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Ash Wednesday: Mass Will Be a Little Different – Priest

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Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the Priest-in-Charge of Catholic Church of the Presentation, Festac Town, Lagos State,
has said that the Ash Wednesday service this year would be a little different from that of previous years.

The Priest said this on Monday in Lagos that the difference was to comply with the protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Godonu, who is also the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said that this year, the words usually said individually to the worshippers before giving the ash would
be said communally.

He said that “in the Catholic liturgy, there is usually a rite of the blessings of ashes, then the Holy Water is sprinkled and thereafter, the ashes is put on the foreheads of worshippers who come for the ceremony.”

He, however, noted that the difference in the Ash Wednesday service compared to that of previous years was in line with guidelines rolled out by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Martins.

He added that the protocol for collecting the ash would be like that of the Holy Communion, though with face masks on and hands on the chest.

“Then the priest, without saying anything because those words that we usually say to individuals will be said in a communal manner, will be said once and for all to everyone.

“Remember, you are dust and unto dust shall you return’ or ‘Repent and believe in him.’

“Either of the two, not both together. Then the priest, who’s also wearing face mask puts the ashes on foreheads as we usually do.

“Those are the protocols we are following this year,” Godonu said.

He further said that the Ash Wednesday mass is open to everyone and non-Catholics can also receive ash.

Earlier, the priest had explained that “though everyone is created in the image and likeness of God, the ash is significant, reminding Christians that they are from dust.

“We are dust and unto dust we shall return at the end of our physical existence on this earth.

“For that reason, with that at the back of our minds, we are supposed to live everyday in preparation for the time we shall return to dust.

“How do we prepare for it? We should prepare for that day which we don’t know by repenting and believing the good news,” he said.

The Priest added that another major significance of Ash Wednesday is that it ushers in the 40 days journey of Lent, in preparation for the Easter celebration. (NAN)

General News

Bishop Oyedepo Re-affirms strong support for Pastor Ibiyeomie, Pastor Komaiya’s Ministry

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By David Torough, Abuja 

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has reaffirm strong support by re-ordaninig two generals of God and the Gospel in 2026, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries and Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s Place International Church, with fresh fire for greater works and exploits in life and ministry.

According to a statement in connection with the occasion, the two men of God received a fresh impartation, renewed anointing and a fresh mantle for a new season of greater Kingdom and life’s assignments.

The statement reads: “This is not just an ordination, it is a fresh impartation. A fresh oil. A fresh mantle. A fresh fire for a new season.”

“When a father lays hands, heaven confirms it. The same fire that was on the altar has fallen again. The anointing has been renewed, the assignment has been reaffirmed, and the glory has increased,” it said.

“We celebrate these two mighty vessels whom God has used to raise men, build churches, win souls and spread the Gospel across nations, and now, God is taking them to another level,” the statement added.

“From today, expect: Fresh fire in their preaching, Fresh fire in their ministries, Fresh fire in their lives, Fresh oil that will never run dry.

“The entire families of Salvation Ministries and The Master’s Place International Church, join together to celebrate and honour our fathers. We lift up our voices and say, Thank You, Jesus, for fresh fire!”

“What a glorious moment in the Kingdom of God! This renewed impartation and fresh re-ordination would usher in greater dimensions of grace, impact, soul winning and Kingdom exploits,” the statement noted.

It would be recalled that, Bishop David Oyedepo attended the dedication of Pastor Komaiya’s magnificent Master City Dreamland and Pastor Ibiyeomie’s Hand of God cathedral, where he commended them for doing great work for God.

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NEWS

Commissioner Hails Akwa Ibom Governor over Peace Initiatives

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Veteran Sports Journalist and Commissioner for Sports Development in Akwa Ibom State, Paul Bassey, has hailed the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as the prevailing peace in the state.

“ If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today, Unprecedented peace?” Bassey in a goodwill message delivered at the 25th Annual Convention of the Apostolic Church, Atabong Area in Eket Local Govt.

“ It is a coincidence that the Theme of this Convention is “ The Peace of God” and it reminds me of the peace God has used our Governor to bear on our state.

“ Before now, you cannot even worship in peace as bandits raided churches on Sunday mornings, shot and killed, abducted worshippers, threatened oppositions.

“ Please let us tell our Children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere and you can hardly sleep with your two eyes closed “ the Eket ward 2 Urban leader said.

The Elder of the Apostolic Church reminded the congregation that “this governor is not only a son of Eket, he is a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church and must be embraced and supported for a second term “ and this drew a thunderous “Amen” from the mammoth crowd.

Elder Bassey said  without peace there would be no development and as a member of His the Governor’s  “First Eleven” he was better placed to talk about “this grass roots Governor, whose programs are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society especially in the areas of health, education and in my case, the empowerment of youth through sports .“

In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic church Pastor(Dr) B. E. Okon enjoined Christians to embrace the peace of God that eliminates fear and life’s challenges.

Drawing his text from Mathew 5:9 the Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church insisted that  “blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”

Elder Bassey in company of other dignitaries including Pastor Etangkanga, vice chairman Esit Eket Local government, village head of Atabong Dr Ikwang later joined the Field Superintendent and the host Area Superintendent Pastor O. D James to cut the 25th anniversary Convention cake.

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Religion

CAN Mourns the Passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye

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By Laide Akinboade Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission.

In a statement issued by CAN President,
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Abuja.

The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his widow, Rev.

Mrs. Toyin Okoye, his children, the leadership and members of All Christians Fellowship Mission, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and all who mourn this painful loss.

“Rev. Dr. Okoye dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. Through his ministry, he faithfully preached the Gospel, raised leaders, and worked tirelessly for the unity and growth of the Church in Nigeria.

” His service to the body of Christ extended well beyond his own ministry. He served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT Chapter, and later as CAN National Director on National Issues and Social Welfare. In these and other capacities, he made valuable contributions to strengthening the Christian witness in our nation and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.

“Rev. Dr. Okoye also served the nation with distinction as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, the National Political Reform Conference, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, and as Chaplain to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel. His commitment to nation-building reflected his conviction that faith should positively influence society.

“I remember Rev. Okoye as a humble servant of God who carried every responsibility entrusted to him with wisdom, grace, and unwavering dedication. He was deeply committed to the unity of the Church and was always willing to lend his voice and experience whenever called upon. His counsel, calm disposition, and passion for advancing God’s Kingdom will be greatly missed.

“As we mourn his passing, we also thank God for a life well spent in His service. We pray that the Lord will comfort his family, the All Christians Fellowship Mission, and all who are grieving at this difficult time. May God grant them the strength to bear this loss and uphold them with His unfailing grace.

“May the soul of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye rest in the eternal peace of our Lord Jesus Christ”

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