“For four years, since I became a priest in 2016, I have been burying my parishioners,” – Fr Ebute.
As far as the international community is concerned, there is so much hypocrisy and lack of will. Clearly, if there is political will, there will be an end to it – Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto diocese in Nigeria.
Are we in a war? Yes. But what would Christ have us do? The only way He has pointed out to us is the non-violent way. It is the road less travelled, but it is the only way, said Bishop Matthew Kukah.
The mission of Viatores Christi is to work in solidarity with partner organisations to improve the lives of local people by improving access to basic services.
Michael Nnadi was one of four seminarians who were abducted on the evening of 8 January from the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna city.
Abductions in the state have become “a big business” though some kidnappings are for religious reasons, – Rev John Joseph Hayab.
“Western nations are not doing enough. They have shown that the resources of Africa are more important than the ordinary people," Bishop Kukah.
"These baptized are martyrs. They have not betrayed the Gospel," - Cardinal Sarah.
Preliminary data states that over 1000 Christians have been killed since January.
Everybody will have an opportunity to have a direct encounter with witnesses — that is, people who have directly experienced violence in defending their faith — and that’s a rare opportunity for people in Ireland - Dr Michael Kinsella.
“Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria have been facing an ongoing onslaught from extremists wanting to eradicate the Christian Faith.”
More than 245 million Christians live in a place where they experience high levels of persecution – IDOP.
‘God is real, Christ is alive, He is present, He wants to befriend each one of us, forgive us, heal us, free us, involve us in the loving community of faith and make our lives better,’ said Bishop Michael Duignan in his first address as a member of the Irish hierarchy.
“Widespread evidence shows that today, Christians constitute the most widely persecuted religion.”
Friend of murdered Nigerian environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa is one of the high-profile women featured by Cavan County Museum exhibition.
More than 130 mainly Christian Adara people have been killed and more than 10,000 Adara have fled seeking safety in refugee camps.
“Any man, woman or child who has been trafficked, or could be trafficked, clearly needs our unconditional love.”
Organised by the Santa Marta Group (preventing human trafficking and modern slavery), the conference has as its theme ‘Church and state working together to restore dignity to trafficked persons’.
Sr Nora McNamara and Professor Stephen Morse have produced a book “about advocacy and food security and minding our planet. We are telling that story through the yam, which was an endangered crop”.
Bishop William Amove Avenya of Gboko has warned that escalating attacks on Christians by Fulani tribesmen could soon become another Rwanda.
“Now we are blessed that the Church in Nigeria is generously sending her missionaries back to us. It is a wonderful exchange ... and the reality of today is that in many ways Ireland is ripe for mission and new evangelisation.”
Meeting between Pontiff and the husband and daughter of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, as well as Nigerian Rebecca Bitrus, who escaped from Boko Haram after two years in captivity.
"We are happy; to God be the glory", said Sister Agatha Osarekhoe, Superior General of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Christ, announcing the release of the sisters.
Pope Francis shared an enormous birthday pizza with youngsters at a Vatican paediatric clinic.
They campaigned against oil production in an area of the Niger Delta, claiming that it caused extreme environmental damage arising from years of exploitation. The group were later sent to prison and executed.
A special liturgical reception was hosted at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin to formally welcome 60-year-old Nigerian, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the first African priest to hold the Church’s most senior diplomatic role in the State.
Sr Kathleen McGarvey helped set up WIC in 2010 to enable Muslim and Christian women tackle issues of common concern such as health, literacy, unemployment and violence – both domestic and interreligious.
Diocesan coordinator Fr Michael Toomey said he has been astounded at the enthusiasm and commitment all students have put into this award.
“We talk a lot about the challenges of family life but those of you who are here today are here because you know that overall the family brings a fulfilment into your lives that is quite unique.”
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo is the first African to hold the role of Papal Nuncio to Ireland.
