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DOCTRINAL NOTE ON MARIAN TITLES: MOTHER OF THE FAITHFUL, NOT CO-REDEMPTRIX

DOCTRINAL NOTE ON MARIAN TITLES: MOTHER OF THE FAITHFUL, NOT CO-REDEMPTRIX Implications for Marian Devotion and Our Traditional Prayer Booklets Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has recently offered an important doctrinal clarification on the way the Church understands and speaks about the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of salvation. While reaffirming her unique place as the Mother of God and the most exalted member of the redeemed, the document emphasizes that the faithful should refer to Mary as “Mother of the Faithful,” not “Co-redemptrix.” This clarification is not a demotion of Mary in Catholic devotion. Rather, it aims to protect the central truth that Jesus Christ alone is Redeemer and that Mary’s role, although singular and incomparable, always remains subordinate and dependent on the saving work of her Son. This doctrinal note helps the Church speak with precision, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure that our Marian devotion r...
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A SUMMARY on “Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy by Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV

 A SUMMARY  on “Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy by Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV *Una Caro* is a doctrinal reflection that explains why the Catholic Church upholds monogamous marriage as the original and God-given form of human love.  The document begins by grounding monogamy in Scripture, showing how God created man and woman to become “one flesh,” a union marked by exclusivity, permanence, and mutual belonging. It explains that this unity is not just a social arrangement but a divine plan that reveals the dignity of both spouses. The document highlights that Jesus restored marriage to its original beauty by rejecting divorce and selfishness, teaching that true love is faithful, self-giving, and lifelong. Monogamy, therefore, is not simply a European or Western idea but a universal human good that reflects God’s own faithful love for His people. It is also the form of marriage that best expresses the sacrament, which mirrors Christ’s exclusive love for the Church. The text ac...
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Infidelity in the Catholic Church: A Deep Examination

 Infidelity in the Catholic Church: A Deep Examination Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV  The issue of infidelity has been a significant concern within the Catholic Church for centuries. It is not just a matter of personal betrayal between spouses, but also a theological, moral, and ecclesiastical dilemma that the Church has grappled with throughout its history. The Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage, fidelity, and the sanctity of the sacrament provide a framework for understanding the gravity of infidelity, both in terms of its impact on individuals and the community.  The Catholic Church’s Teachings on Marriage In Catholic theology, marriage is considered a sacrament, a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that reflects the union between Christ and the Church. According to the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (CCC), marriage is not only a natural institution but a divine one. It is "a partnership of the whole of life, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the pr...
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The Tabernacle is Not a Sepulchre

  The Tabernacle is Not a Sepulchre Dear Brothers in the Priesthood, Grace and peace in Christ Jesus our Lord, who gives Himself to us in the Most Holy Eucharist. I write to you as a brother and fellow servant at the altar, out of deep reverence for the mystery we celebrate each day and out of concern for how we treat the sacred Body of Christ reserved in our churches. In some parishes, the tabernacle has quietly become a place of accumulation rather than adoration. This calls for our reflection and renewal. The tabernacle is not a sepulchre. It is not a place for storing many sacred species as if Christ were to remain enclosed without purpose. The tabernacle is a place of presence and prayer, a dwelling of the living Lord who remains with His people out of love. As *Redemptionis Sacramentum* reminds us, “The reservation of the Holy Eucharist in the tabernacle is principally for the sick and those who cannot participate in Mass” (RS 130). This means that what is reserved should be ...
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Sustainability and Professional Ethics in Digital Evangelization

Sustainability and Professional Ethics in Digital Evangelization Ogundipe O Lawrence SDV  This lecture will examine sustainability and professional ethics in the context of digital evangelization from a Catholic perspective. Drawing from magisterial documents such as *Inter Mirifica* (1963), *Communio et Progressio* (1971), and *Ethics in Internet* (2002), it highlights three interconnected dimensions of sustainable and ethical digital ministry: maintaining a healthy digital presence, observing Church standards and copyright laws, and developing long-term evangelization strategies. By integrating theological reflection with practical guidelines, this study proposes a model of digital ministry that is incarnational, collaborative, and grounded in ecclesial ethics. Introduction Digital transformation has profoundly shaped how the Church proclaims the Gospel and engages with society. The internet, according to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, represents “a new forum f...
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Summary on Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te

  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 Francis of Assisi...
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WHO ARE THE ANGELS ?

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...
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Designing Catholic Liturgies that Resonate with Young Congregants While Maintaining Theological Integrity

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...
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Yoruba Environmental Ethics

 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...
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WHEN A POPE DIES

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...
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