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Congregation Of Mother Teresa CMT, Bauchi, Bauchi (2026)

14/08/2026

Happy Feast Day of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. Like him, May we learn to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom of God, for the Church, and for mankind.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE
PRAY FOR US!

13/08/2026

Pictoral excerp of the burial of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop Emeritus of Benin,

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta,
pray for us!

12/08/2026

📢 Vocation Interview – Congregation of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Fathers and Brothers.

The Congregation of the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Fathers and Brothers, invites all young men interested in religious life to come forward for an interview.

If you feel called to a life of prayer, humility, and service to the poorest of the poor, this is your invitation to take the next step.

From the Office of the Vocation's Director.
Rev. Fr. Samsonmary Iyida, CMT.

12/08/2026

NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Day 8 (Aug 12)

Theme: Maximilian and the Eucharist

Opening Prayer to St. Maximilian

O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession.

Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ.

In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.

Reading: Under Father Maximilian’s spiritual leadership, the friars of Niepokalanow and Mugenzai no Sono had incredible success in their press apostolate. Their secret for success was a community life of prayer centered on the Eucharist. In the mid-1930s, when the friars of Niepokalanow were about to inaugurate their first newspaper, the Maly Dziennik (Little Journal), they had formidable opponents in the secular press of Poland. For nine days, the friars prayed day and night before the Blessed Sacrament.
The newspaper venture met with a tremendous success. Years later, Father Maximilian initiated a program of daytime adoration of the Eucharist at Niepokalanow. This began on December 8, 1939, the day on which Father Maximilian and the friars were released from a three-month imprisonment by their N**i captors. He immediately introduced adoration of the Eucharist in order to increase his “active forces of prayer.” Every half hour, day after day, a fresh group of four friars took its place before our Lord in the tabernacle. This became the friars’ primary apostolate.

Meditation: For every Christian, prayer is not a luxury but a necessity. Maximilian knew that prayer before the Eucharist is the ultimate source for fruitful Christian living. May our own reverence for the Eucharist reflect this same conviction.

Novena Prayer for St. Maximilian’s Intercession

O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the special requests you have.)

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

EACH DAY ENDS WITH THE HOLY ROSARY

12/08/2026

REFLECTION: WEDNESDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A (II), 12/08 2026

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22

Psalm: 113:1-6

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 18:15-20.

Theme: A call to Repentance and Fraternal Reconciliation

Dearly beloved in Christ, we cannot separate God from His Divine Holiness and Mercy. The two work together. The readings of today ask us two fundamental questions: Do we grieve over sin? Are we serious about reconciliation?

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel sees a vision of Jerusalem under judgment. Six executioners are sent, but one man in linen is told to put a mark on the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over the abominations. Only those marked are spared. Then the glory of the Lord departs from the Temple. The point is clear: God is holy and He will not ignore injustice, idolatry, and violence. Yet even in judgment, He is merciful. He preserves those whose hearts are broken over sin. The departure of God’s glory is the saddest part, because it shows what happens when a people persistently reject Him.

In the gospel, Jesus gives the rule of community life; “If your brother sins, go to him privately. If he listens, you have gained him. If not, bring witnesses, then the Church. Whatever you bind and loose on earth will be bound and loosed in heaven. And the great promise: “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”.

Jesus is not teaching us to police each other. He is teaching us to save each other. The process is about restoration, not shame. And we are assured: Christ is present in every effort to reconcile.
We need to have a heart that grieves over sin: Like the marked ones in Ezekiel, we are called not to be numb. In our homes, offices, and social media, there is so much dishonesty, corruption, and moral compromise. A Christian should be someone who sighs and groans, not in self-righteousness, but in prayer, asking God to change hearts, starting with our own.

We are called to correct with the goal of healing, not destroying: this gospel is badly needed today. Too often, we talk about people instead of talking to them. Jesus’ 3 steps; private, witnesses, Church - protect dignity and aim at reconciliation. Before posting, before gossiping, before cutting someone off: have you gone to them in love? The goal is “you have gained your brother.”
Christ is present when we choose unity: “Where two or three are gathered, I am there.” That means in family meetings, in parish councils, in resolving conflicts in the choir or group. If we invite Christ in, He gives us the grace to speak truth without hatred and to forgive without forgetting justice.
Do not take God’s presence for granted: The glory departed from the Temple in Ezekiel because of persistent sin. We, too, can become “used” to sin and to a faith of routine. God is calling us back to reverence, repentance, and communities where His presence is real.

Brothers and sisters, God is both just and merciful. He calls us to holiness like Ezekiel, and to reconciliation like Jesus. Let us ask today: Is there anyone I need to speak to with love? Is there any sin I have become too comfortable with?
May we be a people marked by God, not because we are perfect, but because our hearts are open to His correction and to the healing of our brothers and sisters. For where we gather in His name, Christ Himself is with us to bind, to loose, and to make us new. Amen.

✍️ ANGWE, THOMAS CMT.

11/08/2026

NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Day 7 (Aug 11)

Theme: Maximilian’s Obedience

Opening Prayer to St. Maximilian

O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession.

Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ.

In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.

Reading: Scarcely two months after his arrival in Japan and the first publication of a Japanese version of the Knight of the Immaculata, Father Maximilian was summoned by his superiors to defend this enterprise at the Province Chapter in Lwow, Poland. Obedient as always, he left Japan for this meeting, but his heart was heavy because there was no one capable of maintaining the gigantic work in his absence. Father Maximilian had no doubts that only through full obedience would his own labors for the Immaculata’s cause be fruitful. At the chapter, the very future of the Japanese Niepokalanow was put to question. The expenses were heavy, and the capitular friars discussed the prudence of undertaking such a foolish venture. Father Maximilian followed his usual tactics. Having explained all his arguments and spoken from the abundance of his heart, he remained silent, waited, closed his eyes, with his hands under his capuche he held his rosary and very slowly while his superiors discussed the business he summoned his council, reciting innumerable Hail Marys. He won on all scores and returned to Japan with full permission to continue the Immaculata’s work there.

Meditation: Submission to legitimate authority frees us from the tyranny of our own willfulness, stubbornness or selfishness. May Maximilian’s obedience to authority in the Church move our consciences along the lines of a more generous obedience to Christ’s chosen representatives.

Novena Prayer for St. Maximilian’s Intercession

O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the special requests you have.)

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

EACH DAY ENDS WITH THE HOLY ROSARY

10/08/2026

NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Day 6 (Aug 10)

Theme: Maximilian’s Sanctification of Labor

Opening Prayer to St. Maximilian

O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession.

Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ.

In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.

Reading:
Father Maximilian’s zeal for the inner conversion and sanctification of all people was not confined by national boundaries. With appropriate ecclesiastical permission, he and four other friars sailed to the Orient in 1930. They established themselves in Japan, where they hoped to publish the Knight of the Immaculata in Japanese. As a condition to publish the magazine, Father Maximilian was obliged to teach philosophy in the diocesan seminary. In exchange, the bishop would allow diocesan priests to help in the translating of articles into the Japanese language. Remarkably, Father Maximilian was able to publish the first issue of Seibo no Kishi within one month of his arrival. Father Maximilian soon founded a second City of the Immaculata, Mugenzai no Sono. Throughout his apostolic labors in Japan, Father Maximilian suffered constantly from high fevers, violent headaches, and abscesses, due to overwork and an inadequate diet. He concealed these problems so well, however, that for some time only his most intimate companions had any awareness of the seriousness of his condition.

Meditation:
Work can serve to enhance our dignity as God’s people, when we work diligently to nourish our families and build up God’s kingdom. May Maximilian’s zealous commitment to each task at hand stimulate our own religious zeal for the daily work that God has entrusted to us.

Novena Prayer for St. Maximilian’s Intercession

O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the special requests you have.)

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

EACH DAY ENDS WITH THE HOLY ROSARY

09/08/2026

NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Day 5 (Aug 9):

THEME: Maximilian’s Hope

Opening Prayer to St. Maximilian

O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession.

Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ.

In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.

Reading: Through Father Maximilian’s efforts, the influence of the MI movement began to spread through Poland in the 1920s. As distances became too great for his one unaided human voice to reach, Maximilian realized that only the printed word would suffice. With a complete lack of capital, but full trust in providence, he began publishing the Knight of the Immaculata (Rycerz Niepokalanej) a sixteen-page magazine. Once when bankruptcy seemed imminent, he threw himself at the feet of the Immaculata and begged for help. As he was about to leave the church, he found an envelope on the altar with these words on it, “For thee, O Immaculate Mother.” Inside was the exact sum to pay the debt.

In 1927 when quarters for his printshop became too small, he entered into negotiations to purchase a large tract of land for a whole “City of the Immaculata” (Niepokalanow), where he and the friars would expand their apostolate. However, he again lacked capital. He explained to the landowner, Prince Drucki-Lubecki, that he could not afford the price. Abruptly the Prince decided to make a free gift of it to Maximilian and the friars. By 1939 Niepokalanow had become the largest Franciscan friary in the world with over 700 friars and students. The circulation of their magazine exceeded 750,000 copies per month.

Meditation: When the customary human solutions to the complexities that beset our lives prove ineffective, we are placed in a situation of total dependence upon God. May Maximilian’s unflagging hope and complete trust in God’s providence be ours throughout the course of our life.

Novena Prayer for St. Maximilian’s Intercession

O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the special requests you have.)

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

EACH DAY ENDS WITH THE HOLY ROSARY

09/08/2026

HOMILY OF THE 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Very. Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Dr. Anthony Onyeocha

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9a.11-13a

Psalm: Psalm 85: 8ab and 9.10-11.12-13 (R. 7)

2nd Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

Theme: "Lord, Save Me" (Matthew 14:30) =Is A Prayer in the Storms of Life

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In today's Gospel, we see Peter walking on the water towards Jesus. As long as Peter keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus, he is able to walk. But when he looks at the storm and the waves, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. In his distress, he cries out: "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30).
This cry of Peter is also the prayer of many people who experience difficult moments in life. We too encounter storms: family problems, illness, worries, fear, and guilt, In such situations, we need the helping hand of Jesus.

1. Families Facing Difficulties
Many families suffer because of conflicts, misunderstandings, worries about children, or financial problems. They need this prayer: "Lord, save my family. Renew our love and grant us peace."

2. People Carrying Heavy Crosses
Illness, loneliness, grief, and great burdens can make life difficult. They pray: "Lord, give me strength and courage to carry my cross." Jesus accompanies us in our suffering and gives us the strength not to give up.

3. People Facing Fear and Uncertainty
Poverty, loss, and worries about the future can take away our inner peace. They pray: "Lord, guide me and provide for me." Jesus invites us to trust in the love and providence of God.

4. People Struggling with Guilt and Weakness
Many people suffer because of guilt, sins, failures, and inner emptiness. They pray: "Lord, forgive me and renew my heart." The mercy of Jesus is greater than our weaknesses. What Jesus Teaches Us Today

1. We need God. Like Peter, we need the hand of Jesus.

2. Faith must be greater than fear. The storm may be strong, but Christ is stronger.

3. Jesus never abandons us. He hears the cry of His children and lifts them up.

4. Every trial can deepen our faith. The storms of life can bring us closer to God. Jesus says:"Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, in all the storms of my life, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Save me when I am weak; strengthen me when I am afraid; and help me always to trust in Your love. Amen.

08/08/2026

NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Day 4 (Aug 8)

Theme: Maximilian’s Faith

Opening Prayer to St. Maximilian

O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession.

Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ.

In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.

Reading: After his ordination, Father Maximilian returned to Poland in July 1919, worn by tuberculosis. Despite his poor health, he was assigned to a Franciscan friary in Cracow, where the climate can be fatal to tuberculosis, and appointed as a university professor. Not only was his body exhausted but at times his soul was harrowed by ridicule from some of his own Franciscan confreres. He had hoped on returning to interest all the friars at Cracow in his work. A good number of priests, brothers and student friars did respond to his call, but others shrugged their shoulders. They listened to him, then laughed among themselves, calling him a bore and a dreamer. One friar even found a nickname which delighted the detractors for awhile: “Marmalade.” The young priest walked very slowly, like animated marmalade, to avoid any abrupt movement that could provoke hemorrhage. Maximilian bore this mockery with patience and mildness. Faith, alone, allowed him to find in God and the Immaculata the affirmation and support that some of his confreres initially denied him.

Meditation: When all seems lost and one is stripped of everything, there remains one vital source of spiritual energy: faith. May Maximilian’s faith be ours, especially when adversity robs us of the affirmation and support we crave.

Novena Prayer for St. Maximilian’s Intercession
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant our petitions. (Pause here to mention the special requests you have.)

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people, a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our heavenly Queen in order that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

EACH DAY ENDS WITH THE HOLY ROSARY

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