Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

The Diocese of Kafanchan on Sunday, September 7, 2025, gathered at the Bishop’s Court for a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Julius Yakubu Kundi. The Mass, graced by the presence of visiting priests, was marked by gratitude, reflection, and a call to deeper intentionality in living out the Christian faith.

 

The Diocese warmly received Rev. Fr. Abraham Nake, a priest currently serving in Rome within the diplomatic section of the Holy See, and Rev. Fr. Francis Kumeri, a Formator from All Saints Major Seminary, Uhiele, who hails from the Diocese of Warri. Bishop Kundi expressed appreciation for their presence, noting their valuable contributions to the universal Church and the inspiration they bring to the faithful in Nigeria.

 

In his homily, Fr. Abraham offered a profound reflection on the theme of faith, intentionality, and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Drawing from the day’s scriptural readings, particularly the Letter of St. Paul to Philemon, he emphasized that the journey of faith often begins without full clarity:

 

 “We do not really know what the future holds. We take the risk and begin. Sometimes it is not very clear, and we question ourselves, ‘Do I really belong here? Is this the right path?’ If we always wait for perfect clarity, we may never begin anything at all,” he remarked.

 

Fr. Abraham underlined the importance of intentionality, citing Bishop Kundi’s visionary leadership in developing the new Catholic Secretariat infrastructure of the Diocese. He observed that the Bishop had embarked on the project with clarity of purpose, a defined vision, and faith in God’s providence, serving as a model of how God’s work should be approached.

Yet, he also acknowledged the challenges that can arise when dreams encounter obstacles:

“How do we sustain a dream when the means seem blocked?” he asked, pointing to the Biblical figure of Onesimus, the runaway slave who encountered Christ through St. Paul. Just as Onesimus’ story was transformed by grace, Fr. Abraham encouraged the faithful to see obstacles not as dead ends, but as opportunities for God’s wisdom and providence to shine.

 

He further challenged the congregation to live lives of compassion and solidarity:

 “As strong as you are, do you have the shoulder? Can a weak person lean on you and you become weak with them? This is the true mark of Christian charity,” he stressed.

The homilist also reflected on the difference between intelligence and wisdom. While intelligence equips a person with knowledge, wisdom, rooted in humility and awareness of human fragility, guides prudent decision-making. Echoing the words of St. James, he reminded the faithful that “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17).

 

In conclusion, Fr. Abraham noted that everyone, like Philemon, has “an Onesimus” in their life journey, individuals who may hurt, frustrate, or disappoint. He urged the faithful to embrace such challenges as opportunities to carry the cross after Christ, allowing Jesus to lead while they follow.

 

Responding after the Mass, Bishop Kundi expressed deep gratitude for Fr. Abraham’s message and visit. He described him as “a seasoned Formator, highly intelligent and wise, who is a source of encouragement to the Church, especially here in Northern Nigeria.” The Bishop also prayed that Fr. Abraham’s service in Rome would continue to bear fruit, noting that he may in future be called to serve as a Papal Nuncio.

 

The Bishop equally extended a warm welcome to Fr. Francis Kumeri, who came from Warri Diocese, affirming the bond of unity between Dioceses and the universal mission of the Church.

The celebration ended with joy and thanksgiving, as the Diocese of Kafanchan reaffirmed its commitment to faith, intentionality, and walking together in the journey of Christ.