By Nna Anulumadu
The Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has urged Christians worldwide to model their lives according to the teachings they receive from the Church.
The prelate gave the charge on Sunday, August 30th, 2026, during his homily at his pastoral visit to St. Gabriel’s Catholic Parish, Ogidi.
Archbishop Okeke advised Christians against copying unwholesome lifestyles around them.
“Don’t follow the bandwagon. Rather, let the teaching you are receiving from the Church continue to transform your life,” he said.
He explained that accepting Christ does not eliminate human problems and challenges, but equips believers to navigate earthly trials.
“There can never be a crown without a cross,” he stated.
Referencing the Gospel of Matthew, the Local Ordinary said that the challenges, difficulties, and trials Christians experience in their earthly journey are the crosses they must carry to gain heaven. He maintained that a Christian life without a cross is an illusion, because there will be no crown at the end.
“When you face challenges, stop running up and down in search of fake pastors, prayer houses, or consulting soothsayers, diviners, and idol worshippers to solve your problem, because you won’t get permanent solutions. Call on God to help you conquer the situation, since no problem is bigger than God’s solution.
Once you are not ready to accept challenges, then you are already dropping the cross meant to help you gain heaven,” he said.
The Archbishop described the cross as the key to heaven. He added that when Christians assist one another, distribute their wealth to the needy, forgive others, and sacrifice for their neighbour, they are already carrying a cross that will bring a crown at the end of their earthly sojourn.
