CATHOLIC LECTORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA C.L.A.N AWADA DEANERY.

It's important to note that most popes wore three types of shoes: red silk shoes for when they're inside the Vatican, episcopal sandals which they used in celebrating Mass (until 1969) according to the liturgical colours, and red leather shoes for outdoors. This write-up concerns the Pope's outdoor shoes.  The tradition of popes wearing red shoes can be traced back to ancient times. In the early centuries of the Church, bishops and other clergy members wore red shoes as a symbol of their rank and authority. Red was considered a colour of distinction and power. Over time, the red shoes became part of the papal regalia, distinguishing the pope from other clergy members. The shoes came to symbolise the pope's supreme authority and his role as the Vicar of Christ on Earth. They were also seen as a sign of the pope's connection to the blood of martyrs and Christ's sacrifice. The tradition of red papal shoes continued for centuries, with popes wearing elaborately desi...

In the Catholic Church, a Papal Nuncio, also known as an Apostolic Nuncio, is a diplomatic representative of the Holy See (the Vatican) to a particular country or more particular countries. Thus the Nuncio has two main functions: one, relating within the Church, the other, relating with States. 1. Diplomatic Representation: The primary role of a Papal Nuncio is to represent the Pope and the Holy See diplomatically in the country or region to which they are appointed. They act as the official liaison between the Vatican and the local government, as well as other religious communities and organisations. 2. Promoting Dialogue and Communication: Nuncios work to foster dialogue and maintain diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the government of the host country. They engage in diplomatic negotiations, mediate disputes, and facilitate communication on matters of mutual interest. 3. Clergy and Church Affairs: Papal Nuncios also serve as a point of contact for the local Catholic Churc...

The distinction between the black cassocks traditionally worn by Catholic clergy and the white cassock worn by the Pope is primarily based on historical and cultural factors, rather than any strict theological reasons. Here's an explanation of these differences: 1. Black Cassocks for Clergy: The black cassock is a longstanding tradition for Catholic clergy and is commonly worn by priests, bishops, and other ordained ministers. It is associated with simplicity, humility, and the renunciation of worldly pleasures. The black colour reflects the idea of dying to oneself and embracing the call to serve God and the Church. 2. White Cassock for the Pope: The Pope, as the supreme pontiff and head of the Catholic Church, wears a white cassock. The use of white is symbolic of purity, holiness, and the papal office. The tradition of the Pope wearing white dates back to the 16th century when Pope Pius V, a Dominican friar, chose to wear his religious habit, which was white. Since then, it has ...

  The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Dr. Habila Tyiakwonaboi Daboh, of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, currently Rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna, as Bishop of the Diocese of Zaria (Nigeria).  Msgr. Daboh was born on 10 June 1970 in the Zangon Kataf area, in the Archdiocese of Kaduna. After attending Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Makurdi and Saint Augustine's Major Seminary in Jos, he was ordained a priest on 10 July 1999 for the Archdiocese of Kaduna. He has held the following positions and carried out further studies: Parish Vicar at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Kaduna (1999-2003); Chaplain of the Federal Kaduna Polytechnic (2001-2003); Licentiate in Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (2003-2006); parish priest of the Queen of Apostles in Kakuri, Kaduna (2006-2008); Diploma in Educational Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University of Zaria (2009); Teacher at the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna (20...

These days, the number of persons requesting the sacrament of confessions online is increasing. Perhaps this is due to the increase in the use of social media and other related networking Internet powered platforms, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.  It is great that many more persons, especially young people, are becoming much more interested in seeking reconciliation with God, however, this sacred and spiritual encounter ought to be personal, between the Priest and the Penitent.  The moment an electronic medium comes between the penitent and the priest, who acts in the name and person of Jesus Christ, the sacrament is invalidated.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that in the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus personally addresses every sinner saying: “My son, your sins are forgiven.” He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them. He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal co...

The rule of celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church has evolved over centuries and cannot be attributed to any single historical event or reason. Instead, it has been influenced by a combination of factors, including theological, cultural, and practical considerations. Here are some of the key historical reasons that contributed to the establishment and development of clerical celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church: 1. Early Christian Tradition: In the early centuries of Christianity, there was a diversity of practices regarding celibacy among clergy. Some early Christian communities encouraged celibacy as a way to devote oneself entirely to God, while others allowed married men to become priests. Over time, however, the idea of celibacy gained traction, influenced by the example of Jesus and the apostle Paul, who were both celibate (cf. Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7: 25-34). 2. Asceticism and Monasticism: The rise of asceticism and monasticism in the early centuries of the Church further promote...

In the context of the Catholic Church, the pallium is a liturgical vestment worn by archbishops. It is a narrow band of white lamb's wool adorned with six black crosses, worn around the neck and hanging down the front and back. The pallium holds symbolic and historical significance. Originally, it was a rectangular band of cloth worn by Roman dignitaries as a symbol of authority. In the early centuries of Christianity, the Roman Empire granted the pallium to certain bishops as a sign of their jurisdiction and authority within their respective regions. Over time, the use of the pallium became more closely associated with the office of the archbishop. Today, the pallium is bestowed by the Pope upon metropolitan archbishops, who head ecclesiastical provinces, as a visible symbol of their office and their unity with the Roman Pontiff. The six black crosses on the pallium are symbolic of the wounds of Christ and the archbishop's spiritual authority. The pallium signifies the archbis...

 Do Catholics believe in what people call a sex demon or spirit that makes people addicted to sex?  No, the Catholic Church does not officially teach or endorse the belief in a specific "sex demon" or "spirit" that makes people addicted to sex.  Catholic teaching acknowledges that human beings are prone to various temptations, including sexual temptations, but it does not attribute such temptations to the influence of specific demons or spirits. The Catholic Church views human sexuality as a gift from God and teaches that it should be expressed within the context of a loving, committed marital relationship.  However, the Church also recognises that people can struggle with sexual addiction or unhealthy sexual behaviours, which can negatively affect their lives and relationships.  In such cases, the Church encourages individuals to seek spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to overcome their struggles and cultivate a healthy understanding of human sexuality...

 What are the main rites of the Ordination of a Deacon to a Priest in the Catholic Church?  The ordination of a deacon to a priest in the Catholic Church involves several important rites. The following are the main rites typically observed in the ordination ceremony: 1. Entrance and Presentation: The candidate enters the church and is presented to the bishop or his representative by the deacon or another suitable person. 2. Election: The bishop inquires about the suitability of the candidate and receives the testimony of those responsible for his formation and preparation. 3. Homily: The bishop delivers a homily, reflecting on the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood and exhorting the candidates to fulfill their vocations faithfully. 4. Examination: The candidate is called forward and questioned by the bishop concerning his resolve to undertake the responsibilities of the priesthood, his willingness to preach, and his commitment to the Church's teachings. 5. Promise o...

 Why's a Catholic Bishop given a ring at Episcopal Ordination? What does this ring symbolise?  In the Catholic Church, the giving of a ring to a bishop during his episcopal ordination is a symbolic gesture with deep meaning. The ring is known as the "episcopal ring" or "pontifical ring," and it holds several symbolic representations. 1. Sign of Authority: The ring is a sign of the bishop's authority and his role as a spiritual leader within the Church. It represents his office and the power entrusted to him to shepherd the faithful. 2. Sign of Marriage to the Church: The ring symbolises the bishop's spiritual marriage to the Church and to Christ her head. It signifies his commitment, fidelity, and devotion to the Church and her teachings. Just as a wedding ring is a sign of the bond between spouses, the episcopal ring signifies the bishop's bond with the Church. 3. Signet Ring: Historically, signet rings were used to seal official documents as a mark...

  INTRODUCTION The Church is called to live the life of Christ through the public ministries in which she provides evangelization and outreach, in the community we live, work and have leisure with. The Church also seeks to support and sustain members of the Christian Community in their faith, as well as introduce all to the person and message of Jesus Christ. This duty is expressed in different ways one of which is the presence of Episcopal Conferences in different territories, what then is an Episcopal Conference or Bishop's Conference? WHAT IS A BISHOP'S CONFERENCE OR AN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE? An Episcopal Conference, sometimes called a Conference of Bishops, is an official assembly of the Bishops of the Catholic Church in a given territory who are empowered to make decisions regarding policy for the whole region, and who also  develop projects, initiatives, or apostolates together, if they judge that to be in interests of the Church in the given territory or region. Conferen...

 PRAYER IS NOT THE MASTER KEY The bible never said so anyways, it is one of those popular sentiments that is gradually becoming a genetic meme in our piety genome. "Pray always"(Lk 18:1) is not the same thing as "prayer is the master key" It is not all doors that prayer opens. Rev 3:20: " I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and  opens the door, I'll come in". Here,  It is decision that opens the door of your heart. Even the almighty God conceded certain rights and powers to us. Prayer is like oxygen. Without oxygen we die, yet with oxygen, we die if we don't eat food, drink water or has a damaged respiratory system. Prayer is A KEY, a crucial and irreplaceable one, but it's not THE MASTER KEY.  The master key is UNDERSTANDING. Prov 4:7: "seek wisdom, and to it UNDERSTANDING at all cost". Yes, it says get understanding at all cost. Prov 3:13 says: "blessed is the man who has acquired wisdom, who has gained unde...

In the Old Testament, God speaking through the mouth of king David, promised to make Mary's name be remembered by all people and decreed that all generations must call her blessed: "O daughter, I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore, all the people shall bless thee forever and ever" Ps. 45:17. Then in the New Testament, Mary herself attested to the above promise made to her by God: "From now on all generations must call me blessed."- Lk. 1:48. This divine promise is being fulfilled in her in that, apart from being exempted from all stain of sin, both original and actual, God has also placed her in a position that can never be equaled by any other person in all human experience, and indeed, in all creation. That position is her election as mother of God (i.e. Her Divine Maternity) and the woman of salvation to the human family. Hence whenever the word "Salvation" is mentioned, the name "Jesus" is remembered and ado...

 Why must I confess my sins to a Priest? Is this practice Biblical?  Confessing sins to a Catholic priest is a practice rooted in Catholic theology and tradition. The belief is that the sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession, is a means of receiving forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. According to Catholic doctrine, this sacrament is based on the authority given to the apostles by Jesus, as described in the Bible. The primary biblical basis for the sacrament of reconciliation can be found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 21-23. In this passage, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and says to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." He then breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld." Catholics interpret this passage as Jesus granting the apostles the authority to forgiv...

TEMPERAMENT DEFINITION: According to the dictionary definition, temperament can be defined as; 1) The combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person; natural predisposition. 2) unusual personal attitude or nature as manifested by peculiarities of feeling, temper, action, etc., often with a disinclination to submit to conventional rules or restraints. 3) (old physiology) the combination of the four cardinal humors, the relative proportions of which were supposed to determine physical and mental constitution. 4) a person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behaviour.  "she has an artistic temperament"s Synonyms: disposition, nature, character, personality, make-up, constitution, complexion, temper, mind, spirit, stamp, mettle, mould, mood, frame of mind, cast of mind, bent, tendency, attitude, outlook, grain, humour  INTRODUCTION:  We often use the term temperament to describe a person's personality. You might go, ...

The word “novena” comes from the Latin word novem meaning “nine,” and praying novenas is a tradition that dates all the way back to the time of the Apostles. TOP 9 POWERFUL NOVENAS FOR CATHOLICS 1. NOVENA TO ST. THERESE  I gotta give the first shout-out to St. Therese –She’s also known as “the Little Flower.” St. Therese said, “When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens. I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.” Hence she earned the title of “the Little Flower” because, true to her word, she is known to send roses to those who call on her intercession. Every year, It's important you pray the St. Therese novena leading up to her feast day, October 1, i always ask (among other intentions) that she would give me a rose for her birthday gift, and every year, she always manages to give me one, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Basically, St. Therese is amazing and her intercession is powerful, especially when you pray her novena. Here’s my favorite St. Th...

Somehow it seems like Christians are not so interested in knowing Christ who is the redemption of the human race. The video above shows a collection of christians who either do not know who JESUS is, or can not quote even one verse of the Bible let alone knowing the mother of Jesus Christ or the grand parents. ..... That is quite disheartening to note in a world where riches and miracle is now the topmost desires of every living creature. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comment section . Dear parents take the words of Proverbs seriously and TRAIN UP YOUR CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO THAT WHEN THEY GROW UP THEY WILL NEVER DEPART FROM IT ...

  The Catholic Church teaches that sex is sacred because it views it as a gift from God intended for the unity of married couples and the procreation of children. The Church's teachings on human sexuality are based on its understanding of the nature of human beings and their relationship with God. In Catholic theology, sex is seen as a reflection of the love between God and humanity. It is believed that God created human beings as sexual beings, and sexuality is seen as an integral part of human nature. The Church holds that sexual intimacy within the context of marriage is a holy and beautiful expression of love, where the spouses fully give themselves to each other. Furthermore, the Church teaches that sex has a dual purpose: the unitive and the procreative. The unitive aspect refers to the physical and emotional bonding between the spouses, while the procreative aspect refers to the potential for conceiving children. The Church emphasizes that these two purposes should not be se...

 How can a human being like me and you be infallible? What do Catholics mean by this when referring to the Pope?  In Catholic theology, the term "infallible" is used to describe a specific attribute ascribed to the Pope, not to ordinary human beings. According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope is considered infallible when speaking ex cathedra (out of the chair), which means when he speaks on matters of faith and morals as the supreme teacher and shepherd of the Church. The concept of papal infallibility means that the Pope is preserved from error by the Holy Spirit when he solemnly defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals that is to be held by the entire Church. This infallibility is understood to be a charism or gift given to the Pope to ensure that he faithfully transmits the teachings of Jesus Christ without error. It's important to note that papal infallibility is a very specific and limited doctrine within the Catholic Church. It does not mean that the Pope is sin...