@ Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke
We shall go up into God’s house
With shouts of jo-y
We shall go into the house of the Lord
Sang the choir in unison with the well-dressed crowd of worshippers.
Then, bells out Aunty Maureen, the nightingale of St. Cecilia’s choir, in scintillating solo:
For the peace of Jerusalem pray
Peace be to your homes
May peace reign in your walls
In your palaces peace
That was the fourth stanza. It was at this point that Okechukwu entered the church. It was his first time in a Catholic Mass. His curiosity led him into deciding to worship there this Sunday. His close friends, Mike and Uduak, worship at St. Francis Catholic in Apoka Estate, residence to mainly middle income earners. Often the three friends will engage in discussions concerning faith.
“Our Sunday Masses are always beautiful” says Mike with a measure of self-confidence. “You should try to attend someday.”
“Nah,” said Okechukwu.
“I don’t feel like,” then he paused, appearing to measure his words.
“You rather need to come and see my pastor preach. Me-ehn, that guy is a man of God,” obviously poised for a comparative showdown.
Today, Okechukwu decided to adhere to his friends’ advice. However, he did not inform them that he will be worshipping in their church, perhaps in an attempt to witness things as they really are without any pre-commentary from his Catholic gang.
The solemn procession was perfect as the altar servers and the priest marched in measured steps to the altar. St. Francis is one parish that was constructed with a great taste of simplicity intermixed with grandeur. The officiating priest, the associate pastor, is a young man of five years to his ordination. He is loved by every parishioner, not only for his elegance, but mainly for his dedication to the service of the Lord. His sermons are always on point. His voice is angelic, especially when he sings the ‘Per ipsum… .’ He is one heart that listens patiently. Most parishioners thinks he performs miracles but he had once confided in a friend that his only gift is that of listening. Well, on this faithful Sunday, Fr. Ken, as he is fondly called by every Tom and Harry, presided over the Mass as usual.
It was a spirit-filled celebration indeed. Okechukwu could not help but be moved by the homily which focused on the Gospel of John 15: 1-17, the famous Parable of the Vine and the Branches. Fr. Ken’s very probing homily was very compelling and with the fusion of songs of praise at the beginning of the homily, and the serenading music from the choir, it was simply a Sunday to remember. Okechukwu sat there relishing the entire experience. Little did he know that Uduak who serves as a Minister of Hospitality (otherwise called Church wardens or Ushers) have already spotted him from afar.
At the end of the consecration, as people were about to file out to receive Holy Communion, the Catechist, Miss Cynthia, in her very characteristic voice, greeted the church “Glory to Jesus!”, to which the congregation replied, “Honour to Mary!” Then came the customary caveat, in her near-perfect English accent, as if dutifully rehearsed: “Dear friends in Christ, we heartily welcome everyone to our beautiful parish this Sunday morning. Please, be reminded that the grace of the Eucharistic celebration is for everyone, but for the reception of the Holy Communion, only Catholics who have prepared themselves according to the Church’s custom are required to come forward. Thank you.” Okechukwu couldn’t take this. How could they deny me this opportunity? I believe that this is body and blood of Christ. I have no problem at all with anything that I have seen so far. Why can’t I receive?
He made his way to the rail, knelt devoutly like every other communicant, waiting for the priest to come by. After all, the word ‘Catholic’ is never branded on anyone’s face. Unknown to him, a double tragedy awaited him. Uduak had rushed towards where Okechukwu was kneeling to stand behind him. When the priest got to Okechukwu, he raised the sacred host and utters ‘Body of Christ’, but no response was coming from Okechukwu. Fr. Ken was about giving him communion anyway when he looked up and saw Uduak standing behind Okechukwu, with hands across the chest, in the wakanda style. He gently blesses Okechukwu with the sign of the cross and passed on to the next communicant. Okechukwu, was a bit embarrassed, but was consoled with the blessing anyway. Raising from the kneeler, behold Uduak crossing to the next line of duty. Immediately, he suspected a foul play.
Wakanda means ‘He can’t receive’ or ‘I won’t be receiving.’
What a pain that we can’t share our Eucharistic table yet. What a pain Christian division really is.
Alongside One Another 
I witnessed such drama sometime last year, the young man came to church with his friend but was not a catholic, he proudly received the holy communion and was smilling back to his sit when the priest suspected him. The ministers of hospitality really dealt with him that day, he was publicly disgraced and was knelt down before the congregation. He eventually confessed that it was his catholic friend that gave him the support to receive the communion just to feel the taste, his friend was purnished too. I think he deserved all they did to him that day.
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Thanks Kelechi for the comment. But I was just thinking: Perhaps, punishment and public disgrace should have been replaced with a good catechesis. That incident was indeed a wonderful opportunity to teach the faithful about the Eucharist and the reason why intercommunion is not yet allowed. Once again thank you for your constant contribution. God bless!
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Hope all theseChristian divisions will gradually die away. Jesus is one and for all. In spite of our different Christian doctrines,we all still end at the feet of JESUS. People should be properly informed n properly taught about the Holy Eucharist and how important is for us as christians. But embarrassing someone before the congregation is uncalled for. In my opinion if Jesus was to adress this issue, his approach will be quite different. People hv the tendency of thinking that they are better than others or they deserve more than others. But come to think if it. Does anyone actually deserves anything from God???? I don’t think so. It is by his Grace that we are living n making several achievements in life. Inspire of all are weaknesses, atrocities , sins God still loves us. That is thesame attitude we christians should portray to other christians and the world at large. Let love lead n God be glorified in our lives.
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Thanks a lot Shella for that beautiful comment. You are very correct. Even when we disagree it must be expressed in the spirit of love and brotherliness and not in bitterness. God bless you!
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Weldone father. Remain blessed.
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Fada keep it up.
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Thanks a lot Chisom. God bless!
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Dear Shella, i humbly agreed to your comment but believe me, the young man brought the disgrace upon himself. Note: He was not a catholic, secondly, he received it on bet that nothing will happen to him and out of mockery too. Again, he started laughing as soon as he was given the communion.
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Thanks Kelechi for providing more context about the incident you narrated. It is not allowed for anyone to ridicule or abuse something that another holds so dear and sacred. However, as I indicated earlier, the emphasis should be on a strong catechesis. We can also correct better by more humane redirection and might even win over the soul to true repentance and conversion. All in all, to abuse the Eucharist or to make mockery of it, is not allowed. God bless!
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Noted father. Thanks
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Beautiful piece Fr. It would have been wonderful if someone explained to Okechukwu after the mass, that he could share in the holy communion if he had met the priest before mass to explain his situation and receive some Catechesis from Him ( depending on what his reasons are). The Catholic does have a provision for people from other denominations in the holy communion (Canon 844.4); but to curtail abuses, the announcement was made by Miss Cynthia. I had a situation where someone received and put it inside his pocket. I had no option than to go collect it from him which is more embarrassing anyway. Communication and awareness is very important here until when they are perfectly “all one”.
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Thank you so much Callistus for your very inspiring comment. In fact, the suspense in the story is meant to inspire further discussions on the issue, and you have done just that. Like you said, for now, Canon 844 §4 makes provision in cases of ‘danger of death’ accompanied by a manifest intention. The story serves to present a common experience which requires more catechesis. This is important so that we can also avoid the abuses like you pointed out. With Christian dialogue we begin to see clearly why intercommunion is not yet allowed – in terms of different understandings of the Eucharist, and the question of authority and ministry in the Church. I humbly submit that, catechesis and ecumenical dialogue can help in reducing abuses. God bless you my brother.
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Noted father. Thanks
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God bless you dear!
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