At the sunset of June 26, 2025, the Catholic community in Nsukka gathered at St. Theresa’s Cathedral to honor the life and legacy of José María Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, on the feast day marking his passing fifty years ago. The event was not simply a commemorative service but a vibrant affirmation of the profound link between faith and everyday work.
The celebration was led by Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, whose opening remarks set a tone of spiritual reflection and communal resolve. He reminded attendees that the death of a saint is, in fact, their heavenly birth—a moment of divine fulfillment. The Bishop called on the faithful to intercede through Escrivá’s example, to foster fidelity among clergy, religious, and laity, and to pray for Nigeria’s leaders to exercise moral courage in safeguarding human life.
During his homily, Bishop Onah drew from Genesis to emphasize that human beings are created in God's image, endowed with the divine authority to steward creation. He emphasized that true human dignity is realized when we actively participate in God’s ongoing work—beautifying the earth, fostering harmony, and elevating creation. Conversely, he warned that neglecting this divine image leads to disorder, environmental degradation, and suffering—an echo of the biblical fall.
The bishop highlighted how Jesus’ encounters with ordinary workers—fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers—demonstrate that sanctity is accessible in daily life. Whether in the workplace or in service, every act done in fidelity to God’s image becomes a means of sanctification. He urged Nigerians, in particular, to resist despair born of poverty and hardship, and instead find inspiration in the simple, daily tasks that reflect divine creativity.
The Bishop also made reference to Blessed Carlos Acutis, soon to be canonized by the Holy Father, a teenager who used his digital talents to bring people closer to Christ. His example underscores that sanctity is not reserved for the elite but accessible to all, even in modern, secular contexts.
The event concluded with a warm vote of thanks and a call for ongoing fidelity to the divine calling. The Bishop’s concluding remarks reinforced that our relationship with God is the key to transforming work into an act of divine cooperation—an essential message for Nigeria and the world. The feast day served as a reminder: in every task, large or small, we have the opportunity to participate in the divine work of creation, sanctify our lives, and be witnesses of Christ in the modern world.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze