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  Saint Francis of Assisi  Baruch 4:5-12,​27-29 Psalm 68(69):33-37 Luke 10:17-24 Our mysterious and loving God, dwelling in inaccessible light and unknown to the world, is a source of boundless love for those who purify their souls from earthly attachments and embody Jesus Christ crucified in their hearts and actions. Every moment, whether in action or reflection, Francis’s soul was lifted to heaven—always seeking divine guidance before every step he took. He inspired his brothers to cherish humility, self-denial, and devoted recollection as the gateways to spiritual riches. Through the powerful example of his crucified Lord, Francis discovered an intense love for holy poverty, extending this vow to his followers by fostering pure charity and devotion. This inner crucifixion—an ultimate simplicity and detachment of the heart—is not merely about outward renunciation but a spiritual revolution that transforms the mind and soul. It is a spirit that anyone, regardless of station—w...
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  Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor  Baruch 1:15-22 Psalm 78(79):1-5,8-9 Luke 10:13-16 Today, the Church celebrates St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, also known as the Little Flower, a Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Though her life was hidden within the walls of a cloister, she understood the radical call of discipleship. Her “Little Way” was not about heroic gestures on a world stage, but about surrendering her will in small, daily acts of love. She accepted frustrations with patience, prayed fervently for missionaries she would never meet, and bore suffering with trust in God’s mercy. For Thérèse, the cost of discipleship was not measured by outward journeys but by the inner offering of her whole self. She shows us that following Christ is possible for each of us, right where we are. The cost is real, but so is the freedom. To follow Christ is to find joy beyond comfort, purpose beyond duty, and life beyond what we thought we needed. Today we might ask ourselv...
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  The Holy Guardian Angels  Nehemiah 8:1-12 Psalm 18(19):8-11 Matthew 18:1-5,​10 Today we give thanks to God for d special gift as we honour our Guardian Angels. Although, d doctrine & traditional belief in d Guardian Angel is not a dogma of Faith, it is based on sacred scriptures. Each person’s Guardian Angel is an expression of God’s enduring love and divine care extended to him or her every day. Today’s Gospel, clearly states that even children have their Guardian Angels: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father Who is in Heaven.” Ps 91:1 teaches: “For He has given His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”  Our Guardian Angels are given to us by God from the moment of our existence. As d Guardian Angel Prayer goes, our Guardian Angels are committed to us, to light and guard us, and also direct and guide us. Let us always remember to pray to our Guardian Ang...
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Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria  - Solemnity   Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,12-13,17 Ephesians 2:13-18 Matthew 2:13-15,​19-23 Today the Catholic Church in Nigeria celebrates Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Today also being the 1st of October is Nigeria's Independence Day. Nigeria is 65years (1960-2025).  In today’s gospel, we are told of how Herod wanted to kill the infant King and Prince of peace. At that time, there was great hostility towards children. This reminds us immediately of what happened during the birth of Moses in Egypt in the Old Testament. However, in the time of Christ, Egypt became a place of refuge. The tragic experience of genocide and infanticide was also felt in the early beginning of Nigeria as a country till the present moment. We need your mercy in our nation, O Lord.   Like fugitives, some people want us to flee from our Fatherland while others are mercenaries of evil. These include corruption, killing of childr...
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  Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor  Zechariah 8:20-23 Psalm 86(87) Luke 9:51-56 I’ve read this Gospel time and again, each time captivated by the word ‘resolutely’ that captures Jesus’s fierce determination. He didn’t just move quietly; He charged forward with boldness and unwavering resolve! Jesus knew the time had come to leave behind what He had accomplished. His mission was calling Him to new places, igniting action! I can picture Him saying, “I’m going!” as the word of His journey spread like wildfire along the road ahead. Traveling can be a grind, we all know that—but imagine averaging 15 miles a day on foot while juggling your belongings! Meanwhile, His devoted disciples were out there hustling, spreading the news, and securing a warm welcome—a place to stay. The excitement in the towns must have been electric as many longed to see and hear Him in person. What if Jesus had the chance to pause and connect with us? The townspeople understood the balance of commitment versus r...
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  Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels  - Feast   Daniel 7:9-10,​13-14 Psalm 137(138):1-5 John 1:47-51 In the vibrant tapestry of the Catholic faith, we encounter the amazing hierarchy of nine choirs of angels, each one more awe-inspiring than the last: starting from the humble Angels, rising through the mighty Archangels, and soaring to the regal heights of Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim, and finally, the blazing Seraphim!  Within the Church, we come together to celebrate the powerful archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, whose remarkable stories echo through the Old and New Testaments. Michael, whose name resonates with strength—“Who is like God?”—stands as our protector, ready to shield us with his might. We look to him in powerful prayers, calling upon St. Michael for divine protection. His epic battles against evil in the Book of Revelation are legendary! Then there’s Gabriel, the archangel of messages and enli...
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  Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)   Amos 6.1, 4-7;  Ps 145;  I Tim 6.11-16;  Lk 16.19-31   Today's gospel, often called the parable of  "Dives and Lazarus", is well-known and popular.  For many people, it has a clear and attractive message: the poor go to heaven, and the rich go to hell.  Nice and simple!  And it would be foolish to deny that this element is there.  Our Lord clearly wanted to shake rich people out of any possible complacency.  We must also remember that it was a widely accepted Jewish belief that material prosperity in this world was a sign of God's approval.  If your business prospered, the Father of Israel was looking after you.  By contrast, Christ taught again and again that it was the dispositions of the heart, not external circumstances or observances, that put us on the side of the angels, and kept us there.     The parable is also a sharp reminder of the need to show co...
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