PENTECOST CELEBRATION: Archbishop Akubeze Urges Youths to Trust in the Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit
By Augustine Orapine
The Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has called on Christians to open their hearts to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, urging the faithful to invite the Spirit into every area of their lives. He made this appeal during his homily at the solemn Mass of Pentecost, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City.
“The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation who turns weakness into strength, fear into courage, confusion into clarity, division into unity and silence into proclamation,” the Archbishop said.
The Feast Day of Pentecost, saw over 300 candidates receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Akubeze congratulated the candidates and reminded them of their new responsibility as soldiers of Christ.
“You are very fortunate to be confirmed on this feast day of Pentecost. This sacred act gives us the grace to be strong in faith, to give testimony to Christ, to share our faith with others and to defend the Church, just as the apostles did,” he said. He further encouraged them to, “be true ambassadors of the Church, steadfast in prayer, love one another, visit the Blessed Sacrament, pray your Rosary, read holy books and lives of the saints.”
He also addressed the youth of the Archdiocese, who gathered to celebrate the recent feast of their patron saint, St. Charles Lwanga, with a special Mass marking the end of the feast.
“Your presence here on the great solemnity of Pentecost is not by coincidence. The future of our Archdiocese depends on your faith, your willingness, and your creativity. Be proud of your Catholic faith. Use your talents to serve Christ and uplift others. Use social media to preach Christ. And never forget—God has plans for your lives and He will never abandon you,” he said.
In an interview, the Archdiocesan Youth President, Comr Dove Jude Igieri noted that the youth week was filled with impactful activities including a medical outreach and spiritual programs. He highlighted a pressing concern: the absence of a skill acquisition centre in the Archdiocese.
“We noticed that as big as the Archdiocese of Benin is, we don’t have a skill acquisition programme for youths. So we saw the need for a Youth Resource Centre that can help in developing young people,” he said.
“We have started the building, but it has been abandoned for years due to lack of funds. If we get the support, it can be completed in six to eight months. We call on well-meaning Catholics to support this project for the good of our young people.” he added.
Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Feast of St. Charles Lwanga, Dr. Uche Mekunye, also offered words of encouragement: “My advice to youths of the Archdiocese and all of Africa is that they should keep striving and always put God first in whatever they do.”
Among the newly confirmed was Okhah Alberta, who shared her joy: “I feel blessed, I feel good. I have received the Sacrament of Confirmation worthily and I am sure I will become a better Christian. Confirmation makes us better Christians and soldiers of Christ. I pray that all my fellow confirmed candidates have the courage and the spirit of understanding to be better soldiers for Christ.” she said.
