Ciwa Chaplaincy

Ciwa Chaplaincy The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) is a higher Ecclesiastical Institute of the Catholic Church in the West African Sub-region.

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)Readings: 2 Peter 3:12–15a, 17–18; Psalm 90; Mark 12:13–17.In today...
02/06/2026

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)
Readings: 2 Peter 3:12–15a, 17–18; Psalm 90; Mark 12:13–17.

In today's Gospel, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a political question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" Jesus responds with wisdom that leaves them speechless: "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

The coin bore Caesar's image, so it belonged to Caesar. But every human person bears the image of God. That means our hearts, our lives, our gifts, and our future belong first to God.

The first reading from St. Peter reminds us that we are awaiting "new heavens and a new earth." Because of this hope, we are called to live holy lives, grow in grace, and remain steadfast in faith.

Many times we become preoccupied with worldly concerns success, recognition, possessions, or even daily worries. These things have their place, but they must never take the place of God. The question for us today is simple:

What am I giving to God that truly belongs to Him?
Not just an hour at Mass or a few prayers, but our trust, our obedience, our choices, and our love.

The Psalm reminds us that our days pass quickly, but God remains our refuge in every age. When we place God at the center, we learn to use our time wisely and live with eternity in view.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, Your image is engraved upon my soul. Help me to give You not only my words but my entire life. Teach me to live faithfully in this world while keeping my eyes fixed on Your Kingdom. May I grow daily in grace and be found at peace when You come. Amen.

Reflection for Today – Monday, June 1, 2026Memorial of Saint Justin, MartyrReadings: 2 Peter 1:2–7; Mark 12:1–12Today’s ...
01/06/2026

Reflection for Today – Monday, June 1, 2026
Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
Readings: 2 Peter 1:2–7; Mark 12:1–12

Today’s readings remind us that God has given us everything we need to live a holy life. St. Peter encourages us to grow steadily in faith by adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Holiness is not achieved in a single day; it is built through daily cooperation with God's grace.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants who rejected the servants and even killed the owner's son. This parable reveals God's immense patience and love toward His people. Again and again, God reaches out to us, inviting us into a relationship with Him. Yet, like the tenants, we can sometimes resist His voice, choosing our own desires over His will.

The feast of Saint Justin Martyr gives even greater meaning to these readings. Justin embraced the truth of Christ with courage and remained faithful even unto death. He teaches us that faith is not merely something we profess with our lips; it is something we live with conviction, regardless of the cost.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Am I growing in the virtues that lead me closer to God? Do I welcome God's guidance, or do I resist it when it challenges me? May we have the courage of Saint Justin to remain faithful and the humility to allow God to transform our hearts.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith. Help me to grow daily in virtue and love. Open my heart to Your voice and give me the courage to follow You faithfully in every circumstance. Through the intercession of Saint Justin Martyr, strengthen me to be a true witness of Your Gospel. Amen.

31/05/2026

Heavenly Father, we lift up every child around the world into Your care. Please protect the innocent, comfort the hurting, and provide for those in need.

31/05/2026

Our Children’s Day celebration was filled with laughter, dancing, and beautiful memories. Watching these little ones light up the day was pure happiness!

31/05/2026

Solemnity || Holy Trinity || Year A 2026

Reflection for Saturday, 30 May 2026Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle IIToday’s readings encourage us...
30/05/2026

Reflection for Saturday, 30 May 2026
Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle II

Today’s readings encourage us to remain firm in faith, rooted in God’s love, and obedient to the truth. In the first reading, St. Jude urges believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God. These words remind us that the Christian life requires constant spiritual growth. Faith is not something we receive once and then neglect; it must be nourished daily through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and trust in God.

St. Jude also calls us to show mercy to those who struggle and doubt. As followers of Christ, we are not called to judge harshly but to help others return to God with compassion and patience. Mercy is one of the greatest signs of Christian maturity.

In the Gospel, the religious leaders question Jesus: “By what authority are you doing these things?” They were more concerned with protecting their position than accepting the truth standing before them. Their pride prevented them from recognizing God's work in Jesus. This challenges us to examine our own hearts. Sometimes we resist God’s voice because it does not fit our plans, opinions, or expectations.

True faith requires humility. It means allowing God to lead us even when we do not fully understand His ways. Jesus’ authority comes from the Father, and His words are truth and life. When we surrender to His authority, we discover peace, direction, and spiritual freedom.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Am I building my faith daily? Do I show mercy to others? Do I truly allow Christ to guide my decisions and actions? May we open our hearts to God's truth and trust His authority over every aspect of our lives.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith and keep me rooted in Your love. Teach me to be humble, merciful, and obedient to Your will. Help me to recognize Your authority in my life and follow You with confidence and trust. Amen.

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle IIToday’s readings invite us to live with deep faith, sincere love, a...
29/05/2026

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle II

Today’s readings invite us to live with deep faith, sincere love, and unwavering trust in God. St. Peter reminds us that “the end of all things is at hand,” encouraging us to be prayerful, disciplined, and loving toward one another. He tells us that love covers a multitude of sins and that each of us has received gifts from God not for selfish gain, but for service to others. Every talent, opportunity, and blessing we possess should become a means of glorifying God and helping those around us.

In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple and declares, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Christ desires purity not only in places of worship but also in our hearts. Sometimes anger, bitterness, dishonesty, pride, or unforgiveness can occupy the temple of our souls. Jesus comes today to cleanse us and restore holiness within us.

The Gospel also teaches the power of faith-filled prayer. Jesus says that whatever we ask in prayer with faith, we shall receive. Yet He also adds an important condition: we must forgive others. True prayer cannot exist in a heart filled with hatred or resentment. Forgiveness opens the door for God’s grace to work powerfully in our lives.

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we truly living as temples of God? Are we using our gifts to serve others? Do we forgive those who hurt us? The Lord calls us to deeper holiness, sincere charity, and stronger faith.

May we allow Jesus to cleanse our hearts so that our lives may become places where God’s presence dwells and His love shines through us.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, purify my heart and make me a true temple of Your presence. Teach me to love sincerely, pray with faith, and forgive wholeheartedly. Help me to use my gifts for Your glory and for the good of others. Amen.

Reflection for Thursday, 28 May 2026Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle IIToday’s readings remind us of...
28/05/2026

Reflection for Thursday, 28 May 2026
Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Cycle II

Today’s readings remind us of who we are in Christ and how faith opens our eyes to God’s presence. In the first reading, St. Peter tells us that we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. As Christians, we are not meant to live ordinary or careless lives. Our words, actions, and attitudes should reflect the goodness of God. Even in a world filled with temptation and confusion, we are called to stand firm and live as people of light.

In the Gospel, the blind beggar Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus with deep faith: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Though many tried to silence him, he continued calling on the Lord. Jesus heard him, stopped, and restored his sight. Bartimaeus teaches us perseverance in prayer and confidence in God’s mercy. Sometimes we too experience blindness blindness caused by sin, fear, pride, discouragement, or lack of faith. Yet Jesus is always passing by, ready to heal and restore us if only we call upon Him sincerely.

The Gospel also challenges us not to allow the noise of the world to silence our desire for God. Like Bartimaeus, we must keep praying even when life becomes difficult. Faith is not just believing when things are easy; it is trusting that Jesus hears us even in moments of darkness.

Today, let us ask the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts so that we may recognize His presence, live worthy Christian lives, and boldly proclaim His goodness to others.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see Your truth and Your love. Help me to live as Your faithful disciple and never lose confidence in Your mercy. Amen.

27/05/2026

let us lift up our families, our friends, and our loved ones into the hands of God. May the Lord protect them, strengthen them, heal them, and guide them in every step of life.

Let us pray for peace in every home, provision for every need, comfort for every troubled heart, and joy that will never run dry. May God’s grace continue to speak for us and our loved ones wherever they may be.

And through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Holy Mother, may God pour out mercy, favor, protection, and blessings upon our families. Mother Mary, kindly intercede for us, stand by us in difficult moments, and continue to lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ.

May every silent prayer be answered, every burden be lifted, and every heart be filled with hope and thanksgiving. Amen.

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on what true greatness means in the eyes of God. The world teaches us to seek powe...
27/05/2026

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on what true greatness means in the eyes of God. The world teaches us to seek power, recognition, and success, but Jesus teaches a completely different path the path of humble service and sacrificial love.

In the Gospel, James and John ask Jesus for places of honor in His glory. They desired greatness, but they did not yet understand that the road to glory passes through the Cross. Jesus tells them, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”

This message speaks directly to our daily lives. Often, we want appreciation without sacrifice, leadership without service, and blessings without surrender. But Christ shows us that true discipleship is not about being above others; it is about lifting others up. The Son of God Himself came “not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

The first reading reminds us of the great price of our salvation. We were redeemed not with silver or gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ. If Jesus loved us this deeply, then our response should be a life of sincere love, holiness, and charity toward others.

Today is an opportunity to examine our hearts:
Do I serve others with humility or only when it benefits me?
Do I seek recognition more than faithfulness?
Am I willing to carry my cross patiently with Christ?

Real greatness is found in quiet acts of love, forgiveness, sacrifice, and service. A heart that serves like Christ shines more brightly in heaven than a life filled only with worldly achievements.

May God give us the grace to follow Jesus not only in moments of glory, but also in humility, service, and self-giving love.

Address

Rumuibekwe
Port Harcourt
500102

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+2348060354065

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