The Spirit's Whisperers

28/07/2025

God still calls his own. He has a purpose for today’s youth.

Anthony’s story is a living
proof-once caught in sin, he encountered God, experienced a powerful
transformation, and is now on a path toward the priesthood.

Dear friend, take a moment to listen to his moving testimony. Share it with any young
person you know-it just might be what they need.

Don't forget to subscribe.

Join us for a thought-provoking podcast episode with Anthony's Pathway, a dedicated YouTube evangelist. We discuss insightful questions about faith and chris...

25/07/2025

Religious Life and Homosexuality: A Sacred Conversation

Some years ago, a married man came forward, heavy with shame. He had lived a double life-outwardly a loving husband and father, inwardly battling homosexual tendencies and behaviours. He was not seeking justification, but healing. Through regular confession, prayer, and spiritual counselling, he began to understand the roots of his struggle. He opened himself to God's grace and, over time, was restored in both faith and identity. His story is now a testimony that God still heals and redeems. As Scripture says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

However, whenever the topic of homosexuality arises, especially in the context of seminaries or convents, it provokes serious concern. Many wrongly assume this is a problem exclusive to religious houses. Yet history has revealed numerous cases of married men and women caught in similar patterns. Homosexual behaviour is not limited to the seminary. While same-sex boarding or formation systems may expose vulnerabilities, the issue is now a widespread societal challenge-a plague affecting all sectors of humanity. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

That said, the seminary is a sacred environment where future priests are formed for holy service. It must not tolerate behaviours that contradict the moral and spiritual values it stands for. Some justify homosexual acts as genetic or natural orientation. But the Word of God says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts... men committed shameful acts with other men” (Romans 1:26–27). While cultural narratives evolve, Scripture remains consistent.

Nevertheless, the Church is not a courtroom of condemnation but a hospital for sinners. “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus said to the woman caught in sin, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Those caught in homosexual behaviours must not be discarded but helped-through pastoral care, spiritual direction, and the sacraments. The problem arises when sin is normalised and defended under the banner of rights or identity.

Not every sweet thing is right. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). The growing acceptance of homosexuality in society does not change God’s moral truth. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). A sin remains a sin, no matter how we garb it. The goal is not rejection, but redemption-for God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

24/07/2025

HOW TO APPLY TO THE SEMINARY

Applying to the seminary is a serious step that requires prayerful and honest discernment. Once you have reflected deeply and are convinced of your desire to serve God as a priest, the next important decision is choosing between becoming a diocesan priest or joining a religious congregation. Each path is unique in its demands and lifestyle. A diocesan priest serves within a particular diocese, while a religious priest belongs to a congregation shaped by the spirituality and charism of its founder.

If you choose to pursue the diocesan priesthood, inform your parish priest, as his recommendation is usually required. Similarly, if you feel called to religious life, take time to read about different congregations and their missions. Select the one that resonates most with your own sense of calling, then submit an application directly to them.

Each diocese or congregation has its own formation process, which may include interviews, retreats, or a period of familiarisation. These usually begin around January and may continue through June. Be aware that some congregations may consider factors such as age, prior seminary experience, or academic background. Policies vary, so don’t be discouraged if one option doesn’t work out.

If you’re not admitted initially, don’t lose hope. Keep yourself meaningfully engaged-pursue further studies, take up a job, or volunteer. No knowledge is ever wasted, and whatever you gain now may enrich your future ministry.

Above all, pray continuously. Discernment is not just a personal effort; it’s a journey with God. If it is truly God who is calling you, he will make a way, in his time and according to his plan. Stay open, remain faithful, and trust the process.

17/07/2025

African Seminary System and Ex-Seminarians: The Fate of Catholic Priesthood

The seminary is not a production line where everyone who enters is destined to become a priest. Rather, it is a sacred space for discernment and formation, an environment where the human, spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual foundations of a vocation are laid. Misunderstanding this purpose has caused confusion in many quarters. When candidates or their families assume that entering the seminary guarantees ordination, the result can be a crisis, either within the seminary system or, more dangerously, in the priesthood itself if unfit candidates are ordained.

Admittedly, there have been formators whose personal biases or lack of empathy made life unnecessarily difficult for seminarians. However, this does not diminish the importance of a formation process designed to refine and strengthen those called to serve. A system that emphasises discipline, self-awareness, and resilience is necessary for preparing future priests who will face the complexities of modern ministry.

Some critics draw comparisons with seminary training in Europe and America, suggesting that formation in Africa is too harsh. Yet, it is precisely the lowering of standards in some parts of the world that has contributed to a decline in vocations and the weakening of commitment. African seminaries, though sometimes strict, must resist the temptation of embracing leniency at the expense of depth. True virtue, as Aristotle says, lies in the mean, between excess and deficiency.

It is worth noting that many of the harshest critics of African seminaries are ex-seminarians, individuals who, rather than acknowledging their own shortcomings during formation, deflect blame and join in criticising the system that once sought to shape them. A more mature approach would be to accept the formative experience, learn from it, and move forward with integrity.

That said, seminary formation must continue to evolve. Formators should be updated in methodology, culturally aware, and pastorally sensitive. Still, the criteria for priestly ordination must remain firm. Not every good man is called to the priesthood, and not everyone who feels called is necessarily ready. This is a sacred work entrusted to human hands, and it must be guided with prayerful discernment, humility, and fidelity to the Spirit.

Let us be balanced, bold, and discerning, for the future of the priesthood and the integrity of the Church depend on it.

10/04/2025

LIST OF RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS FOUNDED BY NIGERIAN SPIRITANS

MALES CONGREGATIONS
1. Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy Congregation (SMMM)
Founder: Bishop Anthony Gogo Nwedo, C.S.Sp.
Year Founded: October 25, 1970.
Headquarters: Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

2. Congregation of Jesus the Saviour (CJS)
Founder: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, C.S.Sp.
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

3. Contemplative Brothers of Jesus the Saviour [CJS]
Founder: Rev Fr Emmanuel Edeh CSSp
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.

4. Holy Family Fathers and Brothers of the Youths
Founder: Rev Fr Ononuju Innocent, CSSp
Founded: 2003
Headquarter: Okija, Anambra State.

FEMALE CONGREGATIONS

1. Daughters of Divine Love Congregation (DDL)
Type: Female Religious Congregation (Sisters)
Founder: Bishop Godfrey Mary Paul Okoye, C.S.Sp.
Headquarters: Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

2. Holy Family Sisters of the Needy
Founder: Rev. Fr. Ononuju Innocent, CSSp
Year Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

3. Sisters of Jesus the Saviour (Saviour Sisters)
Type: Female Religious Congregation
Founded: 1985
Founder: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, C.S.Sp.
Headquarters: Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

4. Contemplative Sisters of Jesus the Saviour [CJS]
Founder: Rev Fr Emmanuel Edeh CSSp
Founded in 1985
Headquarter: Elele, Rivers State.

5. Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy
Founder : Bishop Anthony Gogo Nwedo, C.S.SP
Founded: December 29, 1961
Headquarter: Umuahia, Abia State.

CONGREGATIONS FOUNDEED IN NIGERIA BY FOREIGN SPIRITANS MISSIONARIES

MALE

1. Via Christi Society
Founder: Rev Fr Angus George Frazer, CSSp
Founded: 1977.
Headquarter: Makurdi, Benue State

FEMALE

1. Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (IHM)
Founder: Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp. (A Spiritan and Archbishop of Onitsha)
Founded on October 7, 1937
Headquarters: Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria

2. Congregation of the Sisters of Nativity
Founder: Bishop Joseph Murray, CSSp
Founded: 4th of January, 1969
Headquarter: Makurdi Benue State

09/04/2025

FOUNDING OF A RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION

Founding a religious congregation in the Catholic Church is a spiritual and canonical process guided by discernment, community life, and ecclesiastical approval. It begins with an individual or group sensing a divine call to live a particular charism — a unique gift or mission inspired by the Holy Spirit — in service to the Church and the world. This call is nurtured through prayer, spiritual direction, and consultation with Church authorities.

The founder typically gathers like-minded individuals to live the proposed way of life, often starting informally in a small community. Together, they develop a rule of life or constitutions, outlining their spiritual focus, daily practices, apostolic work, and communal structure. With the guidance of a local bishop, the group may be recognized as a "pious association of the faithful" — a first step toward formal recognition.

If the group grows and demonstrates stability, fidelity to the Church, and clear service to God's people, the bishop may approve it as a diocesan religious institute. For broader recognition and expansion, the congregation may later seek approval from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life. Once fully approved, the congregation becomes a permanent part of the Church’s mission of evangelization and service.

07/09/2024

In renewing his vows, Valentine recommitted himself to the three evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience, which form the cornerstone of religious life. These counsels guide every Spiritan, as they did Valentine, toward a deeper relationship with God and a life fully devoted to the service of the Church.

Valentine recommitted himself to the three evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience, which form the cornerstone of religious life.

05/09/2024

This ordination is not only a celebration of their dedication but a milestone for the Spiritan mission in the province and the world at large.

We congratulate our new priests and deacons.

Abundant grace

This ordination is not only a celebration of their dedication but a milestone for the Spiritan mission in the province and the world at large.

04/09/2024

By embracing these counsels, the newly professed Spiritans are guided toward a deeper spiritual life, focused on eternal values rather than worldly concerns.

By embracing these counsels, the newly professed Spiritans are guided toward a deeper spiritual life, focused on eternal values rather than worldly concerns.

13/08/2024

Fate or destiny? The world is only a village. We can be good. We can tread soflty, because we do not know tommorow. This is explained by the story of these two Spiritan priests.

Fr. Matthew Kwaghtaver’s journey to the priesthood is marked by significant mentorship and familial ties. From 1998 to 2000, he interpreted for Fr. John McFadden, at St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Iorwar, Benue state, Nigeria. Fr McFadden was the District Superior of Makurdi District, living at t...

16/05/2024

HOW POPE JOHN PAUL II DISCOVERED HIS CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD AMIDST ADVERSITY
The vocation discernment of Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, is a remarkable journey marked by profound spiritual depth and resilience in the face of adversity. His path to the priesthood and eventual papacy began in his early years in Wadowice, Poland, where he exhibited an early interest in spirituality and a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, his initial aspirations leaned towards literature and theater, reflecting his love for culture and the arts.

The turning point in Karol's vocational discernment came with the outbreak of World War II. The N**i occupation of Poland and the tragic loss of his loved ones profoundly influenced his spiritual journey. During this tumultuous period, Karol experienced a deepening of his faith and a growing sense of calling towards the priesthood. He clandestinely attended an underground seminary run by the Archbishop of Kraków, Adam Stefan Sapieha, while also working in a quarry to avoid deportation to N**i labor camps.

In 1946, after the war, Karol was ordained a priest, beginning his formal ministry. His early priesthood was characterized by his dedication to pastoral care, intellectual pursuits, and fostering youth engagement in the Church. His studies in Rome and subsequent work as a professor of ethics further shaped his theological and philosophical perspectives.

Karol's discernment continued to evolve as he became a bishop, archbishop, and eventually a cardinal. His profound understanding of human dignity, developed through his experiences and intellectual rigor, resonated deeply with the broader Church. This culminated in his election as Pope John Paul II in 1978, where his vocational journey came full circle. As Pope, he championed human rights, interfaith dialogue, and the transformative power of God's love, embodying the vocational discernment that had guided him throughout his life. His life stands as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God's call.

16/02/2024

Uje Ijewere commits herself to the Spiritan life.

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