Bishop cautions against neo-paganism, says being a Church goer not enough

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has exhorted Christians to choose between Christianity and paganism, saying that going to Church on daily basis and occupying lofty positions is not enough reason to be called a true Christian.

Bishop Ezeokafor, who stated this at Christ the King Parish (CKP), Isuaniocha, in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State while delivering a homily, described a true Christian as one who does not attach so much importance to earthly possessions, adding that some Christians who frequent the House of God, lack proper understanding of what Christianity entails.

“You have to choose between Christianity and paganism. Neo-paganism is wrong. It is unchristian to be going to Church and still be patronising or hobnobbing with idol worshipers.

It is either you are a Christian or you are a pagan. You cannot be blowing hot and cold at the same time. You must choose one.

“Many of you are after one position or the other in the Church. Yet pay little or no attention to your spiritual life.

That you are Chairman or Secretary of this and that is not enough. Holding different positions and serving in different capacities in the Church without living a Christ-like life is a waste of time. It will not take you anywhere. Think more about eternity,” Bishop Ezeokafor exhorted.

Bishop Ezeokafor, who is visiting the Parish for the first time since 2012, stated that anyone who places or pays more attention to their wealth, beauty, intelligence, Husband, wife, Children and earthly acquisition had already relegated God to the background

“Once you start paying so much attention to a particular thing you have already started worshiping that thing.

That thing automatically becomes your God. Some of us here, if you ask them to choose between God and earthly things they will abandon the former, God”.

The chief shepherd of Awka Catholic Diocese urged Christians to always show their faith and gratitude in God by contributing to the growth of the Church.

The Catholic prelate stressed the need for people to stop over-emphasising their positions but endeavour to use such positions to help others and make God proud of them.

The Local Ordinary observed that one of the problems of today’s society could be traced to people claiming what they were not.

He therefore advised Christians to learn to be humble from John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, pointing out that humanity was key to heaven.

According to him, Christ had no need to be baptised as He had no original sin, neither did He need to receive the Holy Spirit nor to be a Christian, but He brought Himself low to be baptised by John, even when John himself objected.

Speaking on the essence of Pastoral visit, Bishop Ezeokafor said the visit availed him the opportunity to interface with the congregation and also would afford the parishioners the opportunity to get see and know their bishop.

He admonished the newly confirmed candidates to be steadfast, obedient and prayerful.

He enjoined Christians to be vigilant and be ready to fight for their faith, noting that certain believers of particular religion were trying so hard to suppress Christianity in Nigeria.

For the part of John the Baptist, the Catholic prelate, stated that John exhibited a lot of humility by not accepting that he was the Messiah, even when people were putting words into his mouth, trying to ask him to declare himself the Messiah.

In a vote of thanks, the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ekwealili, CSSP, thanked the Bishop for making out time to come.

Administering of Sacrament of Confirmation on 510 deserving candidates, blessing of Holy Trinity Chapel built by the Parish, group photograph formed the highpoints of Bishop Ezeokafor’s visit.