By TWE News Desk

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu, has called on members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary Association to live lives of holiness and selfless service, reflecting the virtues of Jesus and Mary.

He made the call during his homily at the Solemn Admission ceremony of 20 new members into the association, which took place on Good Shepherd Sunday 11 May, fourth Sunday after Easter, a day traditionally set aside by the Church to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and to pray for priests and vocations.

The event, held in the Archdiocese of Jos, was both a spiritual milestone and a moment of reflection. Archbishop Audu reminded the faithful that every Christian has a vocation, a mission given by God to make the world a better place.

 “Whatever job you do, whether as a priest, religious, or layperson, you must strive to add value and make sacrifices,” he said.

He warned against the temptation of using one’s position for selfish gain, noting that true discipleship calls for responsibility and sacrifice. Referring to the priesthood, he emphasized that even without salaries, priests are expected to care for the poor and serve the people with love.

 “You cannot be a Good Shepherd without making sacrifices,” the Archbishop said. “God did not create anyone to be a thief or a kidnapper. These are choices, not vocations.”

He challenged members to ask themselves critical questions about their purpose: “What did God create me for? Is it to destroy, to steal, or to uplift and serve?”

Drawing from Scripture, he quoted Jesus’ words: “My sheep listen to my voice.” He lamented that many people do not truly listen to God but rather expect God to listen to them.

 “The teaching of Jesus is simple: love one another as I have loved you,” he said. “If we claim to follow Jesus, our lives must reflect this love in action.”

The Archbishop also used the occasion to highlight social values, citing the example of an elderly woman who runs a local bar. She reminds her customers to support their families before spending money on alcohol, a small but powerful witness to conscience and responsibility.

He also commented on family life, noting that some men lose their sense of love and sacrifice once married.

“Where is the Good Shepherd in your home? Do you still care for your spouse like when you were wooing her?” he asked.

Turning his focus to the Sacred Heart association, he called for sincerity and spiritual growth among its members.

“It is not enough to wear the badge of the Sacred Heart while your heart is far from Jesus. Your heart must be pure, free from hatred, vengeance, or unforgiveness,” he said. “To have a sacred heart is to live a holy life.”

He concluded by reminding them that if members of the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart fail to live up to their call, the Church loses its example of love and holiness.

The Solemn Admission is the final stage in becoming a full member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary Association. During Sunday’s ceremony, 20 individuals were formally received into the association.

Rev. Fr. Matthew Danboyi, chaplain of the Sacred Heart in Jos, encouraged the new members to live exemplary lives.

“Serve God and the Church with commitment,” he said. “Let this not just be a title, but a life of sacrifice, prayer, and service.”

Mr. Amos Tetly Gwankat (KSM), provincial president of the association in Jos, explained the multi-step process leading to solemn admission. It includes a period of discernment, admission, enthronement, and finally solemn admittance, often after years of active participation.

 “There’s no point joining without commitment,” he said. “Members must be ready to give their time, talent, and resources to God’s work.”

He stressed that full membership is often reserved for married couple, and those aged 40 and above, who have chosen to remain single in dedication to God.

Some of the newly admitted members shared moving testimonies of their journey. Lady Katherine Okigbo, who lives in Gombe but hails from Jos, said the ceremony was an answer to long-held prayers.

 “I missed it in 2019 because I was busy organizing Mother’s Day in my parish. But God brought it to Jos again,” she said. “The Sacred Heart prayers have strengthened my spiritual and family life. I’ve dedicated my first child to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Mr. Matthew Joshua, who joined the association with his wife, described the experience as fulfilling a dream.

 “I’ve been part of this for three years. It all started with my parents who were members. I saw the blessings in their lives and wanted the same for my family,” he said. “The enthronement was rigorous. But this solemn admission crowns it all.”

Afterwards, members processed for thanksgiving, and the event ended with a renewed call for members to live out the mission of the Sacred Heart — to love, serve, and sacrifice like Jesus.