The Cardinal And His Entire Household

Valentine Obienyem

When a Bishop or Cardinal attends an event accompanied by his Vicar General, Chancellor, Secretary, and other key aides, it’s fair to say he has come with his entire household. That was precisely what we witnessed today. His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, attended the Diocesan Youth Day celebration at St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu, with his full team: the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Chiegboka; the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Law Nwankwo; his Secretary, Rev. Fr. John Uzoigwe; and several others.

This strong presence demonstrates how deeply the Cardinal values events involving young people. His homily today reaffirmed that commitment. I’m reminded of an article I read many years ago by Mr Hyginus Aghaulo (now a priest), who likened youth to a destructive flood that needs proper guidance. “Build culverts and dykes,” he wrote, “and you will have tamed the destructiveness of the flood.” He went on to explain that when properly channelled, that same water could be used for irrigation and other productive purposes. This analogy beautifully illustrates that when the energy, passion, and creativity of youth are harnessed and directed properly, they become powerful forces for growth, renewal, and progress. The Cardinal understands this very well.

Since the central theme of today’s Gospel was prayer, the Cardinal spoke extensively on the subject—importantly, from the perspective of the youth, his primary audience. This is, indeed, the mark of good homiletics: the ability to tailor one’s message to the listeners.

In the Cardinal’s words, “When we stop praying, our spiritual life dries up because it signifies total withdrawal from God.” He explained that prayer sustains our relationship with God, and without it, we lose the very essence of our faith.

After explaining the nature of prayer, he identified several obstacles that often hinder it. The first, he said, is a flawed understanding of God. Many see God as a stern judge, constantly noting our sins and waiting to condemn us on the day of judgment. This, he clarified, is a misconception. Rather, we must see God as a compassionate, forgiving, and loving Father whose mercy invites us into communion, not fear.

Another obstacle he noted is distraction. Today’s youth face numerous distractions: dreams, fantasies, and especially the allure of the internet. He warned against indulgences such as pornography and the endless pursuit of “likes” on social media. Yet, he also reminded them that the internet can serve God’s purpose, citing the example of St. Carlo Acutis, the teenage saint who used technology to promote Eucharistic devotion before dying at age fifteen.

The Cardinal further mentioned disappointment and despair as major hindrances to prayer. To illustrate, he narrated the story of Edith, a young girl who lost both parents despite her fervent prayers. Though life under her uncle was difficult, she did not lose faith. She persevered in prayer, realising that God never gave up on her.

The Cardinal then theologically linked today’s readings to those of last Sunday, showing that both addressed different dimensions of prayer. He reminded the faithful to avoid the arrogance of the Pharisees. He also advised us never to disconnect prayer from genuine effort. Referring to Moses’ raised hands in the battle against the Amalekites, he noted that even when they realised that victory came through Moses’ uplifted arms, they still worked hard to keep his hands raised—a lesson that prayer requires cooperation with grace. He crowned it all with the age-old biblical truth: “Prayer without works is dead.”

During the homily, he asked how many people still support the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress.” Many murmured that it should be stopped since “it has not worked.” Smiling, the Cardinal replied that perhaps the prayers had worked—for without it, Nigeria’s condition might have been worse. He reminded everyone that God is not a vending machine for answers; sometimes He says no to prevent greater harm that a yes might cause.

As he concluded, the Cardinal gave what I consider his most valuable advice—one anchored on the truth that God works with us, not for us. He lamented that many young people bring problems upon themselves and then run from one “man of God” to another seeking quick solutions, often through anointed oils and rituals.

He reminded the youths that through Baptism, each of us has already been commissioned and empowered with sufficient grace to run the race of salvation. With the right disposition, he said, we can all echo the words of St. Paul to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” The Mass is over, and we have all moved to the arena for the event proper.

The march past has just concluded. The cooking competition, hairdressing competition, and the contest for the biggest yam harvest—being coordinated by the one I fondly call Agricola, Rev. Fr. Philip Okoye, who already spoke on how to plant yam twice a year—are now in progress. It’s an exciting array of events. I shall inform you more and better by and by.

Kindly note that Prof. Patrick Obi and I are representing Mr. Peter Obi at the event. Like the Cardinal, he understands the needs of the youth and always delights in identifying with them.