OTOIDE JOSHUA O. MARIO, (IAeng)

That video of a priest, Fr Patricio Sanchez who lost his life after a cross fell on him during Mass is heartbreaking. The very cross he proclaimed as the sign of our salvation became the instrument of his death. May Christ, who died upon the Cross and conquered death, welcome him into eternal glory. May he rest in peace🙏

This young boy turned their living room to a mini-sanctuary😂 – at Ibadan, Nigeria

Today, our newly admitted brothers had their investiture. They were vested with the cassock and surplice - the cassock, a sign of consecrated identity and commitment to a life given to God, and the surplice, a liturgical garment expressing their service at the altar. For these young men, this simple act of being vested is also a visible sign of the beginning of a long journey of discernment, formation, and preparation for service. I still remember my own investiture about 18 years ago. I remember the joy and excitement of that moment, and it is beautiful to see that same joy reflected in the faces of these young men today. Every year, we, the Schoenstatt Fathers Community, Nigeria admit at most ten young men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood and religious life in our Religious Institute. Their journey of formation takes approximately 10 - 11 years, during which they receive human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and social formation. A journey of this length naturally requires many people to walk with these young men. Beyond the houses of formation, classrooms, and pastoral fields, there are countless quiet sacrifices, prayers, feeding, practical needs, books, accommodation, healthcare, education, and other necessities that make sustained formation possible. We are therefore deeply grateful for the many kind and generous people who, over the years, have quietly accompanied our seminarians through their prayers, encouragement, and material support. Perhaps one of the beautiful ways of participating in the life of the Church is to help prepare those who will one day serve her as priests and ministers. If you have ever felt drawn to sponsor or accompany young men discerning a vocation or to contribute in some way to their formation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You may contact the Schoenstatt Fathers Nigeria at bursar-nig@schoenstatt-fathers.org Today, we celebrate the beginning of a journey. May God grant these young men the grace to persevere faithfully, and may Mary, Mother Thrice Admirable, guide them ever closer to Christ. Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch – at Ibadan, Nigeria

ARE DEACONS NOW ALLOWED TO MARRY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? Following the post I made yesterday about Rev Timothy Senibi (a permanent deacon) whose grandson was ordained a deacon ( a transistory deacon) in the Lokoja Diocese Nigeria, someone commented saying: “Father, are deacons in the Catholic Church now allowed to marry? The other person asked if such can happen in the Catholic Church. The questions reveal a common confusion about the two forms of the diaconate in the Catholic Church. In Catholic tradition, there are two categories of deacons: Transitional Deacons and Permanent Deacons. Both receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are ordained clergy, not laypeople. Transitional Deacons are in their final stage before priesthood. They are usually ordained deacons for 6 -12 months before priestly ordination. They take the promise of celibacy (in the Latin Rite). For them, the diaconate is temporary. They do not remain deacons beyond one year except in cases where there are issues. Permanent Deacons on the other hand are ordained to remain deacons for life. Many are married men (married before ordination). If they are ordained permanent deacons before marriage, they cannot marry after ordination. If widowed, they remain celibate. Their vocation is to serve permanently as deacons, not to become priests. Both categories of deacons preach, baptize, witness marriages, and assist at Mass. The only things they cannot do include: celebrating the Mass and hearing confessions. The Church restored the permanent diaconate after Vatican II to strengthen service in preaching, charity, and liturgy especially in growing communities. If you watched the beatification Mass of Archbishop Fulton Sheen two days ago, those two principal deacons that flanked Cardinal Tagle are permanent deacons. So, in the Catholic Church, there are no deacons who marry but there are married men who become deacons while remaining fully married. Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch