By VALENTINE OBIENYEM
Whenever you see a Catholic bishop, bow in respect. These are exceptional men who would excel in any field had they not chosen the episcopate. They bring light wherever they go. Today (November 1, 2024) during the centenary Mass of All Hallows Seminary, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the chief celebrant, delivered a homily that deeply moved the congregation. Inspired by his words, I chose to title this report “The Archbishop in the Bosom of History,” as he explored the origins and significance of jubilee with remarkable insight.
You may wonder why Val is writing and posting this while the Mass is still ongoing. While I do not generally encourage using phones during Mass, this is a specific call to duty and should be received with understanding.
The Archbishop began by introducing and explaining the All Saints’ Feast being celebrated today, highlighting its special significance to All Hallows Seminary, which shares its name. He delved into the concept of jubilee, describing it as a divine command given to the Israelites as a way of expressing thanksgiving, inspired by their Exodus. God instructed them to observe a 50-year cycle, with smaller celebrations every seven years. He outlined the actions required for a jubilee year—freeing slaves, releasing captives, and forgiving debts, a time known as the “Year of the Lord’s Favour.”
He drew connections to Igbo traditions, such as the practice of temporarily giving out land rather than selling it permanently, (known as Nadawuluwulu) with the right to reclaim it later. In Israel, land belonged to God, and people held it in trust. Land that was sold would return to its original owner during the jubilee. This time was also one of atonement, when debts were forgiven, and it allowed those who had been sold into servitude to return home—a joyful period that strengthened social bonds and reenacted God’s liberation of Israel.
During the Middle Ages, in response to Christ’s redemption, Pope Boniface VIII issued the papal bull Antiquorum Habet in 1300, initiating the Christian jubilee every 100 years as a “Year of the Lord’s Favour.” Later popes reduced this interval: Pope Clement VI to every 50 years, Pope Urban VI to every 33 years in reflection of Christ’s time on earth, and Pope Paul II finally set it to every 25 years in 1475. Today, jubilees are marked as silver, golden, diamond, or holy years.
These jubilees serve as times of thanksgiving, celebrated widely by clergy, married couples, and institutions for their significant milestones. Today, All Hallows Seminary—originally St. Paul’s Seminary—is celebrating its centennial anniversary. The first two Nigerian Cardinals, Ekadem and Arinze, as well as Okpaleke, hail from All Hallows, as do the highest number of Catholic bishops and more than two thousand priests.
Reflecting on the importance of jubilee, the Bishop asked, “How does this concern us?” He recalled how jubilees in Israel were characterised by thanksgiving, acts of charity, and sharing of God’s blessings to support the poor.
The Archbishop shared an example of a couple he advised on celebrating their jubilee meaningfully. He encouraged them to see it as a spiritual journey, suggesting they go on retreat and reflect on their lives through prayer. They later expressed to him how this spiritual approach added profound meaning to their celebration.
He reminded us of the blessing of experiencing this jubilee within our lifetime, recalling the pioneers of All Hallows who have passed on and offering prayers for their souls. For those of us who are still alive, he urged that this is a time to forgive one another and overcome any sins that trouble us.
The Archbishop emphasised that jubilee should be seen as a chance to begin anew, entrusting our lives wholly to God. We celebrate the legacy of Shanahan and others, he noted, yet we also bear the privilege and duty of laying a foundation for the next generation of priests and for the spread of evangelisation.
Encouraging us to pray for wisdom and all that is positively edifying, he concluded with the message, “If you have faith, you will see the glory of God.” I shared this profound message with my neighbour, Prof. Patrick Obi, with whom I am representing Mr. Peter Obi.
As we now enter the Liturgy of the Eucharist, I shall share more updates as the event unfolds.
•First reported on November 1, 2024
