Catholic Diocese of Lafia

23/05/2026

2026 Annual Lafia Diocesan Priestly Retreat

To the glory of God, the annual priestly retreat of the Diocese of Lafia ended on Friday, May 22. The retreat began on Sunday, May 17, at CSS Resort, located at CSS Global Integrated Farms Ltd, Gora, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, with the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, as the facilitator.

The message of the retreat focuses on the theme of "Cheerful Self Giving" as encapsulated in 2 Cor 9:7. With this, the Priests are called to go back to the Diocese with a firm commitment to self donation for the mission of the Church.

Retreat provides opportunity for ongoing formation, according to Bishop Apochi. A moment like this enables the Priests to reevaluate themselves and work on the areas of deficiency in order to become better in the priestly ministry. Priests are reminded that ongoing spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral formations are necessary, if they are to remain effective.

The 2026 annual spiritually rejuvenating exercise concluded with the tour of the CSS Farms' production, processing and training facilities by the Bishops of Lafia and Otukpo and the Priests. This came after an inspiring session with the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Groups, Professor John Kennedy Opara.

May the retreat bear good fruits in the lives of the priests and may God's flock under their care reap from the abundance of these fruits.

Rev. Fr Christopher Agbashu Omaku
Diocesan Director of Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lafia

18/05/2026

The Bishop goes to his people again

The Catholic community of SS Peter and Paul Parish, Lafia, on Friday, May 15, welcomed the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Most Rev. David Ajang, to the parish. His Lordship was received by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Semelinso, assisted by Rev. Fr. Ignatius (Fr. IG), alongside female religious and a large gathering of the lay faithful, whose songs and prayers reflected the joy of the Church at the visit of her shepherd.
On the second day of his pastoral visit, Most Rev. David Ajang presided over a joyful Eucharistic celebration marked by the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 236 candidates, the blessing of 9 couples in Holy Matrimony, and the institution of new lectors.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and encouraged the faithful to live lives rooted in wisdom, love, and the knowledge of God.
On 7th Sunday of Easter, which was the third day of his visit, His Lordship presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration during which Seminarian Bitrus Lumi Jacob of St John the Baptist Mission, Keana, was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon for the Diocese of Lafia.
In his homily, Bishop Ajang reflected on the importance of patience, prayer and perseverance in the life of a Christian. He reminded the faithful that God works according to His own time and that lasting blessings are often the fruit of a gradual and faithful journey.
The Bishop emphasized that the Holy Mass remains the highest form of prayer and the principal source of strength for every Christian, particularly for those called to ordained ministry.
The ordination of Deacon Jacob provided a fitting culmination to the three-day pastoral visit, which brought together the clergy, religious and lay faithful in a profound experience of faith, communion and renewal.
The faithful of SS Peter and Paul Parish give thanks to God for these grace-filled days and pray that the ministry of Deacon Bitrus Lumi Jacob may bear abundant fruits in the service of the Church.
MEDIA TEAM OF SS PETER AND PAUL PARISH, LAFIA

14/05/2026

The Funeral Mass for Late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu at St. Theresa Cathedral Abakaliki was well attended. Apart from the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, there were 2 cardinals (John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke), 8 Archbishops and 42 bishops.

There were so many priests and Religious and the number of lay people present meant that there simply couldn't be seats for everyone present. Large screens were provided to enable people follow the Mass.

Most Rev. Matthew Man’oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, was the chief celebrant while Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri gave the homily.

The atmosphere was that of calm grief, with the acceptance of God's will and ardent faith in the Resurrection fueling our hope.

The Commendation for the Dead was done by Archbishop Adewale Martins of Lagis while Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Onitsha presided over the interment.

May the soul of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu rest in perfect peace, Amen!

12/05/2026

11/05/2026

Bishop Ajang concludes successful three-day pastoral visit to St John the Baptist Mission, Keana

By Daniel Okpa Ogiri

The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. David Ajang, has successfully concluded a memorable three-day pastoral visit to St John the Baptist Mission, Keana, on Sunday, May 10, 2025. The visit, which started on Friday, May 8, and was filled with spiritual nourishment, cultural celebrations, and thanksgiving, drew a large number of the faithful and dignitaries from different parts of Nasarawa State.
Bishop Ajang was warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Priest-in-Charge of the Mission, Rev. Fr Innocent Danteni Alu, Priests of Obi Deanery and enthusiastic Christian faithful. The Priests of the Deanery accompanied the Bishop to Osana's palace for a courtesy call; and they were received by the Osuza (Moyi) of Keana, the highest ranking traditional title holder of Keana Chiefdom, on behalf of the Osana of Keana, Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo III.
During the visit, 9 couples received the sacrament of Matrimony and 81 candidates received the holy Sacrament of Confirmation.
The highlight of the visit occurred on the final day at the parish centre, where Bishop Ajang presided over a solemn thanksgiving Mass.
In his homily, the Bishop admonished the newly confirmed candidates to remain steadfast as true soldiers of Christ, committed to defending and propagating their faith. He equally charged the wedded couples to emulate Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church by loving, cherishing, and remaining faithful to one another.
Also, at the mass, there was a 10th year memorial thanksgiving in honour of the late 33rd Osana of Keana, His Royal Majesty, Senator Emmanuel Onyatikpo Elayo. The family and the community used the occasion to remember his exemplary leadership and contributions to the development of Keana Local Government and Nasarawa State.
In a show of strong government support and solidarity with the Church, Keana Chiefdom and Elayo's family, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, alongside top government functionaries, graced the thanksgiving Mass. Their presence added significant prestige to the occasion and underscored the cordial relationship between the state government and the Catholic Diocese of Lafia.
As part of the pastoral visit, the lay faithful of St John the Baptist Mission presented Bishop Ajang with elegant Alago and Tiv traditional attires along with several other valuable gifts. The presentations were made as a token of deep gratitude and appreciation for the Bishop’s pastoral visit, fatherly care, and spiritual guidance to the parish.
The three-day pastoral visit has left the parishioners spiritually rejuvenated, culturally proud, and more united in faith. It is expected that the seeds sown during this visit will continue to yield greater fruits in the life of the Catholic community in Keana and beyond.

04/05/2026

One of the youngest Parishes in Lafia Diocese receives Bishop Ajang on a first pastoral visit

In his usual characteristic manner of not leaving his flock for a long time without visiting them, the Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang embarked on a pastoral visit to a young Parish in Lafia Diocese, St Joseph the Worker's Parish, Navy Estate, Karshi, New Karu Deanary, barely a year after its canonical elevation to parish status. The visit began on Friday, May 1st and ended on Sunday, May 3rd.
The pastoral visit is the first by the Bishop after the elevation of the Church to the status of a Parish on March 10th, 2025 and the appointment of Rev. Fr Fabian Nwokocha as the first substantive Parish Priest.
The three day visit took the Bishop to the palaces of the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Bako III, the Chief of Papaladna, James Atuwa and the Mai Anguwa Bakin Uzah, Chief Philip Waru Ahmadu.
In the palaces, the Chief Shepherd Lafia Diocese carried one key message, the need for peaceful coexistence among the people of their domains. He emphasized the fact that peaceful coexistence is necessary for the development of any place or group of people.
The Bishop also informed them of his mission in their royal jurisdictions, which is the spiritual nourishment of the people under his care who are dwelling within their territories.
All the royal fathers expressed their joy for the visit to their palaces and wished the Bishop a peaceful stay throughout the visit.
During the visit, the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, presided over the wedding Mass and dedication of the Parish mother Church.

Rev. Fr Christopher Agbashu Omaku
Director of Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lafia

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

Alogani Hills Pilgrimage: One United Eucharistic Family witnessing to the Kingdom of God.




📷 Gorip Vincent

29/04/2026

Alogani Hills Pilgrimage: Faith, Renewal, Thanksgiving🙏🏿
📷 Gorip Vincent

29/04/2026

A journey of faith, renewal and thanksgiving, Lafia Diocese embarks on a sacred pilgrimage to Alogani Hills

As part of the silver jubilee celebration of the Diocese of Lafia, the Bishop, Priests, Religious and Laity of the Diocese embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to Alogani Hills in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday, 28th April.
The pilgrimage with the theme, "A Journey of Faith, Renewal and Thanksgiving", took them to the first settlement of Catholic missionaries in the territory of Lafia Diocese.
The ascension to the birthplace of the Catholic faith in Nasarawa State began with the words of exhortation by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr Matthew Ofoku, at the foot of the hills. His message was a call for reevaluation and renewal.
"This pilgrimage is an opportunity for us to reevaluate our philosophy of life and the Diocese", he said.
"We need to promote ecclesiastical unity, fairness, accountability, transparency and collaborative ministry by avoiding unnecessary jealousy, unhealthy competition, gossip, hatred, malice, selfishness, greed, avarice and corruption."
"It is pertinent for us to truly evangelize ourselves before we can evangelize and transform others."
"We need to renew our baptismal promises by resisting every temptation to become corrupt after this holy pilgrimage to the Alogani Hills."
"For the corruption of the best is the worst", Fr Ofoku concluded.
The faithful continued with the stations of the cross procession, led by Fr Matthew Ofoku, Fr Alexius Akuki and Mr Emmanuel Giwa, ascending and descending the hills untill they reached the pilgrimage site.
The people took the opportunity to go for confession before the Mass.
In his brief homily during the Mass, Bishop David Ajang praised the faithful for their resilience in spite of the difficulty of ascending and descending the rocky hills leading to the sacred pilgrimage site.
He reminded the people that a pilgrimage may entail "a long and difficult journey made to a holy place, or a journey with a purpose, or a visit to a place which is considered special."
"For us in Lafia Diocese, this place is special because it is where our faith was first planted. It is also special because it reminds us of the heroes who sacrificed themselves to bring the Good News to us", he added.
Calling the attention of the pilgrims to the benefits of the silver jubilee pilgrimage, the head of the Diocese explained that it is "an opportunity to reconnect with the early missionaries and the sacrifices they made, a moment for spiritual growth and reflection, an avenue for strengthening of the cardiovascular system through physical walk."
In addition, "a pilgrimage does not leave you the same. Like the three wise men from the east who changed their direction after encountering Jesus, every pilgrim will not remain the same."
"Pilgrimage is an opportunity for new relationships as we encounter different people whom we walk together."
Most Rev. Ajang concluded his homily with an appeal to each pilgrim to internalise at least one benefit of the pilgrimage for increased faith and spiritual renewal.
The Lafia Diocesan pilgrimage cetre on Alogani (Eggon) Hills is the first site in which Irish missionaries settled while on a mission to evangelize the people of the territory. The territory of evangelization covered the present Wamba, Akwanga and Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Areas. Some of the features found in the centre include the remnants of the well, incinerator, church, priests' residence and planted trees.
The pilgrimage this year is part of the spiritual activities marking the celebration of the silver jubilee of the canonical er****on of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia.

Rev. Fr Christopher Agbashu Omaku
Director of Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lafia
📷 Gorip Vincent

27/04/2026

Most Rev. David Ajang in Akwanga for an event loaded pastoral visit

On Thursday, 23rd April, the faithful of St Patrick’s Parish, Akwanga, received the Chief Shepherd of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang, who was on a pastoral visit in the Parish.
The visit which was loaded with events in different parts of the Parish started with the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on 223 candidates at St Mary’s Church, Wulko, an outstation of the Parish. The event took place in the evening of his arrival.
In his homily at the Eucharistic celebration in Wulko, the Bishop instructed the recipients of the Sacrament on its key benefits. According to him, "the Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the grace received at baptism, makes them soldiers of Christ and evangelizers to others."
"As soldiers of Christ, you are to defend the faith you received without fear. You will do this through telling and standing for the truth. You will evangelize by the examples of your lives. Your lives should be a reflection of Christ’s life among the people", the Bishop added.
The Bishop concluded with an appeal to the recipients not to forget the knowledge of the Sacraments they acquired through catechesis.
The second day of the visit took the Bishop to St Michael's Church, Moroa and St Michael's Church, Gudi . While in Moroa, he paid a courtesy visit on the Royal Father of the community, Chief Izi Umar Armiyau, and conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 50 candidates.
At Gudi, 46 members of the zone received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop. The administration of the Sacrament took place during the Mass presided over by the Bishop. He earlier visited the Sarkin Gudi, Alhaji Sule Bawa, in his palace before proceeding to the Church for Mass.
While in Moroa and Gudi, Most Rev. David Ajang thanked the royal fathers for their warm receptions and informed them of the reason for his visit to their domains and prayed for peace and unity in their territories.
The third day of the pastoral visit which was Saturday, 25th April, 33 couples exchanged marital vows in the presence of the Bishop. The wedding Mass was held at the Mother Church of the Parish, St Patrick.
In his homily, the Local Ordinary of Lafia called on the couples to always remember that their marital vows are made before God and the community. "Both God and the community stand as witnesses to the promises made; do not fail God", he reiterated.
The day activities included visits to Our Lady of Apostles' Hospital, where he prayed for the sick and took a tour of the health facility, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Our Lady of Fatima Sisters and the Aren Akun, HRH, Dr James Angbazo.
The culmination of the pastoral visit was the Mass of the 4th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, celebrated by the Bishop, in which 523 parishioners were conferred with the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well as 153 candidates commissioned as lectors in the Parish.
Every pastoral visit by a Bishop is a sacred act in which the people encounter their spiritual father. The visit by Bishop David Ajang to St Patrick’s Parish, Akwanga, coincided with the Good Shepherd Sunday; a day in which the Church sets aside for a reflection on shepherding in the Church. Being in Akwanga on this day reflects the Bishop's role as the Shepherd who cares for God's flock under his care.

Rev. Fr Christopher Agbashu Omaku
Director of Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lafia