Homilies & Reflections
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
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REFLECTION FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF ASSUMPTION
"The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven". These are the words with which, on November 1, 1950, in the Apostolic Constitution *Munificentissimus* *Deus* , Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption of Mary a dogma of the Catholic Church. With that, an ancient belief became Catholic doctrine and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God.
The first reading (Rev. 11: 19, 12: 1-6, 10), speaks about the woman who gives birth to a Son through Whom salvation and power come into the world. We also hear that God has prepared a place for her. This whole account links Mary as the one who gives birth to the Saviour of the world.
In the gospel (Luke 1: 39-56), we are presented with Mary's visit to Elizabeth and Mary's proclamation of her magnificat. "God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name" (Luke 1:49).
Dear friends, today's celebration is associated with the ultimate victory: Jesus' victory over death and our victory over death through faith in Jesus Christ. Mary is among the "first fruits" of faith in Jesus (1 Cor. 15: 20-23). The Lord wishes through faith in Him, to transform us from victim to victor, free from sin, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, self-hatred and most importantly, to enjoy beatific vision in heaven with Him.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit as did Mary and Elizabeth through the power of the Word, and enjoy the freedom it gives. May we be victorious in all we encounter today. May Mary, assumed into heaven intercede for us. Have a glorious Feast of Assumption.
Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15
From The Chancery Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation. Rev Henry Maduka
The Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.
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