CYON OTUKPO DEANERY

*CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE DESK OF OTUKPO DEANERY PRESIDENT:-* We the entire  *CYONITES* of Otukpo Deanery wish to use this medium to congratulate MASTER INALEGWU EMMANUEL ALABIJA the winner of this week's *OtukpoDeaneryFaceOfTheWeek* *WINNERS~AWARD'S* (I).  Shall be made the Deanery's Profile Picture for the next one week. (II)  Has enjoyed N1000 subscription *Sponsored* by Bro.  Ogwu Shedrack *AKA* (EBONI-9JA) the Deanery Socio Media Director & Vice President St. Jude's Parish (III).  Shall be promoted by shearing his Biography on our Blog Spot page and putting him on the life time record of Goggles known profile. (IV). Shall act as the *OtukpoDeanerySocialAmbassador* for the Period of one week. (V). Shall go into the Deanery Golden book as the Second ever Winner of our *FACE=>OF=>THE=>WEEK=>CONTEST* (VI). Shall be celebrated by his Parish with other consolation prizes too numerous to mention. (VII). Shall enjoy a Presidential

BIOGRAPHY OF INALEGWU EMMANUEL ALABIJA FROM ST JUDE'S PARISH Inalegwu Emmanuel Alabija is from Iga-okpaya in Apa local government area of Benue state.He was born on the 27th May 1995 into the family of Mr & Mrs Inalegwu Alabija. He attended purity nursery & primary school otukpo. From there he proceeded to St, Williams Comprehensive Secondary School otukpo benue state. In a bid to obtain B.sc degree took him to the Nigerian Army Institute Of Technology and Environmental Studies (NAITES) NASME Barracks makurdi.  He is an embodiment of humility (a Nigerian-born agro entrepreneur) as well as the co-founder of JUDITECH AGRO ALLIED LIMITED, an agro-tech startup and value chain establishment that offers inexpensive innovative solutions to farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. (The drive for improved food production using innovative technologies) which services include supply of farm inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, fumigation, consultancy serv

*NOVENA PRAYER IN HONOUR OF ST. CHARLES LWANGA* In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. (Make the intention for the Novena) *THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY* *THE FIVE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES (THURSDAYS)* I. The Baptism in the Jordan II. The Wedding at Cana III. The proclamation of the kingdom IV. The Transfiguration V. The institution of the Eucharist *THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES (MONDAY & SATURDAY)* I. The Annunciation: Humility II. The Visitation: Charity III. The Birth of our Lord: Poverty or detachment from the world IV. The Presentation of our Lord: Purity of Heart, Obedience V. The finding of our Lord in the Temple *THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES (TUESDAY & FRIDAY)* I. The Agony in the garden: Contrition for our sins II. The scourging at the pillar: Mortification of our senses III. The crowning with Thorns: Interior Mortification IV. The Carrying of the Cross: Patience under crosses V. The crucifixion and death of our Lord Je

*FACE OF THE WEEK MALE CATEGORY* It is less than 17hour's to have our newly crowd Face of  the week male Catego ry, we are all encourage to vote for our choice Face of Otukpo CyOn. (Face Two "2"). *APPEALS* We beg on Patriotic CYONITES of our *DARLING DEANERY* to show love by SPONSORING this Category with choice Item's/ Sponsorship. Sponsorship is also open for 2nd, 3rd and Last Positions. *PRAYERS* May God continue to bless you as you take this decision in solidarity with the Deanery Socio Committee. *FOR GOD AND FOR YOUTH*

OTUKPO DEANERY SOCIAL PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THIS YEAR AND IN FUTURE We the social Directors across the deanery proposed the following programmes: 1. TOUR: That the deanery write to take tour of other deanery and that this tour be made open to all members who are interested and can pay to go for it (Voluntary) the tour shall feature the following: i. Sight seeing ii. Parishes visitation within the existed deanery. iii. Exchange of ideals/interactions between us and the host deanery. iv. Snap short/video chips of visited sight. v. Picnic/fun section by participant’s e.g tog of war, blind folded, backing competition vi. Entertainment/refreshment 2. DEANERY INTER-CULTURAL DAY CELEBRATION: We Proposed that the deanery organized a deanery inter-cultural day celebration which will feature the following: i. Cultural dance competition of peculiar/specific culture ii. Cultural wear display competition iii. Cultural craft competition, e.g. neating of basket, plating of hair

*SINCERE APPRECIATION:* Using this medium I and the entire Media/Socio team wish to congratulate all participants of the ongoing *FACE OF THE WEEK PROGRAM*, we thank all who have dedicated time, resources and energy to carryout this projects which has shown our overwhelming love for our Dear Deanery, Parishes, Missions, Chaplaincies and Outstations. We can not thank you all enough. *FUNDERMENTAL APOLOGY* I equally wish to use  this special privilege to still apologies to *DIVINE MERCY MISSION AMPIA* for the error of adding them the time we did due to my inability to see their picture sent to me, on time, to forward to the media team. I remain heart broken and sorry for this error with was never intentional. *DECISIVE DECISION* Following our precious decision due to the above mentioned error we have decided to extend the voting till Tuesday 6pm, to allow *DIVINE MERCY MISSION* the grace of their lost time which was totally my fault. Am very sorry for any inconvenience caused b

Benue State Government has reversed its decision to reopen worship centres, markets and public places. Govenor Samuel Ortom who announced this today while briefing journalists at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, said Benue had decided to accept the advice of the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as other religious bodies against reopening of worship centres and other public places. The Governor stated that Benue is part of the Nigerian Federation and it is working in collaboration with relevant federal agencies including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC. "We are a component part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is the custodian of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and they are informed about what is going on, and so we must subject ourselves to their decision in accordance with laws of the land. "We do not want to endanger the lives of our people. In the event

We are grateful to almighty God and all parishioners of St Francis of Assisi Cathedral for your prayers and support during the lockdown. We are grateful to God too for the permission for public worship. we should remember that that corona Virus is not totally eliminated. Even though we gather to worship, we are going to put in place serious safety measures for our collective health. 1. You are encouraged to keep to the rule of social distancing of at least 2 meters hence pews will only accommodate three persons sitting far apart from one another. 2. No parishioner is allowed to stand outside during worship this is a very  grave offence. 3. Parishioners to each mass should be present at least 15 minutes before mass in order to be checked in. 4. Late comers will not be accepted at all! this will be rigidly applied. Once you are late you go to the next mass. 5. On Sundays parishioners will not be allowed to cross over to the second half of the parish premises. Please,  remain

St. Jude, we have problems in our relationship. Beg almighty God to give us the light to see ourselves and each other as we really are. Help us to grow daily in self-knowledge and mutual love while at the same time developing our potential to love and be loved. Help us, St. Jude, to see and root out every manifestation of selfishness, vanity, and childish self-seeking those hidden enemies of love and maturity. Show us that by learning to love and being filled with love we may compliment and nurture each other as we share our lives together. Amen.

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has announced the merger of the Technical School at Benue State University Makurdi with Special Science Senior Secondary School Makurdi. The new school will be called Government Science and Technical College Makurdi. Ortom, who made the announcement after inspecting infrastructure at the Special Science Senior Secondary School Makurdi, said the merger would enable the State Government to give maximum attention to the institution as global focus is now on science and technical education. The Governor, who also inspected infrastructure at the Alfred Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi, said that the legislative process to convert the College to a Polytechnic had reached advanced stage at the Benue State House of Assembly. He directed the Education Commissioner, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar to immediately compile the list of challenges confronting the two schools in order of priority and forward same to him for att

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force, Boss Mustapha  has revealed the Federal Government intention to reopen schools, churches and mosques by June 1st, 2020 after the second phase of a 14-day lockdown and urged the general public to comply with the Government's directive on containing the spread of the virus. This was revealed in a recent meeting of COVID-19 daily briefing held in Abuja as Boss Mustapha said schools, economic activities and religious activities will be declared open by June 1st 2020 across the country if they adopt new strategies under COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines during the second phase of the lockdown. He noted that the second phase of the lockdown expires on June 1, 2020 and reiterated that the decision to extend the lockdown is not punitive, adding that it's for the interest of everyone. He added that the two weeks lockdown should be utilized by professional bodies, offices, busi

Please share both on and off social media until all who should hear have heard! To our dear parishioners of St Francis Cathedral Otukpo, now that the doors of the Church have been thrown open, I wish to inform you all that there will be evening Mass today at 5pm, to mark the solemnity of the Lord's Ascension into heaven. We will use the opportunity of the Mass to educate you on what is expected of you as you come for subsequent Masses on Sundays and Weekdays. It is the responsibility of all of us to help prevent the spread of the deadly Corona Virus. So make it a point of obligation to be at Mass this evening at 5pm. Pentecost Novena also starts tomorrow. God bless you all.

BENUE REVIEWS COVID-19 MEASURES The Benue State Executive Council met with the State Action Committee on COVID-19 today, 21st May, 2020 at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi and made the following resolutions as presented to the media by Governor Samuel Ortom: 1. Workers on grade levels 1 to 12 who were asked to stay at home are to resume work on June 1, 2020. The workers are advised to always wear face masks and maintain social distancing as they go to work. 2. Churches and Mosques with effect from today Thursday, May 21, 2020, are to hold staggered worship sessions. This implies that a Church or Mosque which before now held two worship sessions should henceforth conduct four sessions in a day. 3. Street trading is encouraged but strictly obeying social distancing protocol on COVID-19. Markets will be partially opened to enable traders access their shops. 4. Fumigation of markets will be carried out periodically. 5. Inter-state movement remains prohibited, except those on essent

BENUE REVIEWS COVID-19 MEASURES The Benue State Executive Council met with the State Action Committee on COVID-19 today, 21st May, 2020 at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi and made the following resolutions as presented to the media by Governor Samuel Ortom: 1. Workers on grade levels 1 to 12 who were asked to stay at home are to resume work on June 1, 2020. The workers are advised to always wear face masks and maintain social distancing as they go to work. 2. Churches and Mosques with effect from today Thursday, May 21, 2020, are to hold staggered worship sessions. This implies that a Church or Mosque which before now held two worship sessions should henceforth conduct four sessions in a day. 3. Street trading is encouraged but strictly obeying social distancing protocol on COVID-19. Markets will be partially opened to enable traders access their shops. 4. Fumigation of markets will be carried out periodically. 5. Inter-state movement remains prohibited, except those on essent

A SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, CAN,  BENUE STATE CHAPTER, REV. AKPEN LEVA ON REOPENING OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES IN BENUE STATE I am again delighted to address you today on behalf of the church in Benue state on our collective fight against COVID -19 pandemic in Benue State. As you are all aware the fight was/is a serious one that everybody has to participate for the collective and general good of the people of the state. It could be recalled that on March 28, 2020 we announced the temporary suspension of church activities in the state. We told all ministers of the gospel and church leaders in the state not to open their churches for worship.  Church weddings as well as burial ceremonies were all suspended. As a deliberate measure to check the spread of the life threatening virus, we had to follow it up with close monitoring even as we also used to caution our members to intensify prayers for God to intervene in the fight and also to respect and observe the

Priests and brothers of the Redemptorist community who live and work at a Houston parish have tested positive for coronavirus, leading the parish to close after having reopened earlier this month. Five out of seven members of the Redemptorist community at Holy Ghost parish tested positive for COVID-19 this weekend, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Houston-Galveston. Two of them were priests. “All Masses at Holy Ghost Church are canceled until further notice,” said the parish. “We ask you to please keep everyone in your prayers impacted by this illness.” “While the individuals themselves are asymptomatic, they, and the other members of the community, are in quarantine in the residence isolated from the others. All members of the household have been tested and are awaiting results.” The Masses were canceled the day after May 13, when another member of the community, Fr. Donnell Kirchner died at his parish home after possibly being exposed to the virus.

Rome, Italy, May 18, 2020 / 09:30 am MT ( CNA ) .- As Rome reopened shops and restaurants on Monday, Catholics rejoiced in being able to attend Mass again for the first time in 10 weeks after Masses were first closed to the public. “To receive Communion again as a family was the culmination of our every prayer and desire during the quarantine,” Melissa Steele told CNA on May 18. Steele, an American mother of five residing in Rome, attended Mass with her family at the Church of St. Joseph of Cupertino, where she said hand sanitizer was provided at the door and the priest came to each pew to administer Communion. “For the past two weeks, our children, especially our not-typically-pious three-year-old twins have been increasingly discontented with virtual Mass and were begging to ‘go to Mass and pray with Jesus.’ So this date of May 18 was a long-awaited one by our family. It was a simple Mass but glorious,” she said. Churches and papal basilicas reopened to the public

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Young men and women today can learn from the example of St. John Paul II, who proved that life's difficulties are not an obstacle to holiness and happiness. Despite losing his mother, father and brother at a young age and experiencing the atrocities of Nazism and atheistic communism, St. John Paul passed the "test of maturity and faith" and chose to rely "on the power of Christ, who died and rose again," the pope said in a May 18 video message to young people in Poland. The message, which was sent to mark the 100th anniversary of St. John Paul's birth, was addressed to young people of the Archdiocese of Krakow, where then-Cardinal Wojtyla served as archbishop from 1964 until his election to the papacy in 1978. The centennial celebration, the pope said, was a "beautiful opportunity" to address young people whom St. John Paul "loved very much." "St. John Paul II was an extraordinary gift of God to t

Sam Praise is a gospel singer with so much passion for the kingdom gospel.. Okaleya is a worship song discribing the magnimity of God. this song is surely going to bless the nation Download

Biography of Patience Ene Ogbe from St. Anne's Chaplaincy Patience Ene Ogbe hails from Kogi State in Ankpa Local Government Area. Born on 2nd November, 1993 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Ogbe. She has five siblings.She attended Holy Child Model Nur./Pri. School, Otukpo and Army Children School, Otukpo in Benue State of Nigeria. Then proceeded to complete her secondary education from Federal Government College Otobi, Benue State. The quest for more knowledge took her to the Kogi State University where she studied sociology and currently serving under the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in Delta State, 2019/2020 Batch C. Her favourite colours are: White, purple and pink Hobbies: Singing, dancing and reading Likes: Sincerity and humbleness Dislikes: Lies and pride Favourite TV show: TV shows that gingers her spiritual life and love for Christ Carrier dreams:  Successful self entrepreneur She is the Assistant Secretary of the Catholic Youth Organization o

WHY DO PRIEST KISS THE ALTAR AT MASS? Catholicsay The liturgical custom is one of the oldest, dating back to the 4th century. Before celebrating every Mass the priest (and deacon) approach the altar and kiss it. To some this practice seems rather odd, as altars are material objects of stone or wood and don’t seem to warrant any particular reverence. What is the significance behind this ancient custom? Kissing holy and sacred objects has been part of various world religions for thousands of years. The practice comes from cultures where the kiss was viewed as a sign of respect or used as a greeting and was naturally applied to objects that represented the divine. Outside of pagan worship there also grew a tradition in some cultures of kissing the dinner table at special occasions. As Christians developed the liturgy they adapted customs from their own culture and gave them new significance. Kissing the altar was one of them and was quickly attached to the actions of the p

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PIONEER CATHOLIC YOUTH GROUP IN NIGERIA; CYON was formed in 1982  as an entity called the Youth Club at St. Francis Parish, Otukpo under the then Markudi Diocese where a set of about twelve (12) individuals were inaugurated by an Irish Priest, Rev. Fr. O`Neill Joseph of Blessed memory. This Youth club was letter taken to St. Mary's Parish Otukpo, St. Stephan's Otukpa, St. Bernard's Okpoga and Markudi as well. With time, it spread across the entire Diocese and beyond, to Lafia, Abuja and throughout Nigeria at large.  This intimated the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in 1986 to call for the first ever National Youth Congress in Ogoja, Cross River State. It was from that Congress that the name, Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) was adopted  for the Nigeria's Catholic Youth.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PIONEER CATHOLIC YOUTH GROUP IN NIGERIA; CYON was formed in 1982  as an entity called the Youth Club at St. Francis Parish, Otukpo under the then Markudi Diocese where a set of about twelve (12) individuals were inaugurated by an Irish Priest, Rev. Fr. O`Neill Joseph of Blessed memory. This Youth club was letter taken to St. Mary's Parish Otukpo, St. Stephan's Otukpa, St. Bernard's Okpoga and Markudi as well. With time, it spread across the entire Diocese and beyond, to Lafia, Abuja and throughout Nigeria at large.  This intimated the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in 1986 to call for the first ever National Youth Congress in Ogoja, Cross River State. It was from that Congress that the name, Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) was adopted  for the Nigeria's Catholic Youth.

Benson Idahosa once told his pastors: "If Catholics know what they have, and if Catholic priests get it right, you will be out of business." Look at all the powerful spiritual resources in the Catholic Church: the Bible and sound interpretation from experts, the Mass, the sacraments, various novenas, Eucharistic adoration, the rosary, the various spiritual groups in the Church. Yet, you let deceivers deceive you. They tell you that Catholics are not born again. You leave your church to theirs and all you see is that "born again" means the license to live in sin and just believe in Jesus' name and everything is okay. Thus, you live in sin but don't feel guilty. They become worse sinners than they ever were before they left the Catholic church. The Catholic Church accepts that it is a church of saints and sinners. We see sin as sin and we feel guilty when we sin. But you leave for a church where they live in sin but feel self-righteous. "Born

Marriage in the Catholic Church , also called  matrimony , is the "covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring", and which "has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the  baptised ." [1] Catholic matrimonial law , based on  Roman law regarding its focus on marriage as a free mutual agreement or  contract , became the basis for the  marriage law  of all European countries, at least up to the  Reformation . [2] Contents 1 Catholic Church view of the importance of marriage 2 History of marriage in the Catholic Church 2.1 Early period 2.2 Church Fathers 2.3 Medieval period 2.3.1 Sacramental development 2.3.2 Liturgical practice 2.4 Counter-Reformation 3 Validity of marriage in the Catholic Church 3.1 Canonical form 3.1.1 Freedom to marry 3.1.2 Impediments