From a Biblical point of view, change is inevitable. The Old and New Testaments are different, and yet corroborate each other. The Old Testament is referred to as the old dispensation, while the New Testament, on the other hand, is referred to as the new dispensation. We have Old Adam and New Adam, Old Eve and New Eve, as well as Old wine and New wine (Mt 9:17). Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament and not to destroy it (Mt 5: 17-18).
Jesus instituted some changes which were vehemently resisted by the scribes, Pharisees, elders, chief priests, and some other people. For example, Jesus healed the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (Mk 1-6). Jesus, in healing the man on the Sabbath, resisted the current Jewish practice at that time, which ignored love, compassion and mercy (Mt 9:13). Also, John 2:12-22 is an account of the Temple cleansing. Jesus’ action is an example of how he resisted allowing the house of God being turned into a market place.
Jesus is the way, the life, and the truth (Jn 14:6). His actions, attitudes, manner and approaches invite church leaders to follow in his footsteps. We, too, his followers, must move with him. We must not be static. We must be resilient. Certain changes are healthy for the society, organizations and church.
It is in view of this that on March 22, the Igbo Catholics in Camden Diocese had a discussion about choosing a patron saint who would reflect their lives and activities. It was unanimously agreed that the Holy Family should be their patron saint, and henceforth, the Igbo Catholics in the Camden Diocese should be known as Holy Family Igbo Catholic Church, Camden Diocese, South Jersey.
At this point, one may ask, what is the Holy Family? The Holy Family is made up of the Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. The feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration of the Roman Catholic Church and is celebrated on the Sunday following Christmas. This feast honors Jesus, Our Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph. The Igbo Catholics in the Camden Diocese chose Holy Family to honor Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as well as to imitate the virtues of these holy and remarkable people. We believe this change will bring happiness, love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness to the Igbo Catholics.
Today, the venue for the Holy Family Igbo Church celebration is at Sacred Heart church, Cedar Brook. With the permission of the pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Father Tom Barcellona, we gather for the Eucharistic celebration on every second and third Sundays of every month at 12 noon. You are warmly invited to experience the love of God as we worship God in our native vernacular.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”