For those criticising the humble request of the pope that the blessed virgin pray for the church,do realise that the first miracle of Jesus at Cana in Galilee during a wedding came through the intercession of the blessed virgin mary.Jesus knowing fully well that the time to launch fully into his public ministry listened to her,Mary became yet a model for selfless and caring christians.She knew Jesus well,his ability to work miracles but never requested for this miracles for herself or her family,always thinking of others.Let us learn from her.

I do believe that we are all entitled to our opinions but abusing other christian denominations at the slightest chance smacks of immaturity.No one is good but God,even if there has been allegations of misconduct levelled against some catholic clergy,note that it is an allegation against some,not all.10 percent can never cancell out 90 percent.However,among every religion,denomination and in the rank and file of the laity evil exists.Some of us heaping insults on clergymen here you need to realise that you do not possess a licence to commit sin yourselves,examine your conscience and realise that we are all human,frail and rely every day on the grace of God.

It is quite true that the supreme pontif has indicated his readiness to resign his position of the head of the catholic institution.The pope otherwise known as josef Ratsinger is a celebrated theologian of no mean repute,an academic giant and a former archbishop.I had the priviledge of reading some of his books,he loves writting with a passion.However,he did say at the beginning of his papacy that though willing to serve he would not hesitate to tender his resignation if age and health conditions fail him in the discharge of his duties,in the text of his intended resignation before the Roman curia,he said that the duties of a shepherd demands words and actions.Having weighed the frailty of his age and health,he would gracefully resign his position come 28th of February 2013.I think he has a right to this choice.We may view this differently because for nearly 600 yrs this is the first time we are having a situation like this after that of Gregory the XII.The pope wishes to retire to a life of prayer in the cistercian monastery.To this great man of God I say,weldone,God is all,man is nothing.

Friends it is quite unfortunate that this thread or reaction from the catholic fold is being misunderstood.The catholics I believe freely decided to be part of CAN ,if at any stage with regards to the prevailing situation they deem it wise to suspend their participation in CAN I think no one should begrudge them this choice.I am not interested in denigrating any sect or down play the gift of the spirit but the truth need be told,conscience is an open wound and only truth can heal it.Any religious leader must play a prophetic role and this requires speaking out against injustice,corruption and the likes,but when you lose the moral stand to do this you are seen to be in the same boat with the ones you are criticising.For instance Onaiyekan even before assuming the position of CAN president has been respected within the GOVT circles for his roles in fostering unity among the rank and file of the contry's religions and in the unity of Nigeria.I remember clearly a friend resident in Abuja and working in a bank telling me last august of Onaiyekan's refusal to draw from a fund annonymously being credited to his account for more than 3 yrs,he even insisted the bank trace the source and eventually it happened that someone was erroneously paying into that account mistaking it to be a mortgage account he knew.At the last count the amount stood at a little over 3 million.In the same Abuja,the priest incharge of Holy trinity church maitama refused to take charge of a vehicle donated personally for his use by an annonymous person,the donor had parked the car within the parish premises with a note,all documents intact and intended for the use of the parish priest.I lived in Warri and I still remember how I was almost chased into the gutter by the convoy of Ayo along Ango park Ogunu rd on a sunday.Finally apart from the one branch headquaters of the church at Ajamimogha warri,why is the church not in villages,ozoro,umutu and even Escravos but the catholic church sends missionaries on boat to go and evangelise the residents there even reaching down to KOKO .Friends leave matter.

The catholic church in Nigeria has taken a bold step here,suspending her participation in CAN at the national level,the church in Nigeria should not be an object of ridicule before Government and Nigeria.Without criticising any group,certain churches in Nigeria need to step up the standards in the formation of their clergy,have a sound doctrinal and theological base in their utterances,actions before the public instead of creating the impression that whoever can purchase the bible can simply go ahead preaching the word.The church remains the voice of the common man,it is notfor nothing that the catholic clergy has in its fold,seasoned and balanced experts in various fields.The society is growing and we need not be left behind in the evolutionary trend.

Just to correct some errors here,Emeka Rollars is from Ihiala in Anambra state,Pius Anyim hails from Ebonyi state,the two are not from Imo state

I think the issue raised here is a burning one in our society today.Well it is not very clear what is meant by trust in this case because for all I know the whole thing boils down to fertility and ability to have a child.I quite understand that as Africans we marry for companionship and for procreation unlike in the western world where couples may settle for companionship only.Problems of fertility can tear a family apart and cause sorrow and sadness in marriages but we are forgetting easily that fertility is not all dependent on the woman alone,some guys are not healthy enough to even put a woman in the family way but often accusing fingers are pointed at the womenfolk or supersticious allegations are thrown at all directions even to accusing an elderly woman living nearby to be a witch.Also some ladies having lived reckless lives tend to go through series of abortions that may even pose a threat to taking in.However we live in an age of enlightenment,I suggest that instead of entertaining unecessary fears and fighting for nothing,simply approach a medical expert,run detailed tests and put the cards on the table and douse unecessary tension.

I think the issue raised here is a burning one in our society today.Well it is not very clear what is meant by trust in this case because for all I know the whole thing boils down to fertility and ability to have a child.I quite understand that as Africans we marry for companionship and for procreation unlike in the western world where couples may settle for companionship only.Problems of fertility can tear a family apart and cause sorrow and sadness in marriages but we are forgetting easily that fertility is not all dependent on the woman alone,some guys are not healthy enough to even put a woman in the family way but often accusing fingers are pointed at the womenfolk or supersticious allegations are thrown at all directions even to accusing an elderly woman living nearby to be a witch.Also some ladies having lived reckless lives tend to go through series of abortions that may even pose a threat to taking in.However we live in an age of enlightenment,I suggest that instead of entertaining unecessary fears and fighting for nothing,simply approach a medical expert,run detailed tests and put the cards on the table and douse unecessary tension.

I love this thread a lot,Anambra has a peculiar political system.We might say that Obi did not do much but we should not forget where we were and what we suffered in the past when some wealthy contractors pocketed Anambra and held the sate in limbo.I believe that we are gradually coming out of this limbo.But Anambra needs an all rounder as a governor,he will no doubt be a politician,technocrat and be foresighted to do this.He should have a realistic and phased plan of leading Anambra out of the wood.Our problem again may be the issue of zoning which I do not feel should be sacrificed on the alter of mediocrity.Let we Anambrarians choose our governor devoid of external influence,godfatherism and scratch my back I scratch yours policy.
For me, I will humbly suggest,Dora Akunyili,Chukwuma soludo .We need to tap the resources available in Onitsha and Nnewi to our great advantage,redesign these cities and attract investors.We need someone who will ignore sycophants and criminals in white brocade and invite honest and experienced sons and daughters of Anambra with sound knowledge of the terrain to tackle insecurity and checkmate the activities of miscreants.The next governormust craete jobs to reduce youth deviannts and restore the glory and pride of Anambra.

We thank God at least something is being done to give that road a facelift.It is still another Uromi son on the saddle
as minister of works today,praying he redeems the face of his brother Chief Tony Anenih.

I want to say that the decision of the group to pull out of the show is an expression of their freedom to do business with any company or individual that meets their terms and conditions.I also would like to think that they reached an agreement with Malta Guiness as regards fees as a group.If they are pulling out based on disparity in fees as regards what P square got then they are not being reasonable here.It is like the biblical rich man who hired labourers at different times of the day and agreed to pay each labourer one denarius,but when he paid even those who came at the last hour as much as he paid the earliest labourers same wages,the earliest took offence cos they expected more.The issue is clear,the guys agreeed on a fee irrespective of what other artistes asked for,got an agreement,so they should face their front abeg!

We are in an age of enlightenment,age of KALI.The pope has not said anyting new or misleading or anything to portray that the catholic church has lost focus.The Bible is the word of God in human language because human beings will read it,walk in its light to descover who they are and that is self realisation.There is no doubt that there is A JESUS,born in a human family because he must save humanbeings and show them the way to the father,to reclaim what the first Adam lost the glorified nature of man from the beginning.Yes it is true that Christmas originallly was not a christian feast but the developments in the Roman empire ocassioned by the winning influence of christianity in the territory brought adaptions,instead of continuing to worship the sungod,celebrating it on the 25th of december,the roman empire having embraced christianity with its values agrred to the change in focus,understanding that Christ is the light,the old pagan feast had to give way to the new understanding,christ became to focus no more the sun god.In every age because we are a pilgrim church,church of saints and sinners,a listening church open to changes,developments in the light of truth,we can always highlight certain misunderstanding,that is what is meant to be human and trully reasonable.There is no point pretending claiming to be all knowing leaving all to the surprise of God who is all knowing.Religion must take us to a point where we know no more the Christian or the muslim,to a point where we simply see each person as a child and servant of God using one language the language of LOVE.If Religion does not move us from the point where we thought we knew to the point we realise that all we ever wanted,searched for traversing physical distance is simply and effortlessly located where we actually started the research IN US,then we err.MAN KNOW THYSELF!

We may not know the fate of the dead only God alone knows.But it does not help us to mislead others by making references to subjects we do not have detailed knowledge of,for example NECROMANCY is not what most of us here on this thread define it to be,possibly they think that every Nairalander is a novice in matters of Religion and spirituality.Necromancy is the act of conjuring the dead,attempting to communicate with the dead.There is absolutely as far as I know nothing wrong praying for a loved one who has passed on marked with the sign of faith.God has the final say on their fate not we humans.

I live in the caribbean too,I am yet to hear the natives speak the traditional Nigerian languages,but some expressions among our people in Nigeria are used here.When you play Nigerian gospel music they exclaim that they hear their language expressions there.But very surprising again,many girls in English Guyana bear youruba and Igbo names like ABIOLA,OGONNA,CHIOMA etc.The fact remains that many here are dreaming day and night to visit Nigeria,they love the Nigerian films a lot and from them see the Nigerian ways and concept of marriage.Some are even asking me to assist them in areas of striking marriage relations with Nigerians but it is a heart to heart thing you know.However the normal pidgin English features regularly among the English Guyana people and also among the Boni people of French Guyana.Remember they all have their roots back home in Africa.

FOREVERGOD3
I still insist that you are reading the bible as a novel,do you realise that is the word of God in human language?Whay early languages were used to write the scriptures?What processes were used in the compilation of the bible?Can you even tell me the language spoken by Jesus in his life and monistry?Get one thing clear,all these play on words,quibles that you are engaging in does not and will never change us catholics,we speak ,preach and talk about what we know.In the area of exegesis I wonder if you can stand me .

I think ignorance is a deadly disease,one should never discuss what he lacks knowledge and information on.
First,the catholics do, not confess their sins to the priest,if you know the words and format used for sacramental confession which is also called sacrament of reconciliation,the penitent begins with,bless me Lord for I have sinned,the priest is simply a mediator,a wounded healer,that is why in igbo language they are called ukochukwu,the one who mediates between God and man.Why choose a man not an angel to occupy this position?He lives daily under the battle to be holy,suffers same pains of temptations and distractions,he is better suited to understand the condition of his brothers and sisters.According to the scriptures,no one takes this honour himself,each is called...
To God alone rests forgiveness.Again to use the weakness,failuress of the church to judge the need and position of the church's ministers is strange,we are all living by grace,a pilgrim church on earth,on the way to salvation,no one is holy even Jesus rejected the status holy,God alone is holy.We fall to rise,my grace is enough for you is the healing tonic.Remember that Jesus left behind some faculties and responsibilities for the apostles,peter the head of the apostolic college inspite of his weaknesses and failures became the stone on which christ would build his church.

Incase you would require further assistance,get in touch on tonsitonero22@yahoo.com. I share your pains and sorros,it is not easy but
God is with you ok.

My dear Nicole,I am so sorry about your plight.I actually tried sending you a mail but would'nt know why this mail was blocked.I suppose this forum is actually meant to help one another.It is because of the delicate nature,personal and emotional nature of your complaint that I tried to reach you directly as many members here often make jest of serious matters like this.What I must tell you is this,put the past behind you,it is difficult I know but you can never bring back yesterday.You only have today and even tomorrow has not yet come,all you have is TODAY and this your TODAY is the only tool you have and need to bury the hard realities of the past marked by disappointments,seeming betrayal in which you also share some blame.But be that as it may,I will advise you to first see a gynaecologist or an expert in fertility issues,have a thorough medical examination to first determine your condition,you may not know what the series of abortions had done to your future,but nothing is lost yet I pray.After this see an expert counsellor,there expert counsellors that I know and some happen to be catholic priests,in confidence they can help you out and then the psychological,spiritual and eventually healing process can begin.You may have made your mistakes but you are never a mistake,simply pick up the lessons from this experience,tell yourself that tomorrow has more in stock for you,reconcile with God and yourself and keep your head up.I know it is painful,it could be traumatic but God has not yet finished with you,you are not the worst of His creatures.He cares and who knows the sun will rise again in your life,am praying for you and should you need further assistance you will get it,I base abroad but will soon be home briefly,cheer up ,it is well

It is condemnable this attitude of our youths,kidnapping for ransom.Howevere I think the FA spokesman has a point there,since we are already living in an insecure society with security challenges one should take precautionary measures to avoid being victim of these bad boys.There are few security tips to help anyone coming in from abroad, if you are taking a taxi from the airports insist on the ones inside the airport registered.Remove the babbage tags from the airlines once you are out of the airport to avoid unnecessary attention.If you must lodge in a hotel please do not stay with any one unknown previously to you,any unfamiliar visitor must be restricted to daytime.You do not need even to let such unfamiliar guest be aware that you are just arriving otherwise they arrange kidnappers or robbers for you.To conver youe hard currency,simply take a bike,go to bureau de change,negotiate with the guys inside their offices but never go with the money you are changing.Go straight to the bank and send a text to your money changer to meet you up there.In lodgings if you can insist on rooms that allows you have a view of the entrance to the hotel,always look well before stepping out.Atimes,leave your car,use keke tricycle,okada,like this you cn't be easily tracked or identified with a particular ride.Avoid any unnecessary showoff and if you need to give even your relations some money,give them in Naira,no dollar or euro,they could accept your money and begin to talk about it innocently and it gets into the ears of the wrong people.Possibly the news of your arrival should be for not more than 3 people.Some bank staff are criminals,when you are making large withdrawals,they pretend to be verifying your details,taking undue time and in the process they give out details of your identity,colour of shirts,trousers to their links outside and they follow you up and rob you.IN ALL,SHINE YOUR EYES,NIJA NA SOMETHING ELSE.

I think in my own opinio that nothing created by God is intrinsically bad,the problem is,how do you use these things?To what end is the intended use? Abuse,lack of moderation which simply would mean going against the primary divine injunction INCREASE AND MULTIPLY,SUBDUE THE EARTH AND CONQUERE IT,Be the master;;;;;;this is in my opinion the interest and emphasis.I f in using these things I fail to be in control,using the divine intelligence given to me at creation which likens me to God ,created in his image and likeness,meaning I represent God here,I carry the spark of God in me,God has honoured ,elevated me to be a master,I stoop down,debased to behave in a manner obtainable among animals,then there is a big problem.Matters of faith,morals are not easy nuts to crack.

It is really shameful that as the world moves towards civilization,some lousy youths in some communities like this one continue
using the guise of mascurade and recreation to commit crimes.I once witnessed this king of ugly scenario in the same town as a student of the university then.They had the effrontery to pursue seminarians from a nearby senior seminary into someone's house after flogging them on the way insisting that they must maim them despite the pleading of passersby.Themascurades did not stop at that,they vandalised the vehicle the poor seminarians were travelling with.Well possibly to let them know that heaven help those who help themselves,the seminarians went home,regrouped and stormed the village with horsewhips,got about three of the mascurades arrested,chased the rest who took to their heels into the village and detained the three in their custody till day break.It was only the next day that the elders went cap in hand pleading before the seminarians released the criminals with a warning that enough is enough.I think the police,the local GOVT.authorities should check this ugly phenomenon,culture does not encourage bringandage,criminality and lawlessness.