Department of Church and Society, CSN

In a powerful weekly message featured in Trinitas, the Archdiocesan newspaper, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, emphasized the sacredness of human life, asserting that it goes beyond mere biological existence. He described life as a divine gift that invites us to participate in God’s life through love, service, and responsibility.

Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Okeke affirmed that human life is “utterly gratuitous, a gift, beautiful, and an invitation to freedom and responsibility.” He called upon families, the Church, and governments to recognize their collective duty to preserve and enhance this sacred gift.

Encouraging Christians to emulate Christ, he urged them to crucify sinful tendencies and embrace pure religion, as highlighted in Galatians 2:20. This message serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to nurture and protect life in all its forms.