Maranatha Multimedia

16/09/2025

Maranatha Multimedia Bids Farewell to Seminarians Damian and Anthony, Welcomes Theodore and Thaddeus

It was a day of emotions, gratitude, and celebration as Maranatha Multimedia held a send-off party on September 11, 2025, to honor two of its dedicated workers, Seminarian Damian Ogbonnaya and Seminarian Anthony Osigwe. The occasion also welcomed their successors, Seminarian Theodore Ugwa and Seminarian Thaddeus Nwafor.

The Acting Director of Maranatha Multimedia, Rev. Fr. Kizito Umennadi, and the Editor, Rev. Fr. Peter Nwobodo, led staff and friends of the organization after a brief but strategic in-house meeting in paying glowing tributes to the outgoing seminarians, describing them as hardworking, creative, and deeply committed.

In his remarks, Fr. Nwobodo praised Damian Ogbonnaya’s outstanding one-year apostolate. “He has proven to be a genius. Damian became the first senior seminarian to successfully handle the bulletin, accounts, studio management, and other responsibilities. His commitment was so remarkable that I often wondered how many hours he even slept,” he said.

Turning to Anthony Osigwe, Fr. Nwobodo highlighted his courage and dedication. “Anthony’s work was equally commendable. He embraced the challenge of learning graphic design and other skills while running almost daily errands on a motorcycle—a task both demanding and risky. Though Anthony has chosen a different path outside the priesthood, with plans to study at Igbariam University, we all encourage him to stay focused on his academic journey,” he added.

The Editor-in-Chief of Maranatha Newspaper, Mr. Kingsley Ugwu, joined staff members in thanking the departing seminarians for their generosity and service, urging Theodore Ugwa and Thaddeus Nwafor to emulate their predecessors’ example of dedication and teamwork.

Speaking at the event, Damian Ogbonnaya expressed his gratitude with heartfelt words: “Maranatha Multimedia has been more than a workplace for me—it has been a family. I leave here with skills, friendships, and memories that I will treasure for life.”

Anthony Osigwe also shared his reflections: “I am grateful for the chance to grow here, to learn, and to serve. Though my journey is taking a different direction, Maranatha will always remain part of my story.”

Both seminarians paid special tribute to the late Msgr. Jerome Ndubuisi Madueke, who they said inspired their creativity and dedication. They promised to put into practice the values instilled in them during their time with the organization.

The send-off ended with applause, prayers, and warm wishes for Damian and Anthony as they move on to new phases of their journey, and with high hopes for Theodore and Thaddeus as they begin theirs.
Below are the picture highlight:

05/09/2025

05/09/2025

"At the moment of temptation, always remind yourself of the love of God that awaits you in Heaven," says Cardinal Okpalaeke

The people of God gathered today being Friday September 5, 2025, at St. Patrick's Parish Isuofia for the funeral Mass of Late Mrs. Virginia Aginam. Late Mrs. Virginia Aginam is the mother of Rev. Fr. Norbert Aginam. Rev. Fr. Norbert Aginam is a priest of CADEK and the current parish priest of Immaculate Heart Parish Ekwulobia.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke. There were also many priests and religious in attendance. Catholic faithful from different Parishes, and hospital where Rev. Fr. Norbert Aginam worked and still works also graced the occasion.

His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke gave the Homily during the Mass. In his Homily, Cardinal Okpaleke invited all present to reflect on the implications of the responsorial psalm: "my soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?" (Ps. 42: 2). He stated that whenever we sing this song, it expresses our soul's utmost desire to unite with Christ. He asserted that it is when we die that we would be able to see God as he truly is (1 John 3: 2). He also maintained that anyone who desires to see God on the last day must keep himself holy (1John 3: 3).

He also invited us to hearken to the invitation of Christ as seen in the Gospel reading: 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.' (Matt 11:28-30). He maintained that the most important thing in life is the consistency in pursuing things which lead to eternal life. Man's life is a journey to eternity. He said that at the time of temptation, it is always necessary to remind ourselves of the love of God that awaits us in heaven.

Again, he said that whenever we are in a burial mass, it is an opportunity to remind ourselves that death awaits us all. If we are aware of this, then it becomes very necessary for us to always prepare ourselves through the sacraments, especially the sacrament of reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. In sum, at death, our body would be transformed. The question now comes: where are we going? Heaven or hell?

The Dean of Isuofia Deanery, Very. Rev. Fr. Jude Mbanefo who is the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Parish Isuofia welcomed the Cardinal and all present to the parish. Rev. Fr. Norbert Aginam expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who came for the funeral mass. The Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Umeoji led in the prayer of final commendation.

Below are the picture highlights from the event:

07/08/2025

The Catholic Women Organization August Meeting: A Sacred Convergence of Faith, Family, and Community Development

By Kizito Nonso Umennadi

Every August across Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, a vibrant and sacred tradition takes root once more: the August Meeting of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO). It is not merely a convention; it is a spiritual homecoming, a cultural reaffirmation, and a civic revival — all led by women whose faith shapes their families and whose hands build their communities.

Rooted in the Catholic values of Christian motherhood, servant leadership, and communal responsibility, the August Meeting is a symbol of renewal, where faith meets action, and devotion births transformation.

A Gathering with Purpose

The CWO August Meeting is more than a scheduled reunion; it is a collective mission. Held annually, often in the heart of the rural homeland, this gathering brings together women from all walks of life — teachers, traders, professionals, and peasant farmers — united by faith and womanhood.

Its goals are multifaceted: spiritual formation, family reorientation, moral reawakening, economic empowerment, community service, and leadership training. At its heart, it is a response to the Church’s call for active lay participation, especially by women, in shaping a more just and godly society.

Core Objectives of the August Meeting

1. Spiritual Renewal and Faith Formation
Central to every August Meeting is a return to the wellspring of grace. Through Masses, confessions, retreats, rosary processions, and catechesis, women are strengthened in faith and reminded of their role as the first evangelizers in the home. Talks on Christian living help deepen their identity as wives, mothers, and leaders after the heart of Mary.

2. Family and Moral Reorientation
In an age of moral confusion and family breakdown, the August Meeting provides a sacred space for reassessing the health of the home. Issues like domestic violence, infidelity, child neglect, and indiscipline are addressed head-on. Women are equipped with practical tools for responsible parenting, spousal harmony, and moral education of their children.

3. Leadership and Empowerment
Far from being passive attendees, CWO women are trained, mentored, and mobilized for leadership — both within and outside the Church. Elections at parish, deanery, and diocesan levels often take place during the August Meeting, ensuring that women of integrity and vision are placed in positions to lead.

Talks on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, civic rights, and social responsibility also feature prominently, helping women rise above economic dependency and political apathy.

4. Community Development and Self-Help Initiatives
The August Meeting has become synonymous with visible, impactful projects. From building schools and health centers, to sponsoring scholarships, hosting medical outreaches, renovating parish structures, and environmental clean-ups — CWO women embody the gospel of service.

In many parishes, the success of an August Meeting is judged not just by attendance but by the lasting legacy of love it leaves behind.

5. Peacebuilding and Social Justice
The August Meeting also serves as a forum for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and social healing. Women mediate disputes, resolve family feuds, and engage in civic education, reminding the society of the sacredness of life, the dignity of womanhood, and the importance of justice and peace.

6. Cultural Identity and Christian Modesty
The August Meeting celebrates African motherhood, dignity, and heritage — without compromising Catholic values. Through traditional songs, dances, and storytelling, women affirm their roots while also promoting modesty in fashion, dignity in speech, and sobriety in conduct. It is a balance of the ancient and the eternal — a cultural Christian witness.

A Glimpse into the Activities

The rhythm of the August Meeting is rich and diverse, often including:

Holy Masses, adoration, and processions

Catechetical sessions and moral instruction

Health talks and medical outreaches

Skill acquisition workshops and exhibitions

Cultural displays, songs, drama, and dances

Debates, quizzes, and Bible recitations

Elections and leadership training

Fundraising for communal projects

Visitations to the sick, widows, and orphans

Conclusion: A Mission that Endures

The CWO August Meeting is not just a date on the calendar. It is a movement of grace, a sacred duty, a statement of faith, and a channel of transformation. It reminds the Church and the nation that when you empower a woman, you build a home; when you strengthen the home, you heal society.

As these women return from cities to villages, from work to worship, they carry with them not just handbags and headscarves, but light for the home, salt for the nation, and fire for the altar.

May this sacred gathering continue to flourish as a testament to what faith-filled women can achieve when united by purpose, guided by the Spirit, and anchored in Christ.

Kizito Nonso Umennadi
Priest, Social Advocate, and Deputy Director, Maranatha Newspaper (CADEK)

30/07/2025

The management and staff of Maranatha Multimedia holds requiem Mass for their Director, Late Msgr. Jerome Madueke. In the homily delivered by the editor of Maranatha Newspaper, Fr. Peter Nwobodo, he recounted the wonderful deeds of the late Director and invited all and sundry to pray for his peaceful repose.

May the soul of Msgr. Jerome Ndubuisi Madueke and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

17/05/2025

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Enemchukwu Paschal Mario, Antonio Saint Ezekoye, Ifedi Sam Onyemaizu, Ugo Moses, Christopher Mmaduafu Chukwuemeka, Ejike Umenwaka, Ifeanyi Agwuncha, Stephen Chete, Mbah Azodo Nchedo Thecla, Mba Patrick Uche, Charles Azubuike, Stella Maduka Ezenwatu, Eze Chinedu, Emmanuel Peter, Collins Ifejika, Uchechukwu Green, Okoye E. Okoye, Kulume Mazino Ifenna, Eze Obi, Okwumuo Damian C., Ogbogu Ifeanyichukwu, Chigozie Emmanuel, Ezennakwe Clifford Chikezie, Charles Ikechukwu Emmanuel, Ifeanyi Malachy, Umenzekwe Cajetan, Ambrose Chinedu Ezeh, Amaechi Ihondu, Immanuel Agbonoga, Emmanuel Greater Ugochukwu Nwankwo, Ifunanya Clara, Anthony Daniel, Madu Uchechukwu, Okaf Okey, Ifeanyi Eboh, Chuks Williams, Lilian Obi, Chukwudi Obikelu, Okafor Innocent, Chona Reyes, Collins Somadina Onunkwo, James Pio, Uchenna Paschal, Oguebue Valentine, Paschal Ferdinand, Ezenwekwe Anthony, Peter Nwobodo, Kimberly Pearl, Theorevis Jesus, Oluchi Umenze

13/05/2025

Today, the Church remembers the visit of our Lady, the Mother of God to the three children at Fatima on the 13th day of May 1917. In the apparition, our Blessed Mother called for prayer for the conversion of Russia. She invited the Church through these three little children to consecrate the world to Jesus through her. This apparition earned our Blessed Mother the title, "Our Lady of Fatima.

As we remember and celebrate the gift of God to us through our Blessed Mother, we are all invited to get back on our knees to pray for peace in the whole world especially for the conversion of Russia and other waring states. We commit our world and the Church into the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that She may interceed for us before God's Throne of mercy.

12/05/2025

The Early Days of His Papacy; Our Cares and Worries are His

On Thursday 8th May 2025, the Church and indeed the entire world rejoiced at seeing white smoke billow from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel and at the words of Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the Senior Cardinal Deacon “Habemus Papam”, indicating that the 267th Successor of St. Peter has been successfully elected in the person on Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.

In his very first words, he showed himself a man of peace by his greeting, “Peace be with you all”, following Christ’s formal greeting to his disciples after his resurrection. “It is the peace of the risen Christ,” said he, “A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally.” Pope Leo’s greeting of peace confirms his will for unity in the Church and the world at large as seen in his motto “In Illo Uno Unum”, “in the One (Christ), we are one.”

To indicate the direction of his Papacy, the Vicar of Christ, Pope Leo XIV explained his main reason for choosing the name Leo pointing out that the Church needs to evolve with the world and respond to digital revolution following the footprint of Pope Leo XIII. “Today, the Church offers to all her treasure of social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and developments of artificial intelligence”, he said this during his first address to the Cardinals on the 10th of May.

The Bishop of Rome proved that our cares and worries are his in his message to the world at his very first Regina Coeli address: “Never again war!” At the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday the 11th of May, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal to the leaders of the world to cease fire, to stop the war in waring countries, that there be lasting peace in these states, that prisoners be released and children be returned to their families. For Ukraine he said, “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian People”, and as regards the humanitarian catastrophe going on in Gaza, “I am deeply pained by what is happening, let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released”.

Today, at his audience with media professionals, the Holy Father invited the media professionals to a new way of communicating, one, as he said, that “does not seek consensus at all costs, does not use aggressive words, does not follow the culture of competition, and never separates the search for truth from the love with which we must humbly seek it”. He once more proved to the world that our cares and worries are his by calling for the release of journalists whose freedom are being denied because they reported the truth and for solidarity with those who risk their lives to report the happenings in waring states. He thanked them for their service to the truth.

The early days of Pope Leo XIV’s Papacy is a proof that the Church is in the hands of a worthy shepherd, a shepherd who cares for the flock of God entrusted to his care, whose concerns are all geared towards the good of the Church and wellbeing of his fellow Christians as he quoted in his first address, “For you I am a Bishop, with you I am a Christian”. On our part as fellow Christians, we ought to adopt the messages of the Holy Father, listen to them and put them into practice. Our world is a fast growing one, the world of technology. As the Holy Pontiff has called and continues to call for peace in the world and for the proper use of technological tools and the media spaces, let us all use our words for good, and with our posts in the various media spaces make our world a better and peaceful one, completely leaving off the war of words and images with the right intention of heeding the call of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is indeed a blessing to the Church, we shall follow through as his Papacy unfolds.

Maranatha Multimedia

11/05/2025

Video Highlight of Cardinal Okpaleke's Reception from Rome for the burial and funeral of Pope Francis, as well as the election of Pope Leo XIV.