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In attendance were the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, ably represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Shanet who presided over the Mass and was flanked by the host Chaplain who also doubles as the Dean of Jagindi Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Moses Eyyazo and the Diocesan chaplain of the NFCS, Fr. Festus Didam. The crowd was mammoth as expected and the atmosphere serene with the colourful appearance of the graduands. During the Mass, about 21 candidates were confered with the sacrament of confirmation by the Diocesan Chancellor and commissioned to be soldiers of Christ.
In his homily, the Diocesan Chancellor who represented the Bishop told the graduands that he was sent by the Bishop to tell them that the Diocese is encouraging them, is praying for and with them, is happy for and with them, and is celebrating them.
Dwelling on the readings of the day, he spoke about two types of hypocrites; the block-headed hypocrites and the hunch back hypocrites. For feelings of proud superiority or holier-than-thou, the block-headed hypocrites block their faces so that they don't look upon evil or sinners; even when that means they keep colliding with brick walls or obstacles till their faces are covered with blood. The hunch-back hypocrites on the other hand bend their heads in other to avoid looking at evil or sinners continuously until they develop hunch backs.
He admonished the graduands and everyone not to be any of such, perhaps by being proud enough to think that their certificates places them above others, rather they must be humble. They must also know that it is not what comes from without (say, their certificates, gorgeous dress or beautiful make-ups) but what comes from their hearts (their characters and other virtues) that define who they are or determine their success in life. And so the Church prays for them to excel in every good endeavor, the church is also happy that with them now there is an increase in the number of enlightened and empowered faithfuls. He called on them to appreciate this gesture of the Church by being truthful and honest about their certificates, ages and the likes; stating that the Church is a bastion and beacon of truth, they cannot afford to be agents of falsehood.
Yes, when there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty of character. When there is beauty of character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. And when there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.
Long live the NFCS St. Albert the Great Chaplaincy Kaduna State College Of Education Gidan Waya!
Long live the NFCS Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan!
And long live the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan!
