By Olivia Obijiaku
The Dean of Samaru Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Bauna Tanko, last Sunday encouraged Christians to adorn their homes with sacramentals.
Fr. Tanko noted that some Catholic homes lack visible signs of their connection to the Church. He commended those who display Crucifixes and other sacramentals in their homes, urging others to follow suit. The clergyman also encouraged Catholic families to reserve a place of prayer in their homes.
According to Fr. Tanko, Christian homes should be identifiable by the presence of sacramentals that reflect their faith. He based his remarks on the Gospel reading of Sunday, January 19, 2025, which described Jesus’ first miracle at Cana in Galilee.
Fr. Tanko celebrated Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he highlighted the significance of Jesus’ presence at the wedding. “Jesus’ presence at that wedding shows how He values every family,” he said. “Mary’s intercession for the needy couple demonstrates that she continues to pray for the good of families.”
Fr. Tanko drew parallels between Jesus’ first miracle and His final miracle, where He changed wine into His Blood during the Last Supper. “Is anything impossible with God?” he asked. “Can Jesus, who changed water into wine, not have the power to change wine into His Blood? He can.”
The clergyman emphasized that Jesus’ first miracle occurred in a home, underscoring the importance of family and the presence of Jesus in every home. “The Church attaches great importance to the presence of Jesus at weddings,” he said. “Jesus is in every home, protecting and providing for each family in His own unique way.”
Fr. Tanko concluded by encouraging the faithful to continue praying the Rosary, seeking Mary’s intercession for their families. “Mary played a role in that family by interceding for them,” he said. “May she continue to intercede for our families.”
