Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate - OMI Nigerian Delegation

13/02/2026

What happens when faith is taught not to question—and reason is trained not to believe?

In When Faith Thinks and Reason Believes, Kizito Chukwunonso Umennadi confronts one of Nigeria’s deepest crises: the dangerous separation between devotion and discernment, intelligence and moral responsibility. Drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas and African wisdom, this powerful reflection argues that Nigeria lacks not faith or intelligence, but the integration of both.

Read why the future belongs to wisdom: faith that thinks, reason that believes, and knowledge that serves the common good.

Does faith mean not asking questions? Kizito Umennadi challenges the dangerous divide between religion and logic in Nigeria. Using St. Thomas Aquinas and Igbo philosophy, he explores why 'faith that thinks' and 'reason that believes' are the only paths to national renewal.

15/08/2024

Why Nigerian Catholic Church Should Nurture Its Home-Grown Spiritualities

In Nigeria, a land rich with diverse cultural and spiritual expressions and locally inspired spiritual charisma, the Catholic Church faces a unique challenge: how to embrace and nurture home-grown spiritualities that resonate with the lived experiences of its people.

Last Sunday, during the announcements in a Church I attended in Ottawa, we were asked to pray for a group of youth embarking on a spiritual journey to Taizé, France. This announcement was not just a moment of solidarity but also a reminder of the global connections that shape our spiritual lives. Yet, it also raised an important question: what about the spiritual journeys rooted in Nigeria’s religious landscapes? How is the Nigerian Church responding to those who, like the youth travelling to Taizé, are seeking to express their faith in ways that speak directly to our Nigerian context?

Taizé: A Beacon Of Unity In A Divided Europeans

The Taizé community, founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, a Swiss reformed protestant youth, emerged during a time of deep division in Europe due to World War II and ethnic conflicts. Brother Roger’s response to this devastation was the creation of a community dedicated to peace and unity—a vision that continues to resonate in a continent long grappling with division. The spirituality of Taizé, centred on reconciliation, embodies a healing process that aligns with Europe’s ongoing journey toward greater integration.

The Rise Of The Focolare Movement

Similarly, in Italy, amidst the chaos of World War II, Chiara Lubich, a young Catholic, and a group of women began the Focolare Movement. Their commitment to living out the Gospel through love, unity, and acts of solidarity became a beacon of hope in a war-torn society. Despite facing initial resistance from Church authorities, the Focolare Movement, like Taizé, was eventually embraced and supported by the broader Christian community.

The Nigerian Church And The Challenge Of Home-Grown Spiritualities

Home-grown spiritualities - AI-generated. Unlike the experiences in Europe, the Nigerian Catholic Church has often struggled to support and integrate home-grown spiritual movements. Lay Catholics who feel called to serve their communities in unique ways frequently encounter resistance from Church leadership. The recent case of Ebuka Obi illustrates this challenge. While his approach may lack refinement, there is little evidence that he received the support necessary to develop his spiritual gifts, unlike figures such as Brother Roger, Chiara Lubich, and Sister Faustina in their respective contexts.

The Way Forward: Embracing Indigenous Spiritual Charisma

In a country as spiritually dynamic as Nigeria, the Catholic Church has a vital role to play in recognizing and nurturing the spiritual charismas of its lay members. Rather than suppressing these emerging spiritualities, the Church should offer the guidance and support needed to allow them to flourish. The transformation of figures like TB Joshua, who, despite his controversial beginnings and scandalous antecedence, grew into a respected spiritual leader, highlights the potential of proper training and encouragement. The critical question for the Nigerian Church is whether it is ready to embrace spiritual movements that are deeply rooted in the Nigerian cultural and religious landscape. By doing so, the Church can help individuals like Ebuka Obi of the Zion Ministry and others with spiritual gifts and contribute meaningfully to the spiritual life of the nation. Their callings, though unconventional, may well speak to the unique religious needs of the Nigerian people.

https://alisonomi.com/2024/08/15/why-the-nigerian-catholic-church-should-nurture-its-home-grown-spiritualities/

06/07/2024

11/06/2024

La jeunesse oblate d’Ottawa revient de sa retraite spirituelle profondément transformée, prête à entreprendre une mission guidée par le Saint-Esprit dans le monde contemporain. Les jeunes de la paroisse Sacré-Cœur d’Ottawa, après trois jours de recueillement, se disent prêts à renforcer leur engagement auprès de la mission de la famille oblate.

Les jeunes de la paroisse Sacré-Cœur d’Ottawa, après trois jours de recueillement, se disent prêts à renforcer leur engagement auprès de la mission de la famille oblate.

08/06/2024

Is Jesus out of his Mind: Reflection for the 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time

29/03/2024

In this Easter homily, Bishop Gerard Musa of Katsina Diocese delivers a touching message about the incredible transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He eloquently explains that for believers, death is not the ultimate end but instead a transformation to a new life.
The bishop emphasizes that faith in Jesus means that death is not a permanent separation from loved ones, but rather a transition to the eternal presence of God. Bishop Musa's message serves as a reminder of the hope and joy that arise from the resurrection, and the promise of everlasting life for those who have faith. Indeed, in death, life is transformed

In this Easter homily, Bishop Gerard Musa of Katsina Diocese delivers a touching message about the incredible transformative power of the resurrection of Jes...

20/03/2024

Sr. Awino Josephine Akeyo is a Kenyan nun who has devoted her life to serving her community. She is a member of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, a diocesan congregation with a long history of providing vital services to those in need. As a devout Christian, Sr. Josephine is passionate about education and spiritual growth, and she has combined these two passions in her work. With her extensive academic and pastoral experience, she wears multiple hats as a nun, a lecturer, a faith formator, and a head of department.

The Triple Hat of Sister Josephine: A nun, a lecturer, and a head of department

Sr. Josephine is a lecturer at UZIMA UNIVERSITY, where she imparts knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. Her students and peers highly respect her for her commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to helping others. Through her work at the university, Sr. Josephine is helping to shape the minds of future leaders and influencers, instilling in them the importance of compassion, empathy, and a commitment to social justice.

As the head of the Health Record Department at Uzima University, she coordinates and facilitates timely teaching and learning and designs and reviews the department’s curriculum. Additionally, she supervises students during their field attachments and establishes efficient links with relevant health and course bodies. She supports the development of good morals among students and staff and contributes to the achievement of the university’s mission and vision.

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https://pactpan.org/press-releases/sr-awino-josephine-akeyo-a-rising-kenyan-nun-with-a-dream/




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Sr. Josephine Bertha Awino is a Kenyan nun who has devoted her life to serving her community. She is a member of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, a diocesan congregation with a long history of providing vital services to those in need. As a devout Christian, Sr. Josephine is passionate about educati...

16/03/2024

15/03/2024

12/03/2024

Have you ever wondered why Christians Should Practice Charity and Justice in the world, in general, and in Africa, in particular? We are called to give alms to the poor and reach out to all those who need our help.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of charity and working toward social justice. We explore ways to give alms that will bring favour to God and critically analyze the social conditions in many African countries.
Our aim is to understand the root cause of poverty, suffering, and misery on the continent and identify ways to bring about positive change through charity and social justice.

Have you ever wondered why Christians Should Practice Charity and Justice in the world, in general, and in Africa, in particular? We are called to give alms ...