BY SUNNY A. DAVID
The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha and substantive Bishop of the Aguleri Diocese, the Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, has charged Christians to form the habit blessing themselves, their children by doing the sign of the cross regularly.
Bishop Isizoh, who gave the advice during a Sunday instruction at St Theresa’s Parish, Umunya, explained that Christians receive the blessing of God each time they observe the sign of the cross.
In addition, parents should also pray for their children regularly as such habits have a lot of spiritual benefits for children and will create a brighter future for them.
The Bishop also reminded the christian faithful of the need to attend Sunday Masses with good intentions and avoid being a churchgoer.
According to the Prelate, when a faithful attends church without good intentions, such as being ready to worship God with all sincerity, thanking Him for the gift of life, asking for forgiveness of sins and placing our heart desires before Him, then the person is just a mere churchgoer who may end up wasting his or her time by attending church every Sunday.
Bishop Isizoh stressed the need to take out take time regularly to visit the sick, whether related to you or not, and he described such a mission as an apostolic one that encourages the sick spiritually.
He added that paying visits to people who are ill brings succour and spiritual wellness to them.
The Bishop also explained the importance of praying for priests, family members and relatives each time we attend Holy Mass and each time we pray, for God uses prayers said for the next person to save such a person in times of trouble.
The Parish Priest, the Very Rev. Fr. John Anosike, who spoke to our correspondent, commended Bishop Isizoh for visiting and joining them in the Sunday instruction, describing that singular act as grassroots evangelism.
He also thanked the parishioners for trooping out en masse to receive the Bishop.