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St Mulumba Catholic Church Akure, Sh*ttu Street, Off Oda Road, Akure (2026)

04/06/2026

4th June, 2026
Circular to:
The General Public
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE JUDGMENT IN THE OWO CHURCH MASSACRE CASE
By Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Peace be with you.
The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has received with profound attention the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, which occurred on June 5, 2022.
That tragic attack remains one of the darkest moments in the history of our Diocese, the town of Owo, and our nation. On that Pentecost Sunday, innocent worshippers who had gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist were brutally attacked, resulting in the loss of many precious lives and leaving numerous others physically, emotionally, and psychologically wounded.
For four years, the memories of that painful day have remained with us. We have mourned with bereaved families, accompanied survivors on their journey of healing, and continually entrusted our departed brothers and sisters to the mercy of God.
The judgment delivered by the court on 3rd of June, 2026 represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability. While no legal decision can restore the lives that were lost or erase the pain suffered by families and survivors, the judgment affirms an important principle: that human life is sacred and that those who commit acts of terror against innocent people must be held accountable under the law.
On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, I express appreciation to the judiciary for its diligence in handling this sensitive case. We also acknowledge the efforts of the security agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were brought before the law.
This judgment offers a measure of reassurance to grieving families and to all who have long sought accountability for this heinous crime. It demonstrates that the voices of the victims have not been forgotten and that their suffering has not been ignored.
At the same time, we must remember that justice is not synonymous with revenge. As Christians, we remain guided by the values of truth, justice, mercy, and peace. Our response to this judgment must therefore be one of sober reflection, gratitude for the progress made, and continued commitment to healing and reconciliation.
We continue to pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and for the comfort of their families. We pray for survivors who continue to live with the consequences of that terrible day. We also pray for our nation, that God may grant us peace and protect our communities from every form of violence, terrorism, and insecurity.
The Diocese remains committed to supporting affected families and preserving the memory of the victims. Through our memorial initiatives, scholarship programmes, empowerment projects, pastoral care, and continuous prayers, we shall continue to ensure that the sacrifices and memories of our departed brothers and sisters are never forgotten.
As we approach the fourth remembrance of the Owo Massacre, we renew our appeal to government at all levels, security agencies, community leaders, and all people of goodwill to remain vigilant in safeguarding human life and protecting places of worship.
May the memory of those who died at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church continue to inspire us to build a society founded on justice, peace, respect for human dignity, and the sanctity of life.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Credit: Catholic Diocese of Ondo page

03/06/2026

*✝️🌄🕊️Wed, Wk 9 in Ordinal Time*
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*St. Charles Lwanga & Comp., _Mm_*
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*FIRST READING: 2 TIM. 1:1-3, 6-12.*
*R/PSALM: PS. 123:1-2ab,2c-f(R:1a)*
*G/ACCLAMATION: JOHN 11:25a, 26*
*GOSPEL READING: MARK 12:18-27.*
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_*Abstract:*_ *Today's liturgy presents two great pillars of Christian faith: courageous witness and confident hope. St. Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle the gift of God and to remain fearless in bearing witness to Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus firmly proclaims that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, revealing the glorious reality of the resurrection. The memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions beautifully unites these themes, for they preferred death to sin because they believed that life in Christ is stronger than death itself.*
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_*"The God of the Living*_
_*and the Hope of Resurrection"*_
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A little child once asked his grandmother: _"Grandma, what happens when people die?"_ The old woman smiled and replied: _"My child, when the sun sets here, it is rising somewhere else."_ Death is like a sunset to those on earth, but for those who belong to Christ, it is a sunrise into eternity.

This is the hope that sustained the martyrs. This is the hope that sustained Timothy. This is the hope that Jesus proclaims in today's Gospel. Christianity is not merely a religion that teaches people how to live; it is the faith that teaches us why death does not have the final word.

My dear brothers and sisters, at the heart of Christianity stands one fundamental truth: *Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.* If Christ had remained in the tomb, Christianity would have ended in Jerusalem two thousand years ago. Churches would never have been built. The Gospel would never have been preached. There would be no reason for faith.

That is why St. Paul boldly declares elsewhere: _*"If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain"*_ (1 Cor. 15:14). Our faith stands or falls on the reality of the Resurrection.

In today's Gospel, the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a ridiculous story about a woman who successively married seven brothers. Their intention was not to seek the truth but to mock the doctrine of the resurrection.

Jesus immediately exposes the root of their error: _*"You are quite wrong because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God."*_ Ignorance of God's Word and underestimation of God's power remain the greatest obstacles to faith.

The Sadducees imagined eternal life merely as a continuation of earthly life. Jesus teaches that the resurrected life is something entirely different. Heaven is not simply earth extended forever. It is a transformed existence beyond our present imagination. The resurrection is not merely the survival of a soul. It is God's complete transformation of the human person. The same God who created us from nothing will raise us to a new and glorified life.

When Jesus raised Jairus' daughter and Lazarus, they returned to ordinary earthly life and eventually died again. But the resurrection promised by Christ is different. It is everlasting life. It is victory over death itself.

This is why Jesus concludes: _*"He is not God of the dead, but of the living."*_ Notice carefully that God says: _*"I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."*_ Not _*"I was."*_ To God, those who have died in faith are still alive. Physical death cannot destroy the relationship established by God's covenant love.

This truth gives meaning to every Christian sacrifice. It is the reason the martyrs could face death with serenity and equanimity. It is the reason we continue to pray for our faithful departed. It is the reason Christians bury their dead with hope rather than despair.

In the First Reading, St. Paul urges Timothy: _*"Fan into flame the gift of God that is within you."*_ The Christian life is not meant to be lived timidly. God has given us: _*Not a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and a spirit of self-control.*_

Timothy is called to witness courageously. So are we. A Christian who truly believes in the resurrection cannot live in fear. He may fear suffering, but he does not fear death. He may fear persecution, but he does not fear losing everything for Christ. For he knows that beyond the cross lies the crown. Beyond Good Friday lies Easter Sunday. Beyond death lies eternal life.

A missionary once visited a village where Christians were being severely persecuted. He noticed that despite losing their homes, jobs, and even family members, they remained joyful. He asked one elderly Christian: _"How do you continue smiling after losing so much?"_ The old man replied: _"They have taken many things from me, but they cannot take away what Christ has prepared for me."_ That is resurrection faith! People who truly believe in heaven do not allow earthly losses to destroy them.

Today, the Church honors St. Charles Lwanga and his twenty-one companions, the Martyrs of Uganda. Between 1885 and 1887, these young Christians suffered intense persecution under King Mwanga II because of their faith and their commitment to Christian morality. Charles Lwanga courageously protected the younger converts and strengthened them in faith. Rather than deny Christ, they willingly endured torture and were burned alive at Namugongo.

What gave these young men such extraordinary courage? They believed today's Gospel. They believed that God is the God of the living. They believed that death was not the end. They believed that eternal life with Christ was worth more than all earthly comforts. Their blood became the seed of Christianity in Africa, and today millions of African Catholics trace their spiritual heritage to their heroic witness.

My dear brothers and sisters, the question is not whether we shall die. The question is whether we are preparing to rise. One day our titles will disappear. Our possessions will remain behind. Our earthly achievements will fade. But our relationship with Christ will endure forever.

The God whom we worship is not the God of the dead but of the living. Let us therefore live in such a way that when our earthly pilgrimage is over, we may hear those beautiful words: _*"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master."*_

Therefore, lemme leave you with these memorable and important Takeaways:

*1. Christianity stands upon the truth of Christ's Resurrection.*

*2. God is not the God of the dead but of the living.*

*3. Eternal life is a transformed existence beyond earthly limitations.*

*4. Every Christian is called to live with resurrection hope.*

*5. Fear loses its power when we trust in God's promise of eternal life.*

*6. Like Timothy, we must fan into flame the gifts God has given us.*

*7. Like St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, we must remain faithful even when faith is costly.*

*8. The race for heaven begins now; holiness is never optional.*

May the Good Lord bless and help us all. Shalom!

_*Let's bow our heads and pray.*_

_*Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and God of the living, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death through His glorious Resurrection. Strengthen us with the Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Rekindle within us the gifts You have bestowed upon us. Grant us the courage of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, that we may remain faithful to Christ in every circumstance. As we journey through this passing world, keep our hearts fixed on the eternal life You have promised. May we live holy lives, die in Your friendship, and rise on the last day to share forever in the glory of Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.*_
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It's that time of the year when the horror of the June 5th massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Ọ̀wọ̀, Ondo State stares us in the face again and reminds us of the horrifying experiences Ọ̀wọ̀ people and the entire Diocese went through. Please, join us in praying for the souls of all the faithful departed and continued healing for those still going through the trauma of the event.

May the Lord continue to assist our very hardworking and wonderful Bishop, *Most Rev. Dr. Arógundádé, Jude Ayọ̀dèjì,* in prayers, morals, and financial contributions. May God continue to bless him with great strides in his apostolate as the Chief Shepherd of our dear Diocese of Ondo. Amen.

Pray also for the forgiveness of the sins of those deranged and senseless murderers who will now face the wrath of the law very soon. May God continue to protect all Christians all over the world from the insanity of terrorism and those to whom life means nothing. May the blood of these martyrs further become the seed and the propelling force of Christianity in our area of the world. May their death not be in vain through Christ our Lord, Amen!

_*Join us on this third day of the month as we pray for all the following great priests of our Diocese of Ondo:*_

*1). Fr. Thaddeus Ọ̀bbà.*
*2). Fr. Anthony 'Fisáyọ̀mi Adébùsúyì.*
*3). Fr. Philip M. Ògúnṣìakàn.*
*4). Fr. Augustine Akínlúyì.*
*5). Fr. Jerome Abímbọ́lá Aiyélarí.*
*6). Fr. Lawrence Káyọ̀dé Ọ̀lẹ́mìjà.*
*7). Fr. Anthony G. Ìgbẹ́kẹ̀lé _(Rector)_*

_*May they all be excellent examples of solid Christian witnessing in their different parishes and places of assignment, through Christ our Lord, Amen.*_

Keep standing in the gap, praying for me and all my fellow priests and the Religious men and women working in all parts of this great Diocese of Ondo, and beyond that, God in His infinite mercy and love may continue to bless us in all our different apostolates and ministries wherever we are; empowered by the Holy Spirit, and assisted by the Blessed Mother, the Ever-Virgin Mary, Amen! I remain your truly humble servant and priest,
_*>Aiyélarí, Jerome Abímbọ́lá (Fr.).*_
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_*Live JESUS in our Hearts — Forever!!!*_,

03/06/2026

🕊️ Happy Feast Day of St. Mulumba, Our Patron Saint! 🕊️ June 3

Today, our parish family joyfully celebrates the feast of St. Mulumba, one of the Uganda Martyrs, whose unwavering faith, courage, and love for Christ continue to inspire us.

Despite persecution and suffering, St. Mulumba remained steadfast in his commitment to the Gospel, teaching us that true discipleship requires faithfulness, sacrifice, and trust in God.

As we honor our patron saint today, may his example strengthen our faith, deepen our love for Christ, and inspire us to be courageous witnesses of the Gospel in our daily lives.

St. Mulumba, Patron of our Parish, pray for us!

🙏 Happy Feast Day to all parishioners and friends of our parish.

St Mulumba Catholic Church Akure

03/06/2026

Saint Matthias Mulumba was one of the 22 Catholic martyrs of Uganda. He was known for his strong faith, leadership, humility, and dedication to teaching Christianity. In 1886, during the persecution of Christians under King Mwanga II, Mulumba refused to abandon his faith. He was arrested, brutally tortured, and eventually died for his Christian beliefs. His courage made him one of the most revered African saints.

Canonized (declared a saint) by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964, together with the other Uganda Martyrs.

Today, June 3, the Church especially commemorates the Uganda Martyrs, including Saint Charles Lwanga and Saint Matthias Mulumba. We also celebrate him because our church is named after him, remembering the sufferings and struggle he went through for the spread of the christian faith.

St Mulumba...pray for us.

02/06/2026

Today,we celebrate the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo,Most Rev Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade on the occasion of is birthday. It's our prayer that the good Lord who has called you continue to strengthen you,uphold you and guild you.

On behalf of the Parish of St Mulumba Catholic Community,we say congratulations to you my lord.

29/05/2026

*🌿🍇🔥Fri., Wk 8 of Ordinary Time*
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*THE FIRST READING: 1 PET. 4:7-13.*
*R/PSALM: PS 96:10,11-12,13(R:13b)*
*GSPL. ACCLAMATION: JOHN 15:16.*
*GOSPEL READING: MARK 11:11-16.*
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_*Abstract:*_ *Today’s readings confront us with a painful but necessary spiritual truth: appearances can deceive. A fig tree may have leaves and still bear no fruit. A temple may be crowded yet spiritually empty. A Christian may look religious and yet lack love, prayer, holiness, and sacrifice. In the Gospel, Jesus curses the barren fig tree and cleanses the Temple. In the First Reading, St. Peter reminds believers that “the end of all things is near,” and therefore Christians must live lives marked by prayer, hospitality, charity, and joyful suffering. The message is urgent: God is looking for fruits, not mere foliage. The Christian life is not decoration; it is transformation.*
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_*From empty religion*_
_*to fruitful discipleship*_
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Our readings today carry a burning message: God is not impressed by leaves without fruit. The Lord seeks a Church that is spiritually alive, generous in love, rooted in prayer, and fruitful in holiness.

My dear brothers and sisters, one of the greatest tragedies in life is to look alive but be spiritually dead; to appear fruitful while being inwardly barren.

A plastic flower is beautiful, colorful, attractive — but it has no fragrance, no life, no fruit. That is exactly the danger Jesus confronts today. The fig tree had leaves but no figs. The Temple had worship but no holiness. The people had religion but lacked conversion.

And the frightening thing is this: Jesus did not curse the tree because it was ugly. No. He created it. (Gen. 1:31). He cursed it because it was deceptive. It promised fruit but produced none.

Many Christians today have leaves: Church attendance. Religious titles. Bible quotations. Pious language. Public spirituality. But heaven is asking: *“Where is the fruit?”* Where is the forgiveness? Where is the purity? Where is the compassion? Where is the prayer life? Where is the transformed character? God is tired of leaves without fruit. Are you with me?

*1. “The End Of All Things Is Near” — Live With Spiritual Urgency!*
St. Peter begins with a shocking statement: _*“The end of all things is near.”*_ (1 Pet. 4:7). He is not trying to frighten us. He is trying to awaken us. Life is short. Time is moving. Eternity is approaching.

Many people live as though they will never die. They postpone repentance. They delay conversion. They play with sin. But Peter says: Wake up! Refocus! Prioritize eternity!

A person who knows the exam is near studies seriously. A traveler who knows the flight is close gets prepared. Unfortunately, many Christians prepare more for weddings than for heaven.

The saints lived with eternity in view. That is why they prayed fervently, loved deeply, and suffered patiently.

*2. “Be Serious And Sober For Prayers”*
Prayer is not a decoration in the Christian life. Prayer is oxygen for the soul. You are probably used to hearing that "a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian." But I say that a prayerless Christian is a fruitless, dead Christian. Peter says: _*“Keep sane and sober for your prayers.”*_

The devil loves distraction. Noise. Busyness. Spiritual laziness. We live in a generation full of entertainment but empty of contemplation.

Many of us spend hours on our phones but cannot spend ten minutes with God in adoration. And God loves it when He's adored! But when prayer dies, discernment dies. Purity dies. Strength dies. Peace dies. In fact, everything dies!

That is why Jesus entered the Temple and became angry. The house of prayer had become a marketplace. The sacred had become commercialized.

And sadly, this still happens today: When worship becomes performance, when ministry becomes business, when spirituality becomes showmanship. Jesus is still cleansing temples — including the temple of our hearts. Will you open up to such spiritual cleansing or not?

*3. The Fig Tree: The Tragedy Of Spiritual Barrenness!*
The fig tree looked healthy. It was full of leaves. From a distance it appeared fruitful. But when Jesus came close, there was nothing on it.

Beloved, God does not judge us from a distance. He comes close. He's a personal and relational God. As I used to tell you, people may applaud us outwardly, but God examines the heart. He knows who we truly are! And that's more serious!

The fig tree symbolizes a life of appearance without substance. Leaves without fruit. Noise without holiness. Activity without intimacy with God.

Some people know church language but do not know God. Some sing in the choir but carry bitterness. Some preach mercy but refuse to forgive. How hypocritical!

The danger of hypocrisy is that it deceives others — and eventually deceives ourselves. Christianity is not cosmetic change. It is an inner transformation. A call to holiness!

*4. Jesus Cleanses The Temple — What Needs To Be Driven Out Of Our Hearts?*
Jesus overturns tables and drives people out of the Temple. This gentle Lamb suddenly roars like a Lion. Why? Because God is holy, and does not condone filthiness! (Lev. 19:2; Mat. 5:48).

The Temple was meant for worship, but greed had occupied sacred space. And now the question becomes personal: What has occupied the temple of your heart? Anger? Jealousy? Po*******hy? Greed? Unforgiveness? Pride? Secret sin?

Jesus still enters hearts today saying: _*“Take these things away!”*_ Some habits must be overturned before revival can happen. Some relationships must end before healing can begin. Some secret compromises must die before spiritual fruits can grow.

*5. “Above All, Hold Unfailing Love”*
Peter says: _*“Above all, maintain constant love.”*_ Not shallow love. Not emotional love. But sacrificial love. Agapaistic love! True Christianity is impossible without charity. Love covers sins. Love forgives injuries. Love bears burdens. Love welcomes strangers.

Peter even says: _*“Practice hospitality without complaining.”*_
That is deep spirituality. Not just lifting holy hands in church, but opening loving hearts to people. Some people are prayer warriors but impossible to live with. That is not holiness. The real proof of spirituality is not how loud we pray, but how deeply we love.

*6. “Rejoice When You Share Christ's Sufferings"*
Peter ends with a difficult truth: Do not be surprised by suffering.
Many Christians think suffering means God has abandoned them. No! Sometimes suffering is proof that you belong to Christ. Gold is purified by fire. Faith is strengthened through trials. The cross always comes before resurrection.

A Christianity without sacrifice becomes entertainment. The saints became saints not because life was easy, but because grace made them faithful through suffering.

A missionary once visited a village during a severe drought. In the center of the village stood a huge tree. It looked magnificent from afar — tall, green, full of leaves. But when the people approached it, they discovered something tragic: the tree produced no fruit and gave no water either.

The villagers finally cut it down and planted another tree that looked smaller but bore abundant fruit. The missionary then told them: _*“God is not looking for impressive appearances. He is looking for fruitful lives.”*_

Many people spend their lives trying to look spiritual instead of actually becoming holy. But on the last day, God will not ask: _"How impressive did you appear?”_ He will ask: _*“What fruit did your life produce?”*_ God that?

Beloved brothers and sisters, the fig tree had leaves but no fruit. The Temple had activity but no holiness. And yes, Jesus rejected both.

Today Christ stands before us again — searching for fruit. Not popularity, but purity. Not religion, but relationship. Not appearance, but transformation. May Jesus never come close to us and find only leaves and no fruit. Can I hear 'Amen'?

May He find: the fruit of prayer, the fruit of holiness, the fruit of charity, the fruit of forgiveness, the fruit of perseverance, and the fruit of a life surrendered completely to God. Because in the end, God is not glorified by leaves. He is glorified by fruits.

Lemme leave you with these very important takeaways:

*1. God seeks spiritual fruits, not religious appearances.*

*2. Prayer is the oxygen of the Christian life.*

*3. Hidden hypocrisy eventually leads to spiritual barrenness.*

*4. Jesus must cleanse the temple of our hearts daily.*

*5. Genuine Christianity is measured by love and charity.*

*6. Suffering endured with Christ becomes a path to glory.*

*7. Eternity is near — live prepared.*

May God help us all, Amen. Shalom!

_*Let's bow our heads and pray:*_

_*Lord Jesus Christ, You cursed the barren fig tree and cleansed the Temple of corruption. Come today and cleanse our hearts. Drive out everything that does not glorify You. Drive out every buying and selling in our hearts. Remove hypocrisy from us. Remove spiritual laziness. Remove hidden sins and empty religiosity. Teach us to pray sincerely, to love deeply, to forgive generously, and to suffer faithfully for Your Name. May our lives not merely display leaves, but produce fruits that endure unto eternal life. Holy Spirit, make us fruitful Christians. And may the Blessed Virgin Mary, the perfect disciple, teach us to bear fruits worthy of heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.*_
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Join us in praying for all catechumens and baptized Christians all over the world to be more conscious of the end of all things and so be productive and fruitful in their religious practices and dedications, so that the world will be filled with the light of Christ, Amen.

_*Join us on this twenty-ninth day of the month as we pray for all the Deceased Diocesan Priests and Missionaries: Bishops, Priests, Religious Brothers, and Sisters, who have worked so hard planting the faith here in the Diocese of Ondo and beyond. May the glory of heaven be a sweet reward for them all, through Christ our Lord, Amen.*_

Keep standing in the gap, praying for all the priests and the Religious men and women working in all parts of this great Diocese of Ondo and beyond that they may be fruitful in all their different apostolates and ministries. I remain your truly humble servant and priest,
_*>Aiyélari, Jerome Abimbola (Fr.).*_
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_*Live JESUS in our hearts — Forever!!!*_

25/05/2026

🔥🕊️ Pentecost Sunday

👌 We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles; the birth of the Church and the fulfillment of Christ’s promise.

🙏 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

🙏 Renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and make us bold witnesses of the Gospel.

🙏 May this Pentecost bring fresh grace, divine wisdom, and spiritual renewal to every family and every heart.

🙏 “Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)

24/05/2026

*🔥🔥PENTECOST SUNDAY🔥🔥*
*🔥🔥🔥*
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*THE FIRST READING: ACTS 2:1-11.*
*RESPONSORIAL PSALM: PS. 104:*
*1ab, 24ac, 29bc-30, 31, 34 (R: 30).*
*SECOND RDG: 1 COR 12:3b-7,12-13*
*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia! Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia!! Alleluia!!!*
*GOSPEL READING: JOHN 20:19-23.*
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_*Abstract:*_ *Pentecost is not merely the memory of an event; it is the living reality of the Church today. The same Holy Spirit who descended upon the apostles in wind and fire now descends upon us to transform fear into courage, division into unity, weakness into mission, and ordinary believers into living witnesses of Christ. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church because it is the day frightened disciples became fearless evangelizers. The Spirit continues to renew the face of the earth through every believer who opens his or her heart to God.*
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_*“Receive the Holy Spirit:*_
_*From Fear to Fire!”*_
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Beloved brothers and sisters, there are moments in life when a person can no longer rely solely on talent, intelligence, experience, or connections. There comes a moment when only the power of God can move a man forward!

The disciples had walked with Jesus for three years. They had seen miracles. They had heard the greatest sermons ever preached. They had witnessed the Resurrection itself.

Yet after all that, they were still hiding behind locked doors! Why? Because information alone does not transform a man. Only the Holy Spirit can!

And that is why Pentecost is necessary. Without Pentecost, the Church remains a gathering. With Pentecost, the Church becomes a movement! Without Pentecost, disciples remain timid. With Pentecost, cowards become conquerors!

Today, the Lord says to us exactly what He said to the apostles:
_*“As the Father has sent me, even so I send you… Receive the Holy Spirit!”*_ (John 20:21-22).

*1. Pentecost: The Great Reversal of Babel*
Yesterday at the Vigil Mass, we listened to the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Humanity, swollen with pride, attempted to build a tower reaching heaven. The result was confusion, division, and scattered humanity.

However, in Acts 2, God performs a divine reversal today. At Babel, one language became many in confusion. At Pentecost, many languages become one in understanding. At Babel, pride scattered humanity. At Pentecost, grace gathers humanity. At Babel, people tried to rise to God by their own power. At Pentecost, God comes down to humanity through His Spirit.

This is why Pentecost is fundamentally about unity. The Holy Spirit does not erase diversity; He harmonizes it. Different languages remained, but hearts became united.

And this is the tragedy of division in Christianity today. Whenever pride, rivalry, bitterness, tribalism, jealousy, or superiority enter the Church, we begin rebuilding Babel again.

The Spirit of God is never the spirit of confusion, hatred, gossip, or division. The Holy Spirit unites, heals, reconciles, and gathers. That is why the Psalm cries today: _*“Lord, send forth your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!”*_ Not merely renew buildings. Not merely renew institutions. Renew hearts!

*2. The Spirit Turns Fearful Men into Fearless Witnesses*
When we meet the apostles in today’s Gospel, they are hiding behind locked doors “for fear.” Fear had paralyzed them. Fear had silenced them. Fear had imprisoned them.

But then Jesus comes into the room and breathes upon them: _*“Receive the Holy Spirit.”*_ Notice carefully: before the Spirit came, Peter denied Jesus before a servant girl. After the Spirit came, Peter preached before thousands without fear. What changed? *The Holy Spirit happened!*

Pentecost is the story of frightened men becoming flaming witnesses. And many of us are still living behind locked doors:
• locked by fear,
• locked by addiction,
• locked by guilt,
• locked by disappointment,
• locked by secret sins,
• locked by anxiety about the future.

But Pentecost announces this good news: The Holy Spirit can enter even through closed doors! There is no heart too broken.No soul too wounded. No life too damaged for the Spirit of God. The risen Christ still walks through locked doors today.

*3. The Holy Spirit Gives Gifts for Service, Not Competition*
In the Second Reading, Saint Paul addresses the Corinthians, a community struggling with pride and comparison over spiritual gifts.

Some believed speaking in tongues made them superior. Others felt insignificant because their gifts seemed less dramatic. And Saint Paul corrects them beautifully: _*“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.”*_

The Holy Spirit is not given for competition but for mission. One person can sing. Another can teach. Another can pray. Another can counsel. Another can serve quietly. Another can encourage the weak. Not everybody will preach like Peter. Not everybody will heal the sick publicly. Not everybody will speak in tongues. But everybody who has the Holy Spirit has been given something necessary for the Body of Christ.

The problem begins when gifts become grounds for pride instead of service. A gift that builds ego is dangerous. A gift that builds the Church is authentic. And perhaps this is the most important question today: You keep asking God for gifts — but have you asked for the Giver Himself? Because when a man truly possesses the Holy Spirit, he possesses the source of every grace.

*4. Pentecost Is Not History — It Is Reality*
Sometimes we speak about Pentecost as if it were only an ancient event. No! Pentecost is still happening. Every time: a sinner returns to God, Forgiveness triumphs over hatred, courage defeats fear, a young person chooses holiness, the Gospel is preached boldly, the Eucharist is celebrated faithfully, a wounded heart encounters mercy— The Holy Spirit is at work again.

The Church is alive today not because of human strength, technology, intelligence, or structures alone. The Church survives because the Spirit of God still breathes within her.

Empires have risen and fallen. Kingdoms have collapsed. Ideologies have disappeared. But the Church still stands because Pentecost never ended.

A little boy once asked his father, _“Dad, what is wind?”_ The father replied, _“You cannot see the wind, but you can see what the wind does.”_ You cannot see the wind itself, but you see trees bending. You see leaves moving. You feel its force. That is exactly how the Holy Spirit works.

You may not see the Holy Spirit with your eyes, but you can see:
~hardened hearts becoming soft,
~sinners becoming saints,
~addicts becoming free,
~enemies reconciling,
fearful people becoming courageous,
ordinary people doing extraordinary things for God.

The evidence of the Spirit is not noise alone. The evidence is transformation.

Beloved in Christ, Pentecost is not simply about speaking in tongues. It is about becoming tongues of fire! The real proof of the Holy Spirit is not how high you jump in church, but how differently you live after church.

The Spirit did not come merely to make the apostles emotional.
He came to make them missionaries.

Today Jesus still breathes upon His Church and says: _*“As the Father has sent me, so I send you… Receive the Holy Spirit.”*_ May this Pentecost not end as another celebration. May it become an encounter. May fearful hearts catch fire again. May cold hearts burn again. May tired souls rise again. May the Church speak again with courage and truth. And may the whole world look at us and know: *Jesus Christ is alive because His Spirit is alive in us!*

Lemme leave you with these important and memorable Takeaways:

*1. Pentecost is the reversal of Babel: the Spirit unites what sin divided.*

*2. The Holy Spirit transforms fear into boldness.*

*3. Spiritual gifts are for service, not superiority.*

*4. The greatest gift is not tongues or miracles, but the Holy Spirit Himself.*

*5. Pentecost is not a past event; it is the daily life of the Church.*

*6. The true sign of the Spirit is a transformed life.*

_*Let's bow our heads and pray:*_

_*Come, Holy Spirit, Breath of the Living God, Fall afresh upon Your Church. Set our hearts on fire with divine love. Break every chain of fear, sin, discouragement, and division. Heal wounded hearts and renew tired souls. Teach us to live as true witnesses of Christ. Spirit of Truth, guide us. Spirit of Unity, bind us together. Spirit of Courage, strengthen us. Spirit of Holiness, sanctify us. May this Pentecost renew our families, renew the Church, renew our nation, and renew the face of the earth. And may Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, intercede for us always, through Christ our Lord. Amen.*_

_*“Lord, send forth Your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!”*_ Amen.
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Please join us in thanking God for the success of last night's Pentecostal vigil! It was powerful and Spirit-filled. May the Spirit of God continue to overshadow us and fill us for His glory. Amen.

_*Join us also on this twenty-fourth day of the month to pray for Saint Don Bosco (S.D.B.) Priests and brothers have been working strenuously and paying special attention to the development of the youths of the Diocese of Ondo. We ask that their apostolate will continue to flourish and yield a more bountiful harvest for the glory of God and the betterment of the great Diocese of Ondo and wherever they are also located in Nigeria and throughout the world, through Christ our Lord, Amen.*_

Keep standing in the gap, praying for me and my fellow priests and religious compatriots working in this great Diocese of Ondo and beyond. May God continue to bless us all in our different apostolates and ministries wherever we are with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I remain always your most humble servant, priest, and friend!
_*>Aiyélarí, Jerome Abímbọ́lá (Fr.)*_
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_*Live Jesus in our Hearts — Forever!!!*_

St Mulumba Catholic Church Akure

04/06/2026

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