Fr Ogundipe Sdv

 On the Efficacy of Holy Communion Fr Lawrence Ogundipe, SDV  The question of whether Holy Communion is only effective while it remains in the mouth and loses its efficacy once it reaches the stomach touches on an important aspect of Catholic Eucharistic theology. The Catholic Church teaches that after the consecration, the bread and wine become truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This Real Presence remains as long as the Eucharistic species (the appearances of bread and wine) continue to exist. Consequently, Christ is sacramentally present not only in the mouth but also while the consecrated Host remains intact within the communicant. However, the grace and efficacy of Holy Communion should not be understood merely in a physical or biological sense. The Eucharist is not a medicine whose effect is limited to the place where it is physically located. Rather, it is a sacrament instituted by Christ to unite the believer with Him and with His Church. When a ...

Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV  Our theme tonight "Mary the Comforter of the Afflicted" comes to us as a word of hope in our country passing through a difficult moment. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is at work. Our theme speaks directly to the wounds of our people, the anxieties of families, the tears of mothers, the frustration of young people, the fears of workers, and the silent burdens carried by many in our nation. Nigeria today faces many afflictions. Economic hardship has deepened poverty. Insecurity has displaced families. Corruption has weakened trust. Unemployment has discouraged the youth. Many homes are struggling to survive. Even in Ibadan, a city rich in history, faith, culture, and resilience, many people wake each day carrying hidden pains. Yet the Church in The Archdiocese of Ibadan invites us to lift our eyes to Mary our comforter. She is not distant from our sufferings. She is not untouched by our pains. She is a mother who knows sorrow, uncertainty, waiting, sacrific...