ALL SAINTS DAY. NOVEMBER 1

All Saints Day is when the Church commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The eve of All Saints is known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. All Saints Day is November 1

Father, All-Powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

EID-UL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE IN ISLAM

Eid-Ul-Adha (a.k.a. the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice) is observed after the Hajj -- the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia.

A duty of each Muslim, as described in the Five Pillars of Islam, is to go on Hajj at least once once during their lifetime, unless they are prevented by finances or ill health. "The Hajj consists of several ceremonies, meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of prophet Abraham and his family...The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together." 1

It is the second of the two major Muslim holy days. The other is Eid-ul-Fitr which follows Ramadan -- a lunar month of partial fasting.


When is it celebrated?

Eid-Ul-Adha is observed after the conclusion of the Hajj. The first day of this celebration is held on the 10th day of Duhl-Hijja, which is the last month of the Muslim year. In most areas, the Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated over several days. 2

Islamic months begin at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent appears after the new moon, and can be sighted by the unaided eye . "Visibility depends on a large number of factors including weather condition, the altitude of the moon at sunset, the closeness of the moon to the sun at sunset, the interval between sunset and moonset, atmospheric pollution, the quality of the eyesight of the observer, use of optical aids etc." 3 As a result, although the phases of the moon can be predicted accurately, the moon's visibility at a given place on Earth cannot be estimated in advance. Thus, the feast day has always been celebrated on different days in various areas of the world.

Because the date of the Feast of Sacrifice is determined by a lunar calendar, it is observed about 11 days earlier each year. According to the Gregorian calendar:

2012 edition is celebrated on 24th - 26th October.

culled from http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_feast.htm

52 YEARS OF TODDLING

52 YEARS OF TODDLING

The above graphic representation shows the developmental stage of Nigeria. At 52 years the country is toddling. Its toddling has many impediments. A country that ought to be a grand mother is yet to walk. The question is… any hope for Nigeria?

Imagine the situation Nigeria is undergoing. Are we ready to define our objectives and actualise them? What is wrong with the nation, Nigeria.  How long shall we stay on the ground before we move up ladder of life? How true is the assumption that we are the giant of Africa?

Is Nigeria a developing nation?  Yes, problems are inevitable, what effort is Nigeria making to come out of these problems. Let us tell ourselves the truth, and it would be naive for Nigerian citizens to contemplate of no problem and expect a life of bliss. Man is an imperfect being. The fact that we need a serious overhauling and attention to our welfare cannot be over emphasized. No nation can rise above the quality of its citizens. In most cases, that will involve a lot of sacrifices from the government and the entire citizenry. Though there may be more severe challenges that threaten the foundation of the country. At times one wonders if we were ripe before agitating for independence from the Great Britain. It is not a taboo for us to ask for help from experienced nations, but charity must begin from home. However, these situations do not mean that Nigeria as a country is a failure. They merely highlight the importance of adhering closely to the yearning of the citizens in working out solutions.

My fellow Nigerians, no matter what, let us shun selfish tendencies and display genuine love among ourselves. The sound of the gun doesn't frighten the gods. We need to respect the rule of law. Reduce corruption to its minimal percentage. The government should formulate and implement feasible plans to develop Nigeria. Creation of jobs to accommodate the teeming population and curb unemployment should be paramount. "An idle mind is a devil's workshop" Power supply should rank the number one in our economic plans, while security should not be politicised rather assured.

Our leaders need to be gentle, kind and forgiving - even when the followers repeatedly manifested negative traits. I am also urging the followers to respect the leaders and the constituted authorities. Open communication between the leaders and their subjects should not be a routine only or during the electoral campaigns. Open communication will initiate expressions on matters concerning our national development and interest. We shall likely find that such communication will be more pleasing and effective.

We have been test– running Nigeria for the past 52 years. For how long must we be in this level? My expectation is as good as you think! Try to contribute your own quota towards the betterment of Nigeria. May God continue to bless all Nigerians both at home and in Diasporas.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOY CATHERINE SHERBINO. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE. AMEN

Sherbino, Joy Catherine

Saginaw, Michigan

Our loving mother and grandmother passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, age 70 years.

Joy was born in Saginaw, Michigan April 25, 1942 the daughter of the late David Alfred and Irene Florence (Lawrence) Letourneau. She was a member of Old Town Christian Outreach and loved her time spent at church.
She enjoyed playing cards and crocheting.

Joy is survived by three children, David (Linda) Sherbino, Kim Dennings and Marcus Sherbino; five grandchildren, Melissa, David, Kelsey, Kaitlynn and Kennedy; a great-grandson, Michael; two brothers, Mike (Debbie) Letourneau, Jake Letourneau and two sisters, Donna Cronkright and Carol (Bill) Allen.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Old Town Christian Outreach, 600 Gratiot. Rev. Donald Dinninger will officiate. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Old Town Christian Outreach.
Eternal rest grant your servant O Lord. May the soul of JOY and the souls of the faithful departed ...rest in peace. Amen

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

30TH OLYMPICS GAMES "LONDON 2012"

London has earned the reputation of hosting the Olympic game for the third time; 1908, 1948 and 2012.

This edition is the 30^th Olympic Game. There is no use wasting time on the fact that The Olympics are the biggest multi-sports event in the world. With a history of almost 114 years of organized celebration, Olympics carry a whole new definition of sports, integrity, nationality and brotherhood in every four year.

The first registered games of Olympics were held in Athens of Greece in the year 1896. Since then the event grew in volume and magnanimity to attain a cult status by today's time.

The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics witnessed the touch of mastery as renowned film makers like Danny Boyle and Stephen Daldry were the brains behind.

The mascots of this edition of this great event are Wenlock and Mandeville, two figures with one eye each with a metallic finish. Both of them are designed with deep implied meaning and convey various messages to the world. The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Friday, July 27. Fireworks burst above the stadium during the opening ceremony. Fireworks were aesthetically exhibited over the Olympic Stadium. Fireworks explode from the stadium roof. Fireworks ignite over the Olympic Stadium. Sir Paul McCartney performs during the opening ceremony. An actor dressed to resemble Britain's Queen Elizabeth II parachutes

The major sports events that will draw the attention of the spectators and media in 2012 edition are swimming, archery, football, table tennis, volleyball, boxing and weightlifting. All the competitions will be held in various venues and stadiums that are constructed or modified keeping in mind the Olympics. A few of them are the All England Club at Wimbledon (tennis), Wembley Stadium (football) and The O2 (gymnastics, basketball).

Nigeria is among the countries participating in the United Kingdom Olympics in 2012.  More than 200 countries are participating.

The sheer grandeur that Olympics contain is beyond words and fictions, facts and figure. We have to just wait a day Nigeria will be opportune to host this tournament.

London city is in full flow evidence of a serious preparation of the Olympic Games 2012.

The official logo of the Olympics is a set of five rings attached to each other signifying the five continents of the world. The easily recognized logo of Olympics suggests the coming together of the countries in these continents.

ADIEU! BISHOP ANTHONY ILONU

May I use this medium to extend my condolence to the entire clergy and laity of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe on the death of the first local ordinary of the diocese & the Bishop Emeritus of Okigwe Diocese, Imo State; Most Rev. (Dr.) Anthony Ekezie Ilonu. He died on Friday, June 15, 2012, the feast day of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, after a protracted Illness.

Today, Wednesday July 11, 2012 the body of this distinguished servant of God and a defender of the catholic faith is being interred into the mother earth. May the good Lord receives his soul and let His perpetual light shine upon his servant, Anthony.

I mustn’t fail to extend my condolence to the mourners especially, the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, CYON Okigwe Diocese. Those of us that are in the youth apostolate cannot forget the homilies and keynote addresses of this icon during our provincial rallies and national meetings. Take heart!

Born on November 13, 1937, the late Bishop Ilonu was ordained a priest of Umuahia diocese on December 19, 1964. He was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Okigwe Diocese by Pope Pope John Paul II on January 24, 1981. His Episcopal ordination took place on March 29, 1981 with Archbishop Carlo Curis as the ordaining prelate, assisted by Francis Cardinal Arinze and late Bishop Anthony Gogo Nwedo CS.Sp.
Bishop Ilonu retired as the local ordinary of Okigwe Diocese on April 22, 2006; after diligently nurturing the diocese as an exemplary leader and father. He was succeeded by Most Rev. Solomon Amatu as the chief shepherd of the diocese.

                                                              Hon Chief Emmanuel Kc Amucha

                                                                            (Mkpisi Ola Edo)  

                                          (CYON Provincial president, Owerri province 2000-2007)

WHO IS KELECHI AMUCHA

PROFILE

Born in Nbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A of Abia State Nigeria. Kelechi began to draw and paint before going to primary school. Seemingly, he inherited art from his father, Rev. M.D Amucha of the blessed memory - a clergy and a retired teacher who was famous in the classroom with his chalk-board illustrations.

Kelechi Emmanuel Chinedu Amucha started exhibiting his creative talent as a pupil at Community School Amapu Ntigha. He used to assist some student-teachers from TTC Ihie in preparing their teaching aids such as charts and illustrations.

He got exposed to the art academically at Secondary Technical School Amapu Ntigha. He blended very well with his fine art teacher, Mr Lawrence Nwaogwugwu. He was one of the run-up winners of 1985 Imo State MAMSER Poster art competition.

While waiting for his WASC examination result, he offered himself the opportunity of learning Graphics and Commercial art in Papaitor Signs Nbawsi under the directorship of Mr Okechukwu Anaba.

Kelechi has NCE, BA and MA in Fine and Applied Art / Education. His versatility has made him to dangle into other fields of studies both in Nigeria and Europe. He had taught art in many private secondary schools in Nigeria such as, De World Int'l Sec. School PH, St Margaret Ang. Convent Umuariam Obowo, Lorretto Boys School (Now Bishop Nwedo Memorial Boys High School, Ossah Umuahia) Lucy Memorial Secondary School Amairi and Standard Comprehensive High School Ehere Aba. The public school is not left out, he was the fine art teacher, TTC Uzuakoli 2000-2004 and Ovom Girls High School (Junior) 2006-2007. Kelechi served NTA channel 6 Aba as an associate graphic artist under Nze Pius Okoroafor (of blessed memory) from 1996-2002.

Politically, he was the Supervisory councillor for education Aba South L.G.A 2004-2005, also served as the Supervisory councillor for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Religiously, he was the Assistant Secretary of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON)Aba Diocese 1997-2000. He took over the CYON Aba Diocesan leadership from His Royal Highness Eze R.O Azuh of the blessed memory. He was the CYON Aba Diocesan President 2000-2006. Served as the CYON Owerri Eccl. Provincial President 2000-2007.

Kelechi Amucha's name ring bell when Igbo culture is the issue among his contemporaries. He won the maiden edition of Essay writing in Igbo language organised by NAYOUFEST in 2004, this attracted him the title of "Nwokoro omenala Igbo" He holds other traditional titles such as "Mkpisi ola edo 1 of Isiala Nvosi" and "Ugba n'agbara oha 1 of Okpojiaku Aba. At present, he's the IT manager of Igbo Community Europe (ICE) Creator of CIVIGRAPHICS , and the Initiator of MKPISIOLAEDO AGENDA FOR YOUTHS (MAY)

Kelechi speaks Igbo, English and Spanish languages. He has widely exhibited his works beginning at A.I.C.E Owerri 1990-1993.He is popularly known as "Civilian".

And he loves football and dance.