CBCN 2nd Plenary: Bishop Dunia hosts week-long spiritual gathering in Auchi Diocese, by Lois Otse Adams

 

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, recently hosted the second plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2024.

The well-conducted and coordinated reception by this prestigious diocese marks a significant milestone for the eloquent bishop, the Most Reverend Dr. Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia, and for all the lay faithful.

The meeting, held from August 24 to 29, 2024, brought together over 80 Catholic Bishops in Auchi Diocese, Afenmai Land, which comprises six local government areas of Edo North Senatorial District, Edo State.

This was the first time that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria was hosted by the Diocese of Auchi in its 21-year history, after its elevation to a diocese on February 22, 2003, with Bishop Gabriel Dunia as its first and current bishop. The Catholic faithful of the diocese, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends, supporters and families, not only attended the historic event, but also joined the host bishop, a worthy son, in welcoming distinguished bishops of the Catholic Church of Nigeria and guests who traveled from far and wide.

The first days of the plenary began with a series of spiritually enriching events, such as Lauds, Masses, Benedictions and Vespers, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Auchi and Afashio-Afowa, Edo State respectively.

The fourth day of the conference witnessed three key events: the opening mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the opening ceremony at the Uyi Grand Event Centre and the adoration and rosary procession at the Holy Rosary, Afashio-Uzairue, all within Afenmai Land. While the opening ceremony, held on August 25, 2024, attracted the largest gathering of government officials, business personalities, entrepreneurs and community leaders. The event was marked by the enthronement of the Holy Bible, led by the Most Reverend Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo. This momentous moment set the tone for the week-long gathering, prompting participants to deep reflection on the word of God.

After the enthronement, the atmosphere was charged with solemnity as the national and papal anthems were sung. The Most Rev. Peter Odutoyinbo, Assistant Secretary of the CBCN, introduced the guests, beginning a series of speeches that highlighted the importance of the meeting for the Church in Nigeria.

The President’s opening remarks at the opening ceremony were delivered by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who eloquently set the stage for the discussions and decisions that would shape the future of the Church in Nigeria. His words were followed by a warm welcome address by the CECH President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who underlined the unity and spiritual purpose of the plenary.

Goodwill messages from religious and political leaders further enriched the event. The Charge d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, Most Rev. Carlo Maria Donati, and other dignitaries, including the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Oliver Ali Aba, the President’s Representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba, and the Governor of Edo State, HE Godwin Obaseki, all shared their messages of support and encouragement.

The day ended on a high note with a thanksgiving delivered by HE Most Rev. David Ajang, Bishop of Lafia, and a closing prayer delivered by HE Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan.

Earlier, the gala evening held on August 24, 2024 at the Pastoral Centre, Sabo, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, further deepened the bonds of brotherhood. The event was a time of gratitude, celebration and appreciation for the leadership of the bishops and their dedication to God and humanity.

Throughout the week-long event, attendees gathered each day for refreshments, enjoying a sense of fellowship and common purpose.

Looking to the future of the Church, the conference, from 26 to 29 August 2024, saw the continuation of the plenary with more stimulating, official, spiritual and edifying activities, where the bishops celebrated masses in various parishes of the state, culminating in the closing mass held at 5:00 pm, followed by a dinner at 8:00 pm on 29 August 2024.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria is the highest decision-making body of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. It holds its plenary meetings twice a year, where issues of faith and Catholic society are discussed and resolutions, in the form of a communiqué, are communicated to the Catholic faithful of Nigeria, the leaders of the nation and the country as a whole.

The spiritual encounter will undoubtedly leave the spirit of God in the minds of the faithful for years to come.

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