Ekohotblog reports that St. Theresa Catholic Church, Epe, hosted a transformative liturgical seminar that began with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ugoje.
Left: Rev. Fr. Benedict Anike (Associate Priest) Middle: Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ugoje (Parish Priest). Right: Rev. Elthelbert C. Umemwanne.
The seminar, which saw a significant turnout, was designed to enrich the spiritual lives of the congregation through teachings on discipline and the effective use of modern tools for evangelism.
Following the Mass, Chief Barrister Mrs. Mary Joy Okasi delivered the first lecture, titled “Been a self discipline Vessel for the Liturgy.”
Her address emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline and reverence during worship.
Chief Barrister Mrs. Okasi Mary Joy
“Our calling is to be vessels of honor, reflecting God’s grace in every action,” Mrs. Okasi stated.
She urged attendees to embody self-discipline in their daily lives and within the church community, saying, “When we come together in worship, we must be fully committed and respectful, dedicating ourselves wholly to God’s service.”
In addition to her main points, Mrs. Okasi made significant corrections to common mistakes that people often overlook.
She pointed out areas where worshippers might not be fully conscious of their behavior, providing practical advice to help them improve their conduct within the church.
“Many of us are unaware of small habits that disrupt our spiritual focus,” she noted.
Her corrections aimed to refine the congregation’s approach to worship, ensuring a more respectful and engaging experience.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ugoje reinforced these sentiments with his own address. He spoke on the necessity of maintaining a focused and respectful demeanor during Holy Mass.
“We must remember that our time in the Holy Mass is sacred. Let us not be distracted by worldly concerns that can be addressed after the Mass,” he said.
His message was a reminder to the liturgical ministers of the importance of being present in both body and spirit during worship.
The seminar’s second lecture was delivered by Rev. Ethelbert Chukwunomso Umenwanne, who addressed the “Effective Use of Social Media in Liturgy.”
Rev. Elthelbert C. Umemwanne
Rev. Umenwanne explored the intersection of digital engagement and spiritual presence, offering a novel perspective on social media’s role in modern faith practices.
“The liturgy is not just a ritual; it is the first and oldest form of social media,” Rev. Umenwanne explained.
“While social media connects us through screens, the liturgy connects us in spirit and truth, binding us together in a way that transcends digital interaction.”
He highlighted how liturgical practices foster a deeper, more meaningful connection among worshippers, which surpasses the superficial connections often found online.
Rev. Umenwanne further illustrated his point by contrasting the richness of liturgical worship with the more transient nature of social media platforms.
“In liturgy, we experience a communion that is more profound than any network. It’s a space where we weave stories and traditions that have been handed down through generations,” he noted.
His insights encouraged attendees to appreciate and engage with their spiritual heritage while navigating the digital age.
The seminar provided a comprehensive framework for understanding how to balance modern technology with spiritual practice, offering attendees valuable guidance on how to remain focused and spiritually engaged in an increasingly digital world.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment among the attendees to embrace both their traditional practices and the benefits of modern tools, striving to deepen their faith and community connections.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
At the grand celebration of Epe Club’s golden jubilee, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency…
Ekohotblog reports that on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Alhaji Seriki Akanni Bamu was conferred with…
By abiodun KOMOLAFE I recently had the honour of visiting Ekiti State, where I embarked…