The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Obehie Campus, witnessed an extraordinary spiritual gathering as the Second Sunday of Advent was marked with solemnity and grace. Following the liting of the First Advent Candle by the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Uchu,  a Sunday ago, today’s Mass carried forward the sacred tradition, kindling the Bethlehem Candle of Peace.  

This Second Sunday of Advent is a call to reflection, repentance, and renewal—a moment to prepare hearts for the coming of the Saviour. The Institute Chapel brimmed with anticipation as the liturgical celebration began with the soul-stirring hymn "The Coming of Our God," performed exquisitely by the choir. Their voices, harmoniously blended, created an ethereal atmosphere that enveloped the congregation, setting the tone for the sacred mysteries.  

The Mass was presided at  by Very Rev. Fr. DDr. Philip Omenukwa,  flanked  Rev. Fr. Andrew Otu and Rev. Fr. Victor Jammah, amidst the presence of Rev. Fr. Dr. Justin Temswang, the Subdean of Students Affairs, Rev. Fr. Dr.  Emmanuel Okogwa, the seasoned Moral Theologian  and eight other priests at the  Eucharistic celebration.  

The congregation hung on every word during the Liturgy of the Word, but it was the homily by Fr. Philip that emerged as the spiritual crescendo of the first half of the  day's Mass. Speaking with eloquence and depth, he unraveled the profound call to service at the heart of Advent. “The Church,” he affirmed, “is never meant to be in competition with the world rather to serve it.” He reminded the faithful that the Church is both the messenger of the Good News and the gathering of God’s people, emphasizing the inseparable bond between the Word of God and the Church, where the Word serves as the light that dispels darkness.  

Fr. Philip’s message echoed  deeply as he drew inspiration from John the Baptist's clarion call for repentance. He implored CIWA community to introspect, urging them to clear away the clutter of noise, distractions, and negativity that hinder spiritual and personal growth. “Silence the voices of gossip, schemes, and negative reports,” he said, “and straighten your paths in readiness for the coming of the Lord.”  

As reported by our correspondent Benedict Adara, "in a masterful metaphor, he compared spiritual preparation to rebooting a computer system. “To be ready for the Kingdom of God,” he urged, “you must shut down and restart, recalibrating your heart to align with God’s purpose.”  

The Mass concluded with an atmosphere of deep reverence and renewed hope, as the congregation departed, inspired to embrace the Advent call to reflection and peace, while keeping in mind that tomorrow December 9, is the Solemnity of the  Immaculate Conception and the 44th founding anniversary of the Institute CIWA. 

This remarkable celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent was captured by Benedict Adara  and Dickson Enwono, correspondents of CESACC-CIWA, with editorial refinement by Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie. The liturgical excellence and the rich theological insights of the day reaffirm CIWA’s commitment to nurturing both academic and spiritual growth..

CESACC-CIWA, DEC. 8, 2024