Today's Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm

Today’s guest homilist, Fr. Richard Shuaibu of the Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, joined us at the National Shrine to share a living testimony of the Gospel we heard proclaimed—Christ’s promise that “not a hair on your head will be destroyed” because eternal life is secure in Him. Introducing him, Fr. Chris reminded us that while persecution is rising across the world—especially in Nigeria—the victory of the Christian is not measured by earthly safety but by fidelity that leads to heaven.

Fr. Richard’s powerful witness brought this truth into sharp focus. He spoke of daily persecution: churches burned, priests martyred, families displaced, children abducted, communities attacked simply for bearing the name of Jesus. And yet—he stood before us with unshakable peace. Why? Because the enemy cannot conquer the heart that belongs to Christ.

He reminded us that Christians do not fight with weapons of destruction, but with weapons of conversion: the Holy Rosary and the maternal protection of Our Lady. Even amid violence, miracles occur. Even in the jungle, faith endures. And even under threat of death, Fr. Richard proclaimed the truth: “There is no God but the Lord, and Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Please pray for Fr. Richard, for the Church in Nigeria, and for all who suffer for the Gospel. And may his witness strengthen us to stand firm in Christ, who alone is our hope and our life.

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