A Fervent New Beginning: Sacred Heart Association Welcomes New Members in Benin City

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Benin City, Nigeria — In a solemn ceremony marked by faith and fellowship, the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Archdiocese of Benin City celebrated the 2025 Solemn Admission of new members. 
Held at the revered Holy Cross Cathedral, the event saw 29 Sacred Heartians and 2 Associate Members formally inducted into the fold, all uniting under the theme: "Tepid Souls shall become fervent."

The celebration drew a large congregation of participants from various parishes across the Archdiocese.

 Presiding over the ceremony was the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev Fr James I. Ogbeiwe. The proceedings were rich with spiritual significance, featuring the Act of Consecration, and the blessing of scapulars, medals, and badges of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Following the blessings, the postulants were officially recognized with the solemn tradition of kissing the blessed scapulars before being handed their certificates of admission. This act symbolized their formal commitment to the association's mission.

The solemn admission ceremony was followed by a special thanksgiving. Newly admitted members and their families processed to the sanctuary, bearing gifts to express gratitude for a successful event and their spiritual journey.

A Call to Discipline and Devotion
In his heartfelt homily, Fr. Ogbeiwe delivered a powerful message centered on the virtues of discipline and unwavering commitment. He urged all Sacred Heartians to remain devoted to the vows they have taken, especially as the tradition of enthroning the Sacred Heart Altar in homes becomes more prevalent.

Fr. Ogbeiwe called on the congregation to "pass through the narrow door," emphasizing that this "narrow door" is a metaphor for a life of discipline, essential for gaining entry into heaven. He reminded everyone—regardless of their profession, be it a priest, pastor, religious, or chief—that they are expected to do God's will and avoid vices such as market inflation, adultery, gossip, and stealing. He stressed that God will hold everyone accountable on the last day for their actions.
The priest also extended a special plea to the members of the Sacred Heart Association, urging them to mentor and guide the children, as they are the future leaders of the association.

A New Anointing for Selfless Service
The Archdiocesan President, Mrs. Aliu B. C. (JP.), extended her congratulations to the newly admitted members. She reminded them that "the devotion to the Sacred Heart is a selfless service in all its ramifications." Mrs. Aliu further emphasized that the "fresh anointing" they have received compels them to "make disciples of all Nations," urging them to engage in adoration to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts "more than ever before" and to remain "spirit-filled."
Notable figures present at the event included the President of the Association in Benin Province, Mr. Idaghe Augustine I. (FCTI), alongside other dedicated leaders and members who came from all walks of life to support the spiritual growth of the new inductees. The celebration was a resounding success, setting a tone of renewed purpose and spiritual fervor for the association's future endeavors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more