THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR A) AT SAINT MARTIN'S DE PORRES CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, KATSINA
3/8/2026
The Holy Mass started at exactly 6:00 a.m. with a procession led by the officiating minister, Rev. Fr. Damian Koba Zomahaun and the co-celebrant, Rev. Fr. Victor Somadina Chibuzor, together with the catechists, lectors, and altar knights.
The priest began the Mass by celebrating all women, praying that God continues to bless all that they do.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The First Reading was taken from the Book of Exodus 17:3–7.
The Responsorial Psalm was taken from Psalm 95:1–2 with the response: “O that today you would listen to His voice! Harden not your hearts.”
The Second Reading was taken from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 5:1–2, 5–8.
The Gospel was proclaimed by the co-celebrant, Rev. Fr. Victor Somadina Chibuzor, from the Gospel according to John 4:5–42.
The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Damian Koba Zomahaun. In his homily, he outlined the importance of having an encounter with Jesus.
1. It turns doubt into confidence. Just like the Samaritan woman, her brief encounter with Jesus cleared her doubts about who He is.
2. It gives us peace and joy. The Samaritan woman could not contain her joy after meeting Jesus, so she went around the town telling others so they too could encounter Him.
3. It transforms our lives. From the Gospel, we see a complete transformation in her life after meeting Jesus.
The priest explained that the water Jesus gives is not ordinary water like that of our forefathers, but the water of everlasting life. He encouraged the faithful that during this Lenten season, we should seek a personal encounter with Jesus, who is the source and giver of life.
The Creed and the Prayer of the Faithful followed thereafter, with the presentation of the bread and wine.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Liturgy of the Eucharist was celebrated in union with all the faithful gathered at Mass, with prayers offered for the Church, the Pope, bishops, priests, and all the faithful departed.
CLOSING REMARKS
Rev. Fr. Damian Koba Zomahaun thanked everyone for participating in the Holy Mass. He also celebrated the women with three rounds of applause, appreciating them for making the world beautiful and joyful. He prayed that all women would experience the blessings of God.
The Holy Mass ended at 7:40 a.m.
