The serene yet spiritually electrifying atmosphere at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, was charged with deep reflection and loud acclamations of “Amen!” as Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale delivered a soul-stirring homily for the Second Sunday of Lent (A).
The cleric, who also serves as the Priest-in-Charge of the Oke-Maria Pilgrimage Centre in Otan Ayegbaju within the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, drew powerful lessons from the day’s readings, urging Christians to seek divine favour, cooperate with God’s call, and remain focused on the glory of heaven.
Throughout the celebration, Akahi News observed a congregation visibly moved by his passionate preaching and intermittent prayers, each punctuated by thunderous responses from the faithful.
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The Call of Abraham: A Journey of Obedience and Grace
Reflecting on the First Reading (Genesis 12:1–4a), Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale centred his message on the life and calling of Abraham.
According to the priest, the essence of the passage lies in Abraham’s willingness to leave behind idol worship and obey God’s call without hesitation. He described Abraham as a man who cooperated fully with divine instruction, even when the path ahead was uncertain.
“Abraham left everything familiar,” Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale reminded the congregation. “He abandoned idol worship and trusted the voice of God. That is what it means to answer God’s call.”
The cleric emphasised that Abraham passed one of the greatest tests of faith when he was asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This act, he noted, demonstrated absolute trust and submission to God’s will.
However, Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale was quick to clarify that Abraham’s greatness was not solely due to personal effort. He stressed that Abraham found grace and favour in the sight of God — not because he did something extraordinary on his own, but because divine grace rested upon him.
“Abraham was not lazy,” he said firmly. “He was industrious. But without the grace of God, no matter how hard he worked, he would have been forgotten long ago.”
At this point, Akahi News gathered that the congregation erupted into resounding “Amen!” as the priest prayed fervently:
“May the blessings of Abraham be yours!”
The Pro-Cathedral shook with the loudest affirmation yet.
The Power of Divine Favour
Building further on the theme of grace, Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale urged Christians to consciously pray for God’s favour in their daily lives.
He noted that in contemporary society, many people rely solely on personal strength, connections, or material resources. Yet, he insisted, true and lasting success comes only when God’s favour accompanies human effort.
“Without divine favour, labour can be fruitless,” he declared. “With divine favour, even little effort becomes fruitful.”
According to Akahi News, the priest prayed repeatedly during the homily, invoking God’s grace upon his attentive congregants. Each prayer was met with thunderous responses, reinforcing the communal faith experience that characterises his charismatic Marian devotional ministry across Nigeria.
Indeed, Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale is widely known for his charismatic Marian prayer gatherings at the Oke-Maria Pilgrimage Centre in Otan Ayegbaju, where thousands gather to seek spiritual renewal. His homily on Sunday reflected the same fervour and spiritual intensity.
“Abraham is a living testimony that God is indeed faithful,” he affirmed. “If God could secure Abraham’s blessing, He will secure yours.”
St. Paul: A Carrier of Goodness and Good News
Turning to the Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:8b–10), Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale described St. Paul as a “carrier of goodness” and a bold proclaimer of the Gospel.
He challenged the congregation not merely to admire the apostles but to imitate them.
“St. Paul carried good news everywhere he went,” he said. “You too must be bearers of good news in your homes, workplaces, and communities.”
Akahi News learnt that the priest encouraged Christians to avoid spreading negativity, division, or despair. Instead, they are to embody hope, faith, and encouragement in a world often burdened by fear and uncertainty.
He reminded the faithful that discipleship sometimes involves sacrifice and endurance, just as St. Paul endured hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, he stressed, God’s grace sustains those who remain steadfast.
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heavenly Glory
In his reflection on the Gospel Reading (Matthew 17:1–9), Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale painted a vivid picture of the Transfiguration.
He explained that Jesus revealed His heavenly glory to Peter, James, and John to strengthen their faith ahead of His Passion. It was a foretaste of eternal glory — a reminder that suffering is not the final chapter.
“Jesus showed them the glory of heaven,” he said passionately. “And I pray, you will never miss heaven in Jesus’ name!”
The congregation responded with another emphatic “Amen!”
According to Akahi News, the cleric concluded that the Transfiguration serves as a spiritual encouragement during Lent. Just as Abraham trusted God and St. Paul proclaimed hope, Christians must journey through life with their eyes fixed on heaven.
A Homily Marked by Prayer and Passion
What distinguished the homily was not only its theological depth but also the consistent prayerful interjections by Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale.
At intervals, he paused to pray over the congregation — invoking Abrahamic blessings, divine favour, perseverance in faith, and the grace to attain heaven. Each prayer was met with thunderous agreement, transforming the homily into both a teaching moment and a charismatic prayer session.
The Pro-Cathedral community in Lagere, Ile-Ife, experienced what many described as a spiritually uplifting encounter.
The Lenten Call: Obedience, Grace, and Heavenly Focus
As Lent progresses, Rev. Fr Christopher Uwadiale urged Christians to reflect deeply on three essential truths drawn from the readings:
- Obey God’s call as Abraham did.
- Rely on divine grace and favour above personal strength.
- Keep eyes fixed on the glory of heaven revealed in Christ’s Transfiguration.
According to Akahi News, the cleric’s final words were both prayerful and prophetic:
“May the blessings of Abraham rest upon you. May you be carriers of good news like St. Paul. And may you never miss heaven.”
The congregation answered with one united, resounding: “Amen!”
As worshippers filed out of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, many were seen discussing the homily’s powerful emphasis on grace and eternal hope — themes that resonate strongly during the Lenten season.
For more faith-based reports and inspiring homilies across Nigeria, stay connected with Akahi News.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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