Trinitas Newspaper, Trinitas Newspaper. Onitsha Catholic Secretariat. Basilica Of The Most Holy Trinity. P. O. Box 411, Onitsha (2026)

27/08/2026

Cardinal Arinze Tours Shanahan University Permanent Site in Onitsha,offers prayers for success of work

By Ononye VC
His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, on Tuesday visited the permanent site of Shanahan University, Onitsha, for an inspection of ongoing construction work at the institution.
Cardinal Arinze was received and accompanied on the tour by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
Speaking after the tour, Archbishop Okeke described the visit as a moment of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the project.
"Today, I had the honour and the privilege of accompanying His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, to the Shanahan University permanent site, where we had a tour of the ongoing work," the Archbishop said. "It was a moment of gratitude to God for the progress made so far, and of renewed commitment to this important project."
According to him, Cardinal Arinze offered prayers for the success of the work and for the professionals handling different aspects of the construction.
"He also prayed for the Archdiocese that is undergoing this project, for the donors, and for those who will make use of this University, that they may bear lasting and positive fruits in our society," Archbishop Okeke added.
The Archbishop expressed hope that the university will fulfill its mission of delivering quality education anchored on Christian values.
"We remain hopeful that, through the grace of God and the support of our people and friends, this vision of providing quality education rooted in Christian values will become a lasting reality," he said.

27/08/2026

Pope Leo XIV: Vatican II reformed liturgy to promote active participation

By Charles Igwe

Pope Leo XIV has defended the liturgical reforms that followed the Second Vatican Council, saying they were intended to help the faithful participate more consciously and actively in the Church’s worship.

The Pope made the remarks during his general audience on August 26, as he concluded his catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

Pope Leo stressed that participation in the liturgy cannot be passive. He explained that the reforms sought to ensure that Catholics would not attend Mass merely as “strangers and silent spectators,” but would participate fully in the mystery of salvation.

The Pope also clarified that liturgical reform does not mean abandoning tradition. He distinguished between the divine elements of the liturgy, which are unchangeable, and human elements that can develop over time to serve the faithful better.

According to Leo, the reform initiated by Vatican II was part of a much longer process of liturgical development. He recalled earlier reforms under Popes Pius XI, Pius XII and John XXIII, showing that changes to the Church’s liturgy did not begin with Vatican II.

He noted, for example, that Pope Pius XII reformed the Holy Week liturgy in 1955, while Pope John XXIII simplified aspects of the breviary and missal before the Council.

Pope Leo concluded that because the liturgy is a living reality, it has undergone legitimate development throughout the centuries. The goal of reform, he stressed, remains the same: to help the faithful encounter Christ more fully and participate consciously in the worship of the Church.

27/08/2026

Pope Leo XIV appoints Knights of Columbus leader to Vatican dicastery

By Charles Igwe

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life.

The Vatican announced the appointment on August 25, adding Kelly to the dicastery responsible for promoting the apostolate of lay Catholics, supporting families and protecting human life. The office also oversees the organisation of international World Youth Day celebrations.

Members of the dicastery are not full-time Vatican officials and are not required to relocate to Rome. They participate in plenary meetings and vote on matters and decrees within the dicastery.

Kelly joined the Knights of Columbus in 1983 while studying at Marquette University. He later studied law and theology and served for 24 years in the United States Navy, earning several military honours.

Before rising to the leadership of the Knights of Columbus, Kelly worked in public policy and advised several U.S. government institutions. He also served as a senior adviser on international religious freedom at the U.S. Department of State, where he worked on relations involving the Holy See and other countries.

He became vice president for public policy of the Knights of Columbus in 2006, deputy Supreme Knight in 2017 and was elected Supreme Knight in 2021.

27/08/2026

‘You are home’: Pope Leo XIV meets sick and disabled residents in Rimini

By Charles Igwe

Pope Leo XIV has urged sick and disabled people to take an active part in the life of the Church, assuring them that they have a rightful place within the Christian community.

The Pope made the appeal on August 22 during a meeting with people living with illness and disabilities at Rimini Cathedral in Italy, describing the historic church as a place where the sick and poor could hear the message: “You are home.”

Reflecting on Jesus’ ministry to the sick, Pope Leo said Christ sought to heal people and restore to them a life worthy of their dignity. He encouraged those present not to see themselves merely as recipients of pastoral care but as active members of the Church.

He urged them to participate in Church life “in the parish, in associations, and in places of welcome and service,”emphasising that everyone has a role to play in the mission of the Church.

Later that day, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Port of Rimini, where he reminded the faithful that everything they are and possess is a gift from God.

Drawing on St Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the Pope encouraged Christians to reflect God’s love by embracing, welcoming, forgiving and liberating others. He stressed that God’s love should shape the way believers relate to one another.

The Pope’s visit formed part of his August 22 visit to Italy, which also included a stop in San Marino and an appearance at the 47th Meeting for Friendship Among the Peoples in Rimini.

27/08/2026

Pope Leo XIV urges young people to find true freedom in Christ

By Charles Igwe

Pope Leo XIV has urged young people to open their hearts to God and discover authentic freedom in Jesus Christ, warning against settling for temporary pleasures that fail to bring lasting fulfilment.

The Pope made the call on August 22 during his visit to the Basilica of San Marino, where he met priests, religious and faithful, with a particular message for young people.

Recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s 2011 visit to San Marino, Leo encouraged young people to keep their hearts open to the deeper desires for beauty, goodness and life, saying these longings can lead them towards an encounter with God.

He urged the youths to embrace their mission in the world, discern the unique vocation God has given each person and generously invest their gifts in serving others. He encouraged them not to fear demanding choices, including marriage, consecrated life, priestly ministry, professional work and social or political engagement.

Pope Leo also highlighted the important role of families, priests, catechists and educators in forming young people in the faith. He described the family as the first place of Christian formation and called for stronger cooperation between parents and the Church in passing on Christian values.

Against the backdrop of a world wounded by conflicts, the Pope called Christians to respond by following the Gospel with greater conviction and promoting unity within their communities.

Addressing the young people again at the end of the encounter, Leo urged them to “open the door of your heart”and listen to what Jesus is calling each of them to do.

He reminded them that every human life has immense value because each person is created and loved by God, encouraging young Christians to recognise their dignity and their responsibility to make a positive contribution to the Church and the world.

27/08/2026

Pope Leo XIV remembers victims of Ebola outbreak and mining disaster in Central Africa

By Charles Igwe

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his closeness to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic, remembering victims of a deadly Ebola outbreak and a mining disaster in the two countries.

Speaking during the Angelus on August 23 at the Vatican, the Pope called for prayers for those affected and urged the international community to support local efforts to prevent further loss of life.

Pope Leo particularly expressed concern over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which has claimed nearly 2,500 lives, according to reports cited by EWTN News. He called for an international response that involves local communities in prevention efforts and helps save lives.

The Pope also remembered victims of a mining landslide near Zamboyé in the Central African Republic, where more than 100 workers were reportedly killed when a gold mine collapsed on August 18.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved, Leo prayed that God would receive those who died and encouraged efforts to improve safety and ensure respect for the law at mining sites.

Reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, the Pope also invited Catholics to ask themselves a fundamental question: “Who is Jesus for me?” He urged believers not to remain satisfied with merely knowing about Christ but to develop a personal relationship with Him through prayer, the Gospel and daily discipleship.

Pope Leo stressed that an authentic encounter with Christ can transform both individual lives and the world, sometimes requiring believers to take paths and make choices different from those they had originally imagined.

27/08/2026

Enugu Diocese designates 13 pilgrimage sites for Franciscan Jubilee

By Charles Igwe

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has designated 13 churches and sacred sites across the diocese as pilgrimage centres for the special Jubilee of St. Francis of Assisi proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop Callistus Chukwuma Valentine Onaga said the designation would provide the faithful with opportunities for prayer, spiritual renewal and the reception of the Plenary Indulgence associated with the Jubilee.

The Jubilee marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226, and will run until January 10, 2027. Pope Leo XIV has called Christians to draw inspiration from the saint’s life, particularly his holiness, peace-making and active charity.

The designated sites include the Capuchin Convent Churches in Enugu, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ugbene II, St. Francis Parish, Umuatugboma Akagbe, St. John Catholic Church, Agbani, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Iwollo, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Emene, and Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu.

Others are Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike; St. Mary Pro-Cathedral, Udi; Pastoral and Catechetical Centre, Ugwuodiso Eke; Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ugwuogo Nike; Upper Room Ministries, Jesus the Emmanuel Town, Ugwuomu Nike; and Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu.

The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a Plenary Indulgence to faithful who fulfil the prescribed conditions and participate in the Jubilee through pilgrimage. These include Sacramental Confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions and prayers at a designated Jubilee site, including the Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed and Glory Be.

The provision also extends to the elderly, sick and those caring for them who cannot make the pilgrimage because of serious reasons, provided they fulfil the applicable conditions and participate spiritually in the Jubilee.

Bishop Onaga expressed hope that the observance would enable the faithful to experience “the abiding grace of God” and draw closer to the example of St. Francis.

27/08/2026

Rwandan Bishop decries drug abuse among youths, calls for urgent action

By Charles Igwe

Bishop Papias Musengamana of the Catholic Diocese of Byumba has called on the Rwandan government, parents, the Church and other institutions to take urgent action against drug abuse and other harmful behaviours affecting young people.

The Bishop made the appeal during the closing of the National Youth Forum in Byumba, held from August 19 to 23, which brought together more than 3,000 young people from Rwanda’s Catholic dioceses and neighbouring countries.

Expressing concern over the growing circulation of hard drugs locally known as ibyuma, Bishop Musengamana urged young people to reject drug abuse and called on society to confront the problem collectively.

He also urged authorities to scrutinise public advertisements and messages that could encourage harmful behaviours among young people, including drug use and sexual misconduct.

The Bishop, who is President of the Youth Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, said the problem extends beyond drug users, requiring attention to drug producers, family neglect, social influences and the effectiveness of existing interventions.

His concerns were reinforced by a visit to the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, where he encountered minors, including young mothers with infants. He described the situation as heartbreaking and urged lawmakers to review policies governing juvenile offenders, particularly those affecting children and their babies.

Bishop Musengamana advocated for a rehabilitative and restorative approach to juvenile justice, stressing that young offenders should be helped to reform with compassion, love and guidance rather than simply being punished.

He said the Catholic Church in Rwanda would continue strengthening youth formation through forums, training and other initiatives aimed at promoting good values, responsible behaviour and a deeper relationship with God and society.

27/08/2026

Bishop Dachelem’s new book urges Nigerians to rediscover Christ amid hardship

By Charles Igwe

Bishop Hilary Nanman Dachelem of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi has released a new book, ‘Stay With Us, Lord,’ calling Nigerians to rediscover Christ amid insecurity, economic hardship, political tensions and other social challenges.

The 167-page book was presented publicly on August 24, with Bishop Dachelem describing it as an invitation to Nigerians to confront the country’s difficulties through a renewed relationship with Christ.

The Bishop acknowledged that many Nigerians struggle daily with insecurity, poverty and uncertainty but argued that lasting transformation must begin with individuals. He urged Nigerians to examine their own attitudes and choices rather than waiting for others to solve the country’s problems.

He particularly criticised greed and excessive accumulation of wealth, noting that selfishness contributes to social injustice. According to him, allowing Christ to shape individual lives would encourage greater justice, compassion and responsibility towards others.

Bishop Dachelem also expressed concern over the growing influence of smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence, saying constant digital distractions are making people increasingly uncomfortable with silence and reflection.

While acknowledging the usefulness of technology, he stressed that it must never replace Scripture and prayer. He encouraged Christians to create time for quiet reflection and to remain attentive to God’s Word.

The Bishop maintained that Nigeria’s renewal must begin with a renewed relationship with Christ, urging Nigerians to allow Christ to transform their families, communities and leadership.

His central message is that personal conversion can become the foundation for national transformation: if individuals change, families and communities can change, and ultimately Nigeria can change.

27/08/2026

Our Lady of Fatima Hospital Announces Free Eye Clinic in Honour of Late Lucky Chinedu Adimike

By Charles Igwe

Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Maternity, Awka-Etiti, will host a free eye clinic from September 1 to 5, 2026, in honour of the late Mr Lucky Chinedu Adimike.

Children and wards aged 16 years and below who visit the hospital during the five-day programme will receive free eye examinations, reading glasses, medical tests and prescribed medications.

The initiative is particularly significant because it continues a legacy of healthcare support that Mr Adimike championed during his lifetime. Through his support for Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Maternity, he ensured that pregnant women in Awka-Etiti could access free healthcare from antenatal care through delivery and postnatal treatment, helping to ease the financial burden on expectant mothers and their families.

His generosity extended beyond maternal healthcare, as he consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable people and contributing to the development of his community.

The organisers described the programme as an opportunity to keep alive the memory of Mr Adimike through service to others, particularly children in need of medical attention.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote, “He who has gone abides in us.”

May the soul of late Mr Lucky Chinedu Adimike continue to rest in the bosom of God Almighty.

Trinitas Newspaper

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