Description:
In Holiness Is Not That Complicated, Fr. (Dr.) Innocent Okhale Okhifo invites you to rediscover the very essence of the Christian life--the call to holiness. Drawing from his diverse experiences in parts of Africa, Europe, and the United States, Fr. Okhifo radically challenges the misconceptions that make holiness seem overwhelming and impossible, offering a simple yet profound road map for growth and transformation.
Holiness is not about attaining perfection here and now. It is about responding positively to God's grace and embracing the process of becoming more and more like Christ. It is not the total absence of weakness and shortcomings but the presence of grace and the willingness to make efforts and grow. Through the principles of ADG--Avoidance, Deed, and Grace--this book offers practical steps to help you live your faith in meaningful ways.
Along the way, you will encounter what Fr. Okhifo calls spiritual gas stations--the opportunities of rest and renewal that strengthen you for the journey of holiness. This is more than just a book; it is a call to embrace the life God intends for you. Holiness is not just for an extraordinary few; it is for you. Holiness is not distant, it is not impossible, and it is not that complicated. But it is urgent! God is calling you to holiness today--not tomorrow, not someday, but right now. Take a bold step, read this book, meditate on it prayerfully, and experience the transformative spiritual dynamo contained in this powerful and highly inspired work.
Brief description:
Fr. (Dr.) Innocent Okhale Okhifo is a Catholic priest with a deep passion for preaching and teaching. Ordained in 2005 for the Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, he currently serves in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, United States. He holds a doctorate in ethical leadership from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas; a master's degree in counseling from Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island; and a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy. Additionally, he has a bachelor's degree in sacred theology from the same pontifical university and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Fr. Okhifo attended the Major Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, and speaks English, Italian, Spanish, North-Ibie-Etsako, and a few other languages. Blending pastoral wisdom with academic curiosity, Fr. Okhifo is committed to inspiring one and all to live a life deeply rooted in the faith and love of Christ.
Review Quotes:
"This book is a masterpiece. Following the examples of saints like Francis de Sales, Fr. Innocent Okhifo offers us an amazing guide for living in holiness. Through practical and easy steps, he reminds us of our most fundamental and universal call to be holy as our Heavenly Father is holy. Studying these pages, you will discover that the demand of God is not impossible for us to satisfy. This spiritual road map, Holiness Is Not That Complicated, will encourage and assist readers to persevere in the journey of holiness."
--MONSIGNOR EMMANUEL O. FADEYI, Vatican City
"Holiness Is Not That Complicated is a timely and compelling reminder of the Church's perennial call that every disciple embrace the universal vocation to holiness. This book presents holiness as a life conformed to Christ through virtue, discipline, and reliance on Divine assistance. Fr. Okhifo invites us to rediscover our dignity that comes through baptism, and that joy that is found in following Jesus with an undivided heart. I wholeheartedly commend Fr. Okhifo's insights to all who wish to grow in their spiritual lives."
--BISHOP EDUARDO ALANIS NEVARES, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, Arizona, United States
"This is an epic book from Fr. Innocent Okhifo. It demonstrates in pragmatic ways that holiness is truly possible, as Scripture clearly teaches us. By following God's Word with humility, obedience, and grace, we grow in holiness. This book guides readers with simplicity and pastoral encouragement, making holiness practical and accessible. Reading this work will set you firmly on your journey of personal sanctification with deeper faith, renewed commitment, and steady spiritual growth."
--BISHOP GABRIEL GHIEAKHOMO DUNIA, Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria
"This is a timely and highly inspired work. It is clear in vision, bold in tone, and deeply pastoral in purpose. What makes this book so captivating is not only the authenticity of its message but also the simplicity with which it explores a fundamental truth often lost in the complexities of modern spirituality. I wholeheartedly invite all priests, religious people, and all men and women to read this work attentively and prayerfully. It will inspire you and help you to rediscover what it means to be truly holy."
--BISHOP MICHAEL ODOGWU ELUE, Bishop of the Diocese of Issele-Uku, Nigeria
"This is a practical guide to holiness. Grounding the concept of holiness in the scriptures and the broad tradition of the Church, Fr. Okhifo provides the reader with concrete steps and thoughtful reflection questions to fulfill the Universal Call to Holiness in one's daily life. From his invitation to follow the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy to his encouragement to engage in both personal and corporate, ecclesial prayer, Fr. Okhifo provides the reader with a path to everyday holiness for families and Christians of all ages."
--REV. MICHAEL G. EARTHMAN, STD, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and adjunct instructor in the Department of Theology, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, United States
"Holiness Is Not That Complicated is a refreshing, practical guide that makes the pursuit of holiness accessible and inspiring. Rooted in grace and everyday growth, it invites readers into genuine transformation with clarity and spiritual depth. It is a powerful, encouraging read for everyone seeking meaningful Christian living."
--SR. JOSEPHINE E. BALOGUN, SND, PhD, Department of History and International Studies, Edo State University, Iyamho-Uzairue, Nigeria
"Holiness Is Not That Complicated is accessible, pragmatic, and genuinely pastoral. From the very first page, this book draws you in and keeps you engaged to the end. It is thoughtfully and systematically structured, moving from the foundations of Christian theology to simple, everyday guidance for living the faith. In this book, readers will find encouragement, gentle support, and a renewed desire to grow steadily and joyfully in their Christian journey."
--VERY REV. JAMES BURKART, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, United States
"This book is a powerful reminder that holiness is not reserved for religious people, the exceptionally devout, and those with extraordinary spiritual gifts; it is a daily invitation for every believer. With clarity and practical wisdom, this book breaks down myths, offers a simple ADG (Avoidance, Deed, and Grace) road map, and equips readers to pursue God's transformative grace in ordinary life. A must-read for anyone yearning for authentic, lasting spiritual growth in Christian life."
--FR. PROF. GREGORY EBALU OGBENIKA, PhD, Department of Philosophy, All Saints Seminary, Uhiele-Ekpoma, Nigeria
"I was captivated from the first few lines of this book. It is so accessible and easy to understand, not only to adults but also to teenagers like me. It guides and molds young minds like mine toward a godly life. I encourage my fellow students and peers to read it and discover what really leads to a purposeful and happy life from a young age. Thank you, Fr. Innocent, for this amazing job. I love it!"
--CHRISTABEL C. NWOKOMA, High school student and book enthusiast, Nigeria
"This book shows how small, intentional choices each day can shape our hearts, guide our actions, and transform ordinary moments into encounters with grace. Practical, encouraging, and deeply relatable, it makes steady spiritual growth in holiness achievable. A must-read!"
--MARGARET EDDOH, MSc, Finance and Operations Management, Berlin, Germany