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Concern as Sisters in Nigeria Visit Non-Catholic “healing” Ministries for Miracles

Fr. Peter Uche Onuoha

A Nigerian Catholic Priest has expressed concern over the increasing involvement of Catholic Nuns in unapproved non-denominational ministries, with some claiming they encountered miracles after visiting the ministries.

Fr. Peter Uche Onuoha was reacting to a viral social media video involving a Catholic Nun who claimed to have been healed after attending a non-denominational service.

The Catholic Priest said that such a trend among Religious Sisters amounts to departure from the core principles of the Consecrated Life.

He warned against the allure of ministries that focus on miracles, signs, and wonders outside the framework of Catholic teaching.

“The trend of Religious Sisters participating in unapproved, non-denominational ministries is a serious issue that threatens the integrity of the Consecrated Life and the witness of the Church,” Fr. Uche said in a statement on Tuesday, August 27.

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The Priest who is an Educational Psychologist and Traumatologist added, “These practices, which often emphasize signs and wonders at the expense of authentic Catholic spirituality, are a departure from the rich spiritual heritage that the Church offers.”

Fr. Uche expressed concern that Nuns who engage in non-denominational ministries may be trading the substance of their faith for fleeting experiences that lack the depth of Catholic spirituality.

He argued that such practices not only jeopardize the personal spiritual lives of the Nuns involved but also create confusion among the faithful and undermine the credibility of the Consecrated Life.

“It is essential for Religious Sisters to return to the wellsprings of Catholic spirituality, particularly the Eucharist, and to live out their vocation with the dignity and integrity that it demands,” he said.

Fr. Uche noted that in adhering to Catholic spirituality, Nuns will not only strengthen their own spiritual lives but will also contribute to the renewal of the Church and her mission in the world.

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The Nigerian Priest who is vocal on social media underscored the sacred nature of the Consecrated Life, which he said is rooted in the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

He said that these vows in Consecrated Life represent a radical commitment to Christ intended to serve as a visible sign of the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Uche stressed that Consecrated Life demands an unwavering commitment to the spiritual practices of the Church, which he said are designed to deepen one’s relationship with Christ.

The Priest who runs a Facebook page titled “Faith Champions” that focuses on Faith building and Eucharistic Spirituality and counseling programs pointed to the rise of Pentecostalism and its emphasis on miraculous phenomena as a contributing factor to the worrying trend among Catholic Sisters who he said go out seeking “miracles”.

While acknowledging the role of the Holy Spirit and the reality of miracles, he cautioned that an excessive focus on these elements could lead to a distorted understanding of faith.

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He highlighted the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic spirituality, describing it as “the true miracle that sustains and transforms us.” He urged Religious Sisters to return to the rich spiritual heritage of the Church, particularly through devotion to the Eucharist and other traditional Catholic practices.

Fr. Uche called on all members of the Consecrated Life to renew their commitment to authentic Catholic spirituality, emphasizing the importance of being "true witnesses of Christ in the world."

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.