24/05/2026
Sunday May 24, 2026
PENTECOST SUNDAY (SOLEMNITY)
First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm104:1ab.24ac.29bc-30.31and 34 (R. cf. 30)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7. 12-13
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-23
Homilst: Rev. Fr. Augustine Njoku, SDB
Theme: Unity and Forgiveness
The Parish Priest of Catholic Church of the Archangels Parish, Rev. Fr. Augustine Njoku, SDB has called on Christians to become true ambassadors of peace, love, and forgiveness as the Church celebrated Pentecost Sunday, reminding the faithful that the Holy Spirit is manifested through acts of reconciliation and unity. Delivering his homily during the Solemnity of Pentecost in Abuja, Fr. Njoku described Pentecost as “the birthday of the Missionary Church,” saying the Holy Spirit empowers believers to spread the Gospel and live according to the teachings of Christ. “The Holy Spirit brings peace and forgiveness,” he said, adding that “only those who have the power of the Holy Spirit can forgive.”
The cleric urged Christians not to profess faith only with words but through concrete actions that reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. According to him, saying “Jesus is Lord” must go beyond verbal declaration to the practical demonstration of love, forgiveness, and peace. “When you say that Jesus Christ is Lord, it means the manifestation of forgiveness, the manifestation of love, and the promotion of peace,” he stressed. Fr. Njoku also described love, peace, and forgiveness as the universal language understood by all people irrespective of tribe or background, noting that believers are called to “speak the language of love, the language of peace, and the language of forgiveness.”
Fr. Njoku further prayed for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to flourish among the faithful, including wisdom, understanding, fortitude, kindness, self-control, and charity. He appealed to members of the Church to avoid division, rivalry, and struggles for position, but instead build a united community rooted in compassion and mutual support. “Let it be a community where we show that we are one, where we help those that are in need,” he said, praying that the Church of the Archangels would remain “a family of love where peace, togetherness, unity, continue to radiate.”
Salesians of Don Bosco ANN Province
Catholic Church of the Archangels Gaduwa
Catholic Television of Nigeria
