ARCHBISHOP JOHN ONAIYEKAN JOINS THE COLLEGE OF THE CARDINALS

History is made today in the annals of Nigerian  Church. Archbishop John Onaiyekan joins the college of the Cardinals. In the just concluded ordinary public consistory held in Vatican on Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI created six cardinals among whom is Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria. 

Pope Benedict XVI took the universality of the Church as the theme of his allocution to the participants in the Consistory during which he created six new Cardinals: Archbishop James M. Harvey, Prefect of the Papal Household; His Beatitude, Bechara Boutros Raï, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch in Lebanon; His Beatitude, Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, Major Archbishop of Trivandrum in India and head of the Syro-Malankara Church; Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria; Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogotá, Colombia; and Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila in the Philippines.

The Holy Father focused on the meaning of the word, “Catholic” – “A word,” he said, “which indicates an essential feature of the Church and her mission.” The Holy Father went on to say, “What makes the Church catholic is the fact that Christ in his saving mission embraces all humanity.” Pope Benedict explained that the universality of the Church flows from the universality of God’s unique plan of salvation for the world, and that this universal character emerges clearly on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fills the first Christian community with his presence, so that the Gospel may spread to all nations, causing the one People of God to grow in all peoples. “Situated within the context and the perspective of the Church’s unity and universality,” said Pope Benedict, “is the College of Cardinals: it presents a variety of faces, because it expresses the face of the universal Church.” The Holy Father went on to explain that in Saturday’s Consistory, he wanted especially to highlight the fact that the Church is the Church of all peoples. 

Welcoming the assembly and the representatives of different countries,  the The Holy Father said , I cordially greet the official Delegations of the different countries, the bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the various diocesan communities and all those who share in the joy of the new members of the College of Cardinals – their family, friends and co-workers. The new Cardinals, who represent different dioceses around the world, are henceforth associated by a special title with the Church of Rome, and in this way they reinforce the spiritual bonds that unite the whole Church, brought to life by Christ and gathered around the Successor of Peter. At the same time, today’s rite expresses the supreme value of fidelity.

Addressing and exhorting the new cardinals, The Pope said, "Indeed, the oath that you are about to take, venerable brothers, contains words filled with profound spiritual and ecclesial significance: “I promise and I swear, from now on and for as long as I live, to remain faithful to Christ and his Gospel, constantly obedient to the Holy Apostolic Roman Church”. And when you receive the red biretta, you will be reminded that it means “you must be ready to conduct yourselves with fortitude, even to the shedding of your blood, for the increase of the Christian faith, for the peace and well-being of the people of God”. Whereas the consignment of the ring is accompanied by the admonition: “Know that your love for the Church is strengthened by your love for the Prince of the Apostles”.

In these gestures and the words that accompany them, we see an indication of the identity that you assume today in the Church. From now on, you will be even more closely and intimately linked to the See of Peter: the titles and deaconries of the churches of Rome will remind you of the bond that joins you, as members by a very special title, to this Church of Rome, which presides in universal charity. Particularly through the work you do for the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, you will be my valued co-workers, first and foremost in my apostolic ministry for the fullness of catholicity, as Pastor of the whole flock of Christ and prime guarantor of its doctrine, discipline and morals". 

Dear friends, The Holy Father concludes, " let us praise the Lord, who “with manifold gifts does not cease to enrich his Church spread throughout the world" and reinvigorates her in the perennial youth that he has bestowed upon her. To him we entrust the new ecclesial service of these our esteemed and venerable Brothers, that they may bear courageous witness to Christ, with a lively growing faith and unceasing sacrificial love". 

< Rev. Fr. Val. Onwunjiogu, reporting from Rome.

CANADIAN PRIEST APPOINTED TO SUCCEED MSGR. FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU AS HEAD OF PROTOCOL TO THE HOLY SEE

Msgr. Jose Bettencourt,

OTTAWA, Ontario - Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Jose Bettencourt, a native of Portugal who grew up in Ottawa, as the Holy See's head of protocol.

Msgr. Bettencourt is only the second non-Italian to hold the position. The post had been held by Msgr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, a Nigerian diplomat, who was named Nov. 12 as apostolic nuncio to Nicaragua.

In his position Msgr. Bettencourt is in charge of the protocol involving the Holy See's relationships with other states, from welcoming visiting heads of state at the airport to dealings with diplomats and ambassadors accredited to the Vatican. His role includes overseeing how heads of state and others participate in ceremonies such as canonizations and consistories and ensuring that visitors to the Vatican are welcomed and relaxed.

Before his appointment, Msgr. Bettencourt worked closely in organizing papal audiences, briefing the pope and visiting bishops, heads of state and lay people for the visits. He has served in the Vatican's Secretariat of State since 2002.

Born in 1962 in Velas, Azores, Portugal, Msgr. Bettencourt grew up in Ottawa, where he attended both elementary and secondary school. He graduated from the University of Ottawa before pursuing theological studies at Dominican College and St. Paul University, where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1993.

 < By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic News

MSGR. FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU APPOINTED AS APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO NICARAGUA

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, chief of protocol at the Secretariat of State, as Apostolic Nuncio to Nicaragua. A priest of the Diocese of Aba in Nigeria, he has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (Urban University, Rome), and completed a Doctorate in Sacred Scriptures at the Biblical Institute in Rome, before transferring to the Jesuit Faculty, Sankt Georgen, in Frankfurt, specializing in Old Testament textual criticism. He obtained doctorate degrees in Systematic Theology and in Canon Law, respectively from the Pontifical Urban University and the University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was called into the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1994, after attending the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome. He served as Secretary at the Apostolic Nunciatures in Ghana, Togo and Benin, in Paraguay, in Algeria and Tunisia and as Counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations at Geneva. In 2006 he became the Desk Officer for human rights and United Nations Organizations in the Vatican Secretariat of State. In 2007 he was appointed Head of Protocol of the Secretariat of State of His Holiness. His publications include The Birth of Systematic Theology in Contemporary Black Africa, The Courage to Change: Take Off Your Shoes, as well as numerous articles and a number of reflections on theology in Africa, published both in L’Osservatore Romano and various periodicals. He speaks various languages including English, Italian, German, Modern Hebrew, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Hearty congratulations to Monsignor!! A German adage says that the reward for good work is more work. And that explains why he has continued to climb in status and responsibilities. The best is yet to come. May the good Lord continue to guide and protect him, and may His graces continue to move him from strength to strength, to the glory of His name and the good of all mankind, Amen. 

TEN BAD HABITS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE BRAIN

1. NO BREAKFAST: People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. OVEREATING: It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. SMOKING: It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION: Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. AIR POLLUTION: The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. SLEEP DEPRIVATION: Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. HEAD COVERED WHILE SLEEPING: Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. WORKING YOUR BRAIN DURING ILLNESS : Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. LACKING IN STIMULATING THOUGHTS: Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. TALKING RARELY: Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.

 < <http://www.searchnigeria.net/articles/ 

P0INTS TO REMEMBER WHEN FIGHTING WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Marriage is madness. Not in some kind of dysfunctional traumatic way, so to speak. But more, in that, it is a long and often grinding road that maintains that we keep on keeping on or just get the hell out of the way.

Even marriages that have suffered somehow and are “on a break” are never really on a break. Once you hit the gas, say “I do,” and aim that thing toward the setting sun, there really is no pause button.

Therefore, there would definitely be times where you get into arguments with your spouse, and if not handled correctly it could lead to major disagreement.

Here are 10 things you should keep in mind when getting into a quarrel with your spouse.

• You were in love once. That’s why you got married, dummy. So you’re probably still in love. Remember that.

• Money is more important than some things in a marriage and less important than others. You pick which ones.

• No one else is married to you. It’s just him or her. That says A LOT.

• Romance is nice. Patience is nicer.

• Some marriages are perfect. Yours is not one of them. Deal with it.

• When questioning your marriage, you should be questioning a lot of other things first.

• No one cares more about your marriage more than you two.

• Living with the person you love can suck sometimes. Put your grown-up pants on.

• Long periods of confusion mean you’re not saying enough.

• Remember that exact moment when you both just knew it was the real deal. Well, guess what? It’s still happening.

      < By Patience, http://peculiarmagazine.com/2012/

TOP TEN GREAT HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING CHERRIES

• Cherries, known as a “super-fruit”, are packed with antioxidants called anthropocentric which aid in the reduction of heart disease and cancer.

• Cherries are one of the few food sources that contain melatonin, an antioxidant that helps regulate heart rhythms and the body’s sleep cycles.

• Cherries are an excellent source of beta carotene (vitamin A). In fact they contain 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries and strawberries.

• Cherries are rich in vitamins C, E, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber.

• Cherries are referred to as “brain food”, aiding in brain health and in the prevention of memory loss. 

• Because cherries contain anthocyanins, they can reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis and gout.

• Eating cherries reduces the risk of diabetes.

• Cherries are a good source of fiber which is important for digestive health.

• Cherries are a great snack or dessert choice important for weight-maintenance.

• Because of their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, cherries are said to reduce pain and joint soreness for runners and athletes after workouts.

           < General Knowledge

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING BAREFOOT

Who knew something as simple as a barefoot walk could be so good for you – mind, body and soul.

CLEAR YOUR MIND: It’s hard not to pay attention to every step when you’re walking barefoot. You have to be on the lookout for sharp rocks and thorns. Awareness of what’s in front of you in this moment quiets your inner chatter and clears your mind and helps you focus on the here and now.

IT’S FREE FOOT YOGA: Walking barefoot strengthens and stretches the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet, ankles and calves. This helps prevent injury, knee strain and back problems. Not only that, but because it works muscles not used when you’re wearing shoes, it strengthens and stretches your core, helping keep your posture upright, and your balance spot on.

IT’S A FREE REFLEXOLOGY SESSION: There are reflex points to every part of your body in your feet. Every little bump and rock in the road helps to stimulate all these little reflex points. If it hurts at first – especially in specific areas, this means your feet need the stimulation they’re getting by being barefoot. Over time, these sensitivities will go away, and the areas the tenderness corresponds to will be rejuvenated, helping decrease the symptoms of whatever it is that ails you.

DECREASE ANXIETY & DEPRESSION: Walking barefoot in the grass can help decrease anxiety and depression by 62 percent, and increases the levels of those feel good endorphins. Awesome!

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: The ancients believed that walking barefoot in the grass was the best cure for insomnia, and many people still swear by it today.

IT’S GROUNDING. LITERALLY: Our bodies are made up of about 60 percent water, which is great for conducting electricity. The earth has a negative ionic charge. Going barefoot grounds our bodies to that charge. Negative Ions have been proven to detoxify, calm, reduce inflammation, synchronize your internal clocks, hormonal cycles and physiological rhythms. The best places to get some negative ions through your feet are by the water. Everyone knows how good it feels to be barefoot on the beach – now we know why!

GET BACK TO WHAT MATTERS: To be barefoot outside doesn’t just involve your feet – the rest of you has to be outside too. You get to connect with Mother Nature all around. Feel the sunshine on your face; hear the wind in the trees. It’s easier to connect to a higher power when you’re in touch with Nature; it’s easier to put things into perspective.

Who knew something as simple as a barefoot walk could be so good for you – mind, body and soul.

< General Knowledge

A BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENTAL PLANT, BUT VERY DANGEROUS!

DUMB CANE or DIEFFENBACHIA

If you have this plant, get rid of it please. It is very common in our houses, gardens, parks and offices (popular as indoor & outdoor plant). Known as the DUMB CANE or DIEFFENBACHIA, it is now proven to be dangerous. I personally toyed with it as a child, and I have not forgotten the experience. I ate it mockingly as sugar-cane. I had a swollen tongue, and experienced severe itching from my lips and tongue down to my throat, and all over my body that came in contact with the sap. It was a large intake of red oil that saved me. So please, take note!

The leaf is known to cause itching if its sap (milk) touches the skin. But there are more dangerous facts! A child put a piece of the leaf of this plant in her mouth, and her tongue swelled to the point of suffocation. There are also other species with the same characteristics of coloring. Those are also poisonous and we should get rid of them. Please watch out for our children. As we all leave our children at home in the hands of house-helps, we should give them a safe environment where they can play.

This plant is a deadly poison, especially for the children. It can kill a kid in less than a minute and an adult in 15 minutes. It should be uprooted from gardens and taken out of offices. If touched, one should never touch the eyes; it can cause partial or permanent blindness.

<General Knowledge.

FOODS THAT ARE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR SEX LIFE

You are what you eat, they say. When it comes to sex, therefore, you invariably sex what you eat! It’s that simple. Truth is, what you eat affects every part of your being, your ability to become aroused, achieve orgasm and feel sexually satisfied.

This is why we have decided to share, with blessings from several experts, those foods that may be killing your sex life. Here they are:

• Fried Foods and Chips: Love those tantalizing baconcheeseburgers? Well, go easy on them because the saturated fats contained in most cheeses and fatty meats will possibly, over time, clogs your arteries. But you already knew that, didn’t you? I am not sure if you knew that first arteries usually affected are the penal and vaginal arteries? They are small, which means they quickly collect plaque — so even if you’re still looking svelte despite your close personal relationship with the pastries, your sex life might be suffering.

• Cookies and Muffins: Whether you prefer pastries or macaroons, scones or muffins, baked food that combine flour and sugar spike glucose levels, which can reduce sexual desire and causes hormonal imbalances. A lot of chips and other fried foods do contain trace amounts of libido lowering fats as a byproduct of processing, even though the label on your fries and chips says trans-fat. Initially though, the initial ingredients may be trans-fat free, but the processing often creates unhealthy fats which clog the ventricles, not to mention, trans-fats have been linked to reduce testosterone levels (which means lower sex drive).

• Soy Products: You may have been medically advised to ingest more soy products for a healthier life, I am here to tell you that too much of it for a man can, most possibly, affect his sex drive because of their high estrogen levels. A high estrogen level in male is not libido friendly.

• Dairy Products: As women, you have been told that you need a healthy dose of dairy products in your diets. As much as that is true, high-fat dairy does have a way of affecting your menstrual cycle by exacerbating cramps and bloating and further depleting energy levels.

• Meat: You have heard how much danger excessive red meat deposits into your body system, right? Now, I can go a little further to tell you that most meats, including dear poultry and fish, have added hormones, antibiotics and chemicals which create a hormonal imbalance. It gets worse, those tasty, fatty meats do contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol known to clog your arteries and blood vessels, making it difficult to achieve orgasm and maintain arousal. Can you now see why you need to sacrifice your taste for a healthier sex life?

• Alcohol: Think happy hour makes you happy? Try frequent happy hours and see if it doesn't impede your getting laid! Frequent use of alcohol suppresses your libido, decreasing your sex drive and your sexual satisfaction.

Don’t say I never told you because I just did.

-Ruth Olurounbi < http://dailypost.com.ng/

10 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART

WORLD HEART DAY- 29TH SEPTEMBER

Theme of 2012: "One World, One Home, One Heart"

10 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART

Care for your heart. If you don’t, it leaves you dying.

• AVOID SMOKING: Smoking reduces life expectancy by 15-25 years. If you are a smoker, you are twice more likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you stop smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to reduce.

• CUT DOWN ON SALT: Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

• WATCH YOUR DIET: Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, starch foods such as wholegrain bread and rice.

• MONITOR YOUR ALCOHOL: Too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle, increase blood pressure and also lead to weight gain. Avoid intake of alcohol or at least limit it to one to two units a day, gradually decreasing the consumption.

• GET ACTIVE: At least aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Keeping yourself fit not only benefits the heart but also improves mental health and well-being.

• MONITOR YOUR BP, BLOOD SUGAR AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: Routine medical check-ups will ring an alarm, if you need medical help.

• MANAGE YOUR WASTE: Cholesterol deposition in blood vessels begins in the first decade of life. Carrying a lot of extra weight as fat can greatly affect your health. Make small but healthy changes in your diet.

• MANAGE YOUR STRESS LEVEL: If you find things are getting on top of you, you may fail to eat properly, smoke and drink too much. This may increase your risk of a heart attack. Practice yoga/meditation. Take a vacation.

• CHECK YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, then you could be at risk too.

• LAUGHTER IS THE BEST THERAPY: Laughter anytime will work wonders for you. It is an instant way to unleash the pressure and it makes you feel light.

         < https://www.facebook.com/PrasadSrinivas2