking at the human being as: above and below, Fr. Charles was certain that latter was and remains; a poor dimension of understanding the human being. It explains him in purely material sense. The ‘above’ dimension of understanding the human is richer, and superbly ad rem. This looks at the human being in his relationship with God. It aptly captures man as a prayer-being. By himself and in himself, he is a limited and lacking creature. He relies on God {Jn. 15:5}, to fully realize himself. Thus, presenting prayer as the final dance of a liberated soul; the moderator harped on the quintessential character of a religious as a man of prayer. For only as a man of prayer could he sustain his hope in God, strengthen his faith, and be extraordinarily eager to bear others in charity. Prayer, understood as an intinerarum mentis in Deo (the mind’s journey to God), affords the religious the opportunity to meet with God, the Deus Infinitize   (the Infinite God) to supply his obvious inadequacies and so charge him to assist others in their difficulties. This makes the religious a simple friend of God.

The third day engaged us with the evident character of a gospel man; the man of prayer and a friend of God. He lives and speaks prophetically. Taking our theme, have you killed and also taken possession? (1Kings 21:1-29), the moderator pointed at a responsible boldness to truth that marks prophecy. The prophet for our own generation must be someone who climbed the mountain and come down (Karl Rahner). Yet, the call of the religious is basically one of prophecy: to listen to the voice of God, to speak what God instructs him to say, takes no sides in the face of injustice, looks and seeks the truth steadily. Charity, we know, begins at home. Thus, we came to the realization that a mark of prophecy for the religious must be first seen in the sincere effort to preserve the unity of the brotherhood, the progressive growth of witnessing to the charism and spirit of the congregation. As such, the religious who seeks in associations and friendships the goal to disrupt the unity and good of the community is not being true to the implication of his calling.

The fourth day had us deliberate on how the religious can remain true to his prophetic calling even in the midst of seeming craze for religious commercialization. The moderator was firm in his conviction that the various healing and deliverance ministry that seem to colour the churches today are no reasons for compromise. Recognizing that there are some ministers whose ministrations are genuine, he made the point that the emphasis should rather be on getting the gospel message in all its richness to the level of the common man. This is because many are so ignorant of the doctrines and teachings of the Church, and so are richly predisposed to be deceived. Our duty as religious, then, is to faithfully re-catechize the de-catechized.

On the fifth day, we took up mantra of the religious as a pilgrim: meditation. Understood as a moment of truth with God whose temple we were (1 Cor.3:9), Fr. Charles outlined the constituents of a fruitful meditation. It must be one consciously desired and prepared for. Distractions must be avoided. Hence, the importance of a quiet place, a good posture, a topic or object to channel our thoughts. Meditation is of talking with God, and listening to God.

Surely, it leaves less to be said that this year’s retreat which outlining the religious as a pilgrim of sanctity, together with the attendant solemn adoration and rich decorum; was one at its best.

Hence, during the concluding mass on March, Friday 9; the Superior General, Fr. George Maduakolam Okorie never played on words on his assessment of the retreat. In his words, it was “best”. Thanking the retreat moderator, Fr. Superior pointed out that; the richness of the retreat was eloquent especially in the ad rem-ness of the issues and examples he employed. Finally, the Superior General implored all to take to heart, and put into action the resources of the retreat. It was surely, a’ full-filled’ retreat.

The Open Discussion properly started at about 11:20am with the opening prayer being said by Rev. Fr. Paschal Nwoko (SMMM). After the opening prayer, the superior general welcomed all present for the discussion and used that opportunity to deliver his New Year message and to highlight some of the recent happenings/achievements in the Congregation. After giving his address and message, he called for reactions and suggestions from the New Year message. The discussions and reactions were very remarkable and fruitful as it bothered mainly on how best to improve the standard of our schools and formation houses.

This year’s Open Discussion Forum was well attended by many of our brothers especially those outside the country that are still on their holidays. The meeting came to an end at about 2:08pm with the former superior general saying the closing prayer. However, during the lunch, the brothers used that opportunity to congratulate and celebrate with one of our brother Rev. Fr. Edwin Nwofor (SMMM) who marked his 26^th year as a priest.

The Bishop in his homily thanked the new deacons for accepting to answer the call and to present themselves as a gift to God for the evangelization of the world. Hence, he reminded them of the qualities that must characterize their ministry. Firstly, he told them that a person to be ordained must be filled with the Holy Spirit (citing the instances of the Baptism of Jesus Christ at river Jordan and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the Apostles on the Pentecost day).  He then prayed that God will give them the gifts of the Holy Spirit in spreading the Gospel. Secondly, he reminded them that a deacon is a man of the gospel, a man who believes God’s word in its entirety with courage and fear of the Lord, and a man who practice what he teaches. He thus, encouraged them to continue to study the gospel because from henceforth their life will rotate around God’s Word. Thirdly, that a deacon is a man of prayer, interceding for the people of God and his Church. Lastly, he reminded them that a deacon is a servant. A servant that reflects the life of Jesus Christ who washed the feet of his disciples. Therefore, they must demonstrate this attitude of our Lord Jesus Christ in all their actions and utterances.

In concluding his homily, the Bishop thanked the parents and benefactors of the new deacons for helping them all through their Seminary training. He therefore prayed and urged them to continue to pray and support them in their ministry as deacons.

The mass ended at about 1:10pm with the singing of the “Salve Regina” facing the Marian Shrine. In all, a total of 19 deacons were ordained, 8 for the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, 10 for the SMMM Congregation, and 1 for the Vicentian Congregation.

The Plenary Council began with an Opening Address by the Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George M. Okorie, SMMM; the reading of the Constitution of the Congregation – art. 168 & 169 and the 3rd General Chapter Act. The Regional Superiors reported on their regions including their financial account. A detailed report on the financial stand of the Congregation was presented by the Financial Administrator General. Other invited members with reference to the Constitution of the Congregation (art. 168, d) presented their reports.

Thus, this Plenary Council, under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit deliberated on pertinent issues about the Congregation and came up with the following resolutions:   (To Read More Click Here – SMMM PLENARY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS)

The Bishop in his brief homily, first of all thanked the Rector of Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. John Iwe for his dedication and hard work in piloting the affairs of the Seminary. He equally thanked the Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary of the Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Vandazo for their co-operation with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia and also for accepting to train three (3) of their candidates in their Seminary during their Theological Studies. Going ahead in his homily, the Bishop also used that opportunity to thank God for his 21 years as a Bishop, which happily coincided with the ordination of 21 priests. He reminded the newly ordained priests that the priesthood is a calling, a consecration and a mission. And it is a special calling from God, which is not an account of any special quality that they possess; but simply on the gratuitousness of God. Therefore, God has called them in the mission of sanctifying the people of God. He went further to remind them that this call does not end today, but it is an on-going calling that demands an on-going response. Therefore, the people would like to see them as men of faith and imitators of the life of Christ; that is why they must be priests who are committed to the mission of Christ (spreading the gospel of Christ to all parts of the world). So they must be ready to be sent to any part of the world without asking any question. The Bishop in concluding his homily, thanked all who supported them throughout their Seminary training, and pleaded on them to continue to support them in their priestly work, because they must surely receive their blessings from God.

After the post communion prayer, Rev. Fr. Donatus Ezegbe prayed and blessed the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okafor, SMMM prayed for the Superior General of SMMM, Rev. Fr. Enoch Chinedu Iheme prayed and blessed all the priests present while Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Omoroke, SMMM prayed for the entire faithful that had gathered for the celebration.

In all, a total 21 priests were ordained; nine (9) for Umuahia Diocese and twelve (12) for SMMM Congregation. The Ordination Mass was well attended by Priests and Religious that cuts across all the Eastern Dioceses, and many important dignitaries that included the Executive Governor of Abia State Chief T. A. Orji and the National Chairman of APGA, Sir Victor Umeh.

The Mass ended at about 1:50pm with the singing of the “Salve Regina” facing the Marian Shrine.

Today, the 9^th day of July 2011 is another blessed day in the annals of our Congregation, as two new Priests (Rev. Frs. Cyril Okeabanama, SMMM and Justin Mamigue, SMMM) were added to our number.

The Newly Ordained Priests with the Superior General

The Ordination Mass which took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Alike Obowo started at about 10:30am with a long procession into the church. The ordaining prelate, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amatu (the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese) was flanked by the Superior General of SMMM Congregation, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Okorie, SMMM and the Parish Priest and Dean of the Obowo Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogu.

The Bishop in his homily, started by first of all by thanking the Almighty God for the gift of vocation to the priesthood in our country Nigeria, as that is a good sign of the growth of our faith. He equally thanked all who helped in training our brothers throughout their Seminary days, especially their Formators, Parents and Benefactors for all their sacrifices. But he warned them especially the parents of these new priests not make unnecessary demands (materially) from them, as this will lead them to stealing church money. He reminded them that the blessings of God is already enough them. He also thanked the Ordinands for their self-sacrifice and for choosing to serve God in his church as Priests. He encouraged them not to go back in their decision, because nothing annoys God so much like robbery in the holocaust.

Going further in his homily, the Bishop reminded the newly ordained priests of their duties as priests; which he enumerated as follows:

1. Teaching the people about God and how to be holy.

2. Sanctification of the people of God and administering the sacraments (especially the Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation). But he seriously warned them to shun any form of aberration.

3. Gathering and organizing the people of God together, especially those of them who are going astray.

Turning to the lay faithful, the Bishop also reminded them of their own duties towards their priests which includes: giving them the respect that is due to them, praying for them (because they still have all the weaknesses of man), giving them good advice and materially supporting them.

The Bishop delivering the Homily

Lastly, he encouraged all to continue to pray for their priests especially the newly ordained priests so that all their sacrifices and prayers may not be in vain.

After the Post Communion prayer the Dean of the Deanery, Very. Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogu thanked the Bishop in a special way for accepting to come to the Parish and ordain these our brothers. He equally thanked all the Priests, Deacons Rev. Sisters, Seminarians, and Catholic faithful of Obowo Deanery for making today a memorable day.

Those ordained today includes:

1. Rev. Fr. Paul Ukomadu (Okigwe Diocese)

2. Rev. Fr. Kingsley Nwanwa (Okigwe Diocese)

3. Rev. Fr. Francis Onwuegbuchulam (Okigwe Diocese)

4. Rev. Fr. Gerald Ogbede, C.S.Sp

5. Rev. Cyril Okeabanama, SMMM

Our new Priests in a joyful mood

6. Rev. Fr. Justin Mamigue, SMMM

The Mass ended at about 1:40pm with many thrills and entertainments by different dance groups and organizations.

Members of the Congregation present for the ordination

The highlight of the occasion was the football encounter between the SONS Priests and Aba Diocesan Priests. The football encounter was highly contested, but at the end of the day, due to the superb and excellent performance by our goalkeeper, Rev. Fr. Malachy Ibeh, SMMM (who was declared the man of the match) and also many of our players, the encounter ended goalless.

After the football encounter, the Players and all the Priests were entertained with a very sumptuous meal by the parishioners and the lay faithful of St. Michael’s Parish Umuacha.

To Read and Download the full Report, Please Click REPORT FROM THE SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY THE LITURGICAL COMMISSION OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS