Holy Thursday: A Sacred First for MePriestly vows/promises Renewal Day

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Today isn’t just another day in Holy Week—it’s Holy Thursday, a day rich in meaning, tradition, and grace. But for me, it carries a special, once-in-a-lifetime significance: it’s my first time participating in the Chrism Mass and renewing my priestly vows as a newly ordained priest.

So, what exactly is the Chrism Mass?

Held in cathedrals around the world, the Chrism Mass is a beautiful liturgy where the bishop gathers with all the priests of the diocese. During this Mass, three sacred oils are blessed:

• The Oil of Catechumens (used in baptism),

• The Oil of the Sick (for anointing the sick), and

• The Sacred Chrism (used in baptism, confirmation, and ordination).

These oils will be used throughout the year in parishes—so in a way, today's Mass is a spiritual supply day for the entire Church!

But there's more.

The Chrism Mass is also when priests renew their priestly promises. Standing shoulder to shoulder with brother priests, we respond to the bishop's invitation to renew our commitment to serve God’s people with love, integrity, and joy. It's like a spiritual anniversary reminder—a chance to go back to the "why" of our vocation and rekindle the fire that led us here.

And for me—this year—it’s my first.

My first Chrism Mass.

My first renewal of vows.

My first Holy Thursday as a priest.

As the oils are lifted, and the promises echoed, I silently pray:

"He who calls me is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thess 5:24)

May this Holy Thursday pour out fresh oil on every priest, every faithful heart, and may the spirit of service and joy be renewed in us all.

© Fada Prince Chidi Philip

Why Nigeria Catholic Church Doesn’t Have Permanent Deacons (Yet) – And Why That Might Change.

One day you might be calling your neighbor not just “Mr. Okonkwo,” but “Deacon Okonkwo”—and that wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Let's scoop deeper..

In the Catholic Church, when you hear "deacon," most people think of someone on their way to becoming a priest. You know, the transitional deacon—the pit stop before the altar. But lo and behold, there's another type that doesn’t always get the spotlight: the Permanent Deacon.

Think of the permanent deacon as the Church’s version of a Swiss Army knife. He's ordained, wears the clerical collar, preaches at Mass, baptizes, officiates weddings, conducts funerals, and sometimes even pulls double duty as your favorite uncle at family events. But here’s the twist—he doesn’t become a priest, and he might even have a wife and kids at home!

So, who is he? 

A permanent deacon is a man (often married) who feels called to serve the Church not just for a season but for a lifetime—permanently, hence the name. He lives among the people, works like the people, and yet serves like Christ the Servant. He’s a bridge between the sanctuary and the street, the pulpit and the people.

Why is this awesome? 

Because the Church gets more workers in the vineyard! With priests often stretched thin, the permanent deacon can take some pressure off, allowing the priest to focus more on the sacraments and pastoral care. It’s teamwork, really—divine teamwork.

Now, let’s talk Nigeria… You might ask, “If this is so good, why don’t we see more of them in countries like Nigeria?” Good question.

Here’s the scoop: In many African countries—Nigeria included—the idea of the permanent diaconate hasn’t fully taken root. Not because the people aren’t worthy, or the Church doesn’t care, but because of a mix of cultural, pastoral, and practical reasons.

Cultural Perception: In Nigeria, many still see the hierarchy as priest-or-nothing. If you’re wearing a collar, people assume you’re on your way to priesthood. A deacon who stays a deacon? It’s unfamiliar territory. People might start whispering, "Did he fail seminary?" 

Clerical Identity: Some bishops are cautious. They fear that introducing married clergy (even in the form of deacons) could confuse the faithful or blur the lines in a country where clerical respect is deeply tied to celibacy.

Vocations Abundance: Ironically, Nigeria has been blessed with a high number of priestly vocations. So some bishops may feel there’s no urgent need to “supplement” with permanent deacons.

Formation and Structure: Establishing a permanent diaconate program isn’t just about saying “yes.” It requires proper formation, support systems, ongoing training, and clear roles. Some dioceses are still building this infrastructure.

But times are changing… As parish populations grow, priests become fewer in some regions, and communities need more outreach—some bishops are starting to reconsider. The idea of a married man who knows village life, local culture, and Church doctrine is sounding more like a blessing and less like a theological headache.

Permanent deacons may not yet be a common sight in Nigeria, but their time might be coming. They are the Church’s servant-leaders, ready to preach, baptize, and even help set up the church tent when the choir gets too loud. They are proof that the Church has room for more than one path to holiness and service.

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons:

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons: Who Can get married,  Raise a Family and Who Can’t Even Date?

Rev. Brother

A Rev. Brother is like that super-dedicated guy who said to Jesus,

"I’m all in. No wife, no wealth, just You and Your mission."

He lives in a religious community (like the Franciscans, Salesians, etc.).

He takes vows—usually poverty, chastity, and obedience.

He doesn’t get married. Nope. Not even maybe.

No wife, no dating, no “future Mrs. Just a rev Brother.”

He’s not a priest. That means:

No Mass, no Confession, no Anointing.

But he does a LOT of other amazing things: teaching, helping the poor, youth ministry, you name it!

Now, Meet Permanent Deacon

And yes—he’s a clergy member too!

A Permanent Deacon is ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He’s the real deal. Clergy with a capital “C.”

He can preach homilies, baptize babies, marry couples, bless stuff, etc

But he can’t say Mass, can’t consecrate the Eucharist, and can’t hear confessions.

That’s the priest’s lane.

Permanent Deacons can be married—but only if they were married before being ordained.

Once ordained, if they’re single, they stay single. If they’re married and their wife dies… sorry, no remarriage.

Ten sexual rules for men.

1. Do not sleep with your students, employees, staff, or anyone you have considerable power over. It will definitely not end well.

2. So not be foolish enough to indulge in one night stands.

You could easily be set up or killed if you are known to indulge perpetually.

3. If you must have sex outside your relationship or marriage, make sure you pay for it and ensure there is a virtual receipt of the transaction.

Just in case.....

4. Refrain from promising a woman marriage in order to sleep with her.

It is a gutter behavior.

Also refrain from making promises when you are naked.

90% of the time you will be unable to keep them.

5. Do not sleep with a woman who is in a lower social standing than you. I don't care how beautiful she is.

Especially if you have nothing serious intended with her.

Because all her hopes and dreams will be entrusted to you.... And it is a dangerous place to be.

6. Do not sleep with lady who has nothing going on for herself.

(i.e; No job, No career, No skills, No ambition.... Etc.)

They are most likely to trap you with a pregnancy, to ensure you continue to feed them.

7. If you find yourself using a condom, then you probably shouldn't be sleeping with that particular woman.

8. Stay away from the Ex's of your friends, brothers or family.

Because, human emotions are complicated. Your friends and family may verbally give you the go ahead but deep down they may resent you for it; especially if there are still lingering feelings for the so called Ex'es.

9. In the course of your life, a lot of women will willingly offer you sex.

Be highly selective. Not out of pride, but out of responsibility.

Because the result of sex is pregnancy.

Sleep only with women you are sure can effectively raise your kids.

10. A high body count will mess you up mentally. Many times you will find yourself out of the blue craving sex with a sexual partner from the past.

This is because of the highly chemical and spiritual nature of sex.

Keep your body count low.

A wise king in the bible who Married a thousand wives came out to say...

It's all vanity.

And he died badly....

Learn from his mistakes.

Shei you grab!!!!

Your virgin sharwama husband!!!

#Saimaster

Wealth Looks Like a crime in Africa

In Nigeria — and most parts of Africa — we have mastered the art of demonizing success. We equates poverty with holiness and wealth with wickedness

If a young man is rich:

“Yahoo boy!”

If it’s an older man:

“Ritualist!”

If a young woman is living well:

“Runs girl!” or “Prostitute!”

If she’s older and still doing well:

“Retired prostitute” or “witch!”

At this point, I’m wondering — must someone be hungry and tattered before we believe they are holy?

We have romanticized poverty and baptized it as spirituality — forgetting that riches, too, are a blessing from God.

Let’s flip through the Bible real quick:

Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2).

Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a hundredfold — the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy (Genesis 26:12-13).

Jacob left with a staff and returned with a nation.

Joseph moved from prison to prime minister, handling the entire wealth of Egypt.

David and Solomon? Their riches would make billionaires today look like beginners. Solomon literally made silver "as common as stones" (2 Chronicles 1:15)!

Now flip to the New Testament:

The wise men who came to Jesus brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh — expensive gifts. They didn’t come with suffering and salt.

Joseph of Arimathea, who gave Jesus his tomb, was a rich man and a disciple (Matthew 27:57).

Lydia, the seller of purple, was a businesswoman who hosted Paul — and purple wasn’t cheap back then (Acts 16:14-15).

Even Jesus Himself had a treasurer (Judas), which means… there was something to manage!

So tell me again — where did we get the idea that being rich means being evil?

God blesses those who worship Him, not only with peace and salvation but also with provision.

Wealth is a tool, not a trap — it depends on the heart of the holder.

Instead of casting stones at the wealthy, let’s ask:

“God, bless me too — and prepare my heart to carry it wisely.”

Because poverty is not a spiritual gift. And heaven is not broke.

Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip

100 EXAMPLES OF ALLITERATION IN ENGLISH!!!

DEFINITION OF ALLITERATION AS A FIGURE OF SPEECH:

Alliteration is a figure of speech in which two or more words in a phrase or sentence begin with the same consonant sound. It is used to create rhythm, emphasis, and mood, especially in poetry and literature. The repetition is usually of the initial consonant sound in closely connected words.

1. Young yonder yard yelled. All words start with 'Y'.

2. Red ran raging rocks. All words start with 'R'.

3. High hearts hopped held. All words start with 'H'.

4. Pink played peacefully pond. All words start with 'P'.

5. Long loudly lazy low. All words start with 'L'.

6. Kind kites kept knowledge. All words start with 'K'.

7. Great green giants grow. All words start with 'G'.

8. Fast furry foxes fled. All words start with 'F'.

9. Jolly jungle jumps joyful. All words start with 'J'.

10. Tiny tigers tiptoed today. All words start with 'T'.

11. Silly snakes slide silently. All words start with 'S'.

12. Big brave bears bounced. All words start with 'B'.

13. Naughty nurses nodded near. All words start with 'N'.

14. Dark dreams dropped deeply. All words start with 'D'.

15. Vast valleys vanished very. All words start with 'V'.

16. Wild wolves wandered west. All words start with 'W'.

17. Cold clever cats chased. All words start with 'C'.

18. Mighty mountains moved mice. All words start with 'M'.

19. Zany zebras zoomed zealously. All words start with 'Z'.

20. Quick quails quarreled quietly. All words start with 'Q'.

21. Glowing grapes grew greatly. All words start with 'G'.

22. Happy hollow hills hopped. All words start with 'H'.

23. Bright bold birds bounced. All words start with 'B'.

24. Clever clouds climbed calmly. All words start with 'C'.

25. Soft snow silently slipped. All words start with 'S'.

26. Fierce foxes fought fearlessly. All words start with 'F'.

27. Peaceful pink pandas played. All words start with 'P'.

28. Tall trees trembled tonight. All words start with 'T'.

29. Loud lions laughed long. All words start with 'L'.

30. Deep dark dreams drifted. All words start with 'D'.

31. Jumpy jaguars joked joyfully. All words start with 'J'.

32. Quick quiet queens quested. All words start with 'Q'.

33. Kind kings kept kites. All words start with 'K'.

34. Noisy nightingales nodded nightly. All words start with 'N'.

35. Violet vines vanished vividly. All words start with 'V'.

36. Witty weasels wandered widely. All words start with 'W'.

37. Crazy cats clawed couches. All words start with 'C'.

38. Hollow hills held hope. All words start with 'H'.

39. Zebras zigzagged zealously zones. All words start with 'Z'.

40. Loving lions lounged lazily. All words start with 'L'.

41. Bright blazing bonfires burned. All words start with 'B'.

42. Foolish frogs flipped fast. All words start with 'F'.

43. Daring dogs danced delightfully. All words start with 'D'.

44. Raging rivers rushed rapidly. All words start with 'R'.

45. Singing sparrows soared silently. All words start with 'S'.

46. Gentle giants gathered grapes. All words start with 'G'.

47. Mice met moonlit mountains. All words start with 'M'.

48. Jealous jellyfish jumped joylessly. All words start with 'J'.

49. Wonderful white wolves wandered. All words start with 'W'.

50. Quiet quokkas questioned quickly. All words start with 'Q'.

51. Bright blue birds burst. All words start with 'B'.

52. Lazy leopards lounged long. All words start with 'L'.

53. Cheerful children chased chickens. All words start with 'C'.

54. Dark days delivered doubt. All words start with 'D'.

55. Friendly frogs fished freely. All words start with 'F'.

56. Grumpy goats grabbed grapes. All words start with 'G'.

57. Happy hippos hopped heavily. All words start with 'H'.

58. Icy igloos isolated instantly. All words start with 'I'. (Note: Rare alliteration with vowels)

59. Joyful jesters juggled jellies. All words start with 'J'.

60. Kind kangaroos kicked kindly. All words start with 'K'.

61. Moody monkeys marched madly. All words start with 'M'.

62. Nifty narwhals navigated north. All words start with 'N'.

63. Odd owls observed openly. All words start with 'O'.

64. Playful parrots pecked pears. All words start with 'P'.

65. Quiet quokkas quickly quit. All words start with 'Q'.

66. Rowdy roosters raced rapidly. All words start with 'R'.

67. Sneaky snakes slithered slowly. All words start with 'S'.

68. Tired tigers took turns. All words start with 'T'.

69. Ugly urchins urged upward. All words start with 'U'.

70. Violent vultures veered violently. All words start with 'V'.

71. Wandering whales whistled wildly. All words start with 'W'.

72. Xenophobic xylophones xeroxed xenon. All words start with 'X'. (A stretch, but used poetically)

73. Youthful yaks yawned yearly. All words start with 'Y'.

74. Zebra zookeepers zigzagged zestfully. All words start with 'Z'.

75. Angry ants ate apples. All words start with 'A'.

76. Big balloons burst boldly. All words start with 'B'.

77. Clean cats climbed cliffs. All words start with 'C'.

78. Dizzy ducks dove deep. All words start with 'D'.

79. Eager eagles eyed earth. All words start with 'E'.

80. Fluffy foxes fetched feathers. All words start with 'F'.

81. Golden geese glided gracefully. All words start with 'G'.

82. Hungry hyenas hurried home. All words start with 'H'.

83. Iridescent iguanas ignored insects. All words start with 'I'.

84. Jumpy jackals juggled jellybeans. All words start with 'J'.

85. Keen koalas kept keys. All words start with 'K'.

86. Loyal lambs leaped lightly. All words start with 'L'.

87. Merry meerkats mimicked melodies. All words start with 'M'.

88. Neat newts navigated nests. All words start with 'N'.

89. Open otters observed oceans. All words start with 'O'.

90. Proud peacocks paraded proudly. All words start with 'P'.

91. Quiet queens questioned quakes. All words start with 'Q'.

92. Rapid rabbits raced rivers. All words start with 'R'.

93. Shy sheep shared shelters. All words start with 'S'.

94. Tiny turtles trotted timidly. All words start with 'T'.

95. Unique unicorns used umbrellas. All words start with 'U'.

96. Vain vampires vanished voluntarily. All words start with 'V'.

97. Wise wolves watched waterfalls. All words start with 'W'.

98. Xylophones x-rayed xenophobic xenops. Poetic use of 'X'.

99. Young yaks yelped yesterday. All words start with 'Y'.

100. Zigzagging zombies zipped zealously. All words start with 'Z'.