Nigerian Diocese Celebrates “Triumph of Faith Over Fear” Amid Ongoing Persecution, Bishop Praises Resilience

Nigerian Diocese Celebrates “Triumph of Faith Over Fear” Amid Ongoing Persecution, Bishop Praises Resilience

Maiduguri: Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri has commended the unwavering faith of his community, highlighting their courage and steadfastness in the face of persistent attacks on Christians in the region.

Speaking to ACI Africa during the re-consecration of Makurdi Catholic Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, presided over by Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, Bishop Dashe described the situation in his Diocese as a “triumph of faith over fear.”

“Even amid attacks and destruction, our people have refused to surrender to despair,” the Nigerian prelate said on October 7 at the Ayati Marian Pilgrimage Centre in Makurdi.

Bishop Dashe praised the dedication of the clergy, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and the laity, emphasizing their courage in continuing to serve despite the dangers. “Our Priests have stood by the Church and by me. Their perseverance brings me immense joy, and the Lord will surely reward them,” he affirmed.

Large crowds continue to attend diocesan events in Maiduguri, Bishop Dashe noted, calling their participation in public liturgical celebrations a “visible testimony of faith.” “Despite hardship and pain, our people trust in divine protection,” he added.

The Bishop, invited to speak on Marian devotion, stressed the spiritual significance of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Five First Saturdays Devotion, calling them “powerful spiritual weapons for our time.” He explained that consecration involves surrendering oneself, a family, or a nation to Jesus through Mary, and it entails renunciation of sin, repentance, and a renewal of life at personal, parish, diocesan, or national levels.

“Our Mother strengthens us on our journey of faith, but this is possible only when we maintain a deep relationship with her,” Bishop Dashe said.

The 64-year-old bishop reflected on the miracles witnessed in his diocese, consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary fourteen years ago, despite sixteen years of insurgency. He pointed out that no priest of the Diocese has been killed during this time, calling it “divine intervention.”

He recounted how one priest, captured by Boko Haram, was freed after a Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

“On the fifth day, he returned alive with eight other captives, having trekked for 19 hours without being pursued. That was Our Lady at work,” he said. Another priest, held captive alongside ten women, was released after three rounds of Novenas, having steadfastly refused to renounce his faith.

“These events have strengthened faith in our community and drawn more people to the Catholic Church,” Bishop Dashe noted. “Despite the crisis, our Catholic population continues to grow because people see what prayer and faith can achieve.”

He encouraged dioceses, parishes, and families across Nigeria to embrace Marian devotion. “Every diocese should be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and this should extend to parishes and families. Homes can consecrate themselves, and these acts can be renewed monthly,” he said.

Bishop Dashe also called on Catholics to form Marian prayer groups and practice the Five First Saturdays devotion together. Offering a message of hope, he concluded: “Yes, we are facing difficult times, but we must never lose focus. The Blessed Virgin Mary is with us. Her intercession has never failed and will heal our nation.”

“Let us deepen our Marian devotion, pray the rosary daily, and live lives of faith, charity, and purity. Where Mary is honored, Jesus reigns,” he urged.


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