Fr Ogundipe Sdv

  A Summary on Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te. By Ogundipe O Lawrence,SDV The Apostolic Exhortation *Dilexi Te* by Pope Leo XIV, issued on October 4, 2025, focuses on the Church’s call to love and care for the poor. It builds on the teachings of Pope Francis and the Church’s long tradition of prioritizing the needs of the marginalized. Below is a simplified summary of its key themes:  *Introduction* The title *Dilexi Te* means "I have loved you," reflecting Christ’s love for the poor and marginalized. Pope Leo XIV continues Pope Francis’ vision of linking Christ’s love with the Church’s mission to care for the poor. *Key Themes*  *1. Love for the Poor as Central to the Gospel* Jesus’ love for the poor is inseparable from his mission. His life, from birth to death, was marked by poverty and solidarity with the marginalized - Acts of love for the poor are acts of love for Christ himself (Matthew 25:40). *2. Historical Witness of the Church*- Saints like Franc...

ANGELS Etymology The word ‘angel’ is derived from the Greek word ‘angelos’ which is the translation of the Hebrew word ‘mal’kah’ and in Latin ‘angelus’ all of which mean “messenger from God or Legate”. They were viewed at first as the personification of the will of God, then as members of a Heavenly Host, that is, army of the court of God the King. THE NATURE OF ANGELS According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, angels are purely spiritual creatures who have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS Ministry is defined as the work of a minister, and a minister is a person who cares for somebody. Scott Hahn in his work “angels” presents the ministry of angels as to announce the divine will; to rebuke, encourage, assist, punish, teach and to execute judgment. They serve as key mediators between God and man. For instance, angels were sent by Go...

Designing Catholic Liturgies that Resonate with Young Congregants While Maintaining Theological Integrity Class note by Ogundipe O Lawrence,SDV Introduction In an age marked by rapid technological advancement, shifting cultural landscapes, and increasing secularization, the Catholic Church faces the vital challenge of ensuring that her liturgies remain spiritually nourishing and theologically sound while engaging young people meaningfully. The youth, often seeking authenticity, community, and transcendence, can find a deep and transformative home in the liturgy—the “summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed” and the “fount from which all her power flows” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 10). However, to truly draw them in, the liturgy must resonate with their hearts and lives without compromising the sacredness and doctrinal depth of Catholic worship. This article will explore ways to design liturgies that are meaningful and engaging for young congregants while remaining faith...

 Yoruba Environmental Ethics: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability Edited by Fr Lawrence Ogundipe, SDV  Introduction The Yoruba people of West, descendants of Oduduwa, are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. They are located in states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara in the Southwest region of Nigeria. They also contribute sizeable proportion of Kogi and Edo states, and they make up around 21% of Nigeria’s population. The majority of the Yoruba speak the Yoruba language.  Names and terminologies are fundamental for people, with Yoruba people inclusive. The terms Agbeegbe, Ayika in Yoruba language which has its English translation as environment or surroundings refer to the external factors such as air, water, and all other things affecting an organism. It also has to do with the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives or operate.  Our environment therefore, is our surrounding which includes living and non-li...

Let me quickly share with you some Catholic culture in practice.  When a Pope dies. First,  a period of mourning and special Masses, called Novemdiales, begins. During this time, which lasts for nine days, Requiem Masses are celebrated, often by Cardinals, to pray for the soul of the deceased Pope. It is also customary to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father and to recite the Rosary for the deceased Pope's repose.  Here's a more detailed look: Novemdiales: This is a nine-day period of mourning and prayer following the death of a Pope.  Requiem Masses: Special Masses for the Dead are celebrated during this time, often at St. Peter's Basilica.  Eucharistic Prayer: During the Eucharistic Prayer, the name of the deceased Pope will be omitted, and the formula "Peter our Bishop" will be used. The naming of the deceased Pope is typically done during the intercession for the dead, says the Diocese of Manchester.  Vestments: Red vestments are t...

  Why must we confess to God through a priest? The question of whether we can confess our sins directly to God rather than through a priest is a common one.  While Catholic doctrine recognizes that God is omnipotent and capable of forgiving sins directly, the Church emphasizes the necessity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) for several profound theological, scriptural, and pastoral reasons.  Let us explore this in-depth. -- I. The Biblical Foundation of Confession Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is rooted in Jesus Christ’s institution of the sacrament.  The practice of confessing sins to a priest is not a human invention but is based on explicit biblical teaching and apostolic tradition. 1. Jesus Grants Authority to the Apostles After His Resurrection, Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins: > “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, i...

 *REVIEW OF POPE JOHN XXIII ENCYCLICAL "GRATA RECORDATIO (1959)" ON THE HOLY ROSARY* Grata Recordatio is an encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII on September 26, 1959. Its title, which translates to "A Pleasant Recollection," reflects the Pope's nostalgic remembrance of the Rosary's spiritual and pastoral significance, particularly in his younger days. The document emphasizes the power of the Rosary as a prayer for world peace and calls for the faithful to renew their devotion to this practice. While it is a relatively brief document compared to other papal writings, Grata Recordatio is significant in its reaffirmation of the Rosary's central place in Catholic life and its broader call for peace and social justice during a time of great global tension. *Historical and Contextual Background* At the time of its release, the world was caught in the midst of the Cold War, with ongoing concerns about nuclear arms, ideological conflicts between the East and th...

  How necessary is confirmation for salvation? Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 They sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. After having been baptized by St. Philip (the deacon, not the apostle), the Christians of Samaria still had need of the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is given through the sacrament of confirmation. To this end, it was fitting that the apostles in Jerusalem sent Sts. Peter and John (apostles) to bestow the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. In this event, we see both that confirmation is a sacrament distinct from baptism and that it is most necessary in the life of the Church and of the individual believer. It will be fitting for us to reflect upon this sacrament, since this liturgical season is the time most commonly set aside for the administration of confirmation in dioceses ...

 The Vocationist, alongside other Congregations, having their general chapter in Rome, were in  a special audience with the Holy Father Pope Francis today in Vatican. Below is the text of the address  ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to Various Religious Chapters (12 August 2024) Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! I offer a warm greeting to the men and women Superiors and to all present. I am pleased to meet you on the occasion of the General Chapters of your Congregations: Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus, Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Most Holy in the Temple and the Society of Divine Vocations (Vocationist Fathers). During a Chapter, you have the grace and responsibility of experiencing a significant moment not only for the life of your Institutes, but also for the whole Church. Chapters are a time for listening to the Holy Spirit in order to enable the charisms granted to your ...