Faithful pledge Continual Support to the Bishop
By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara has finally ended the Cathedraticum for the year 2026, which began on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and ended on Thursday, April 30, 2026. During this period, the faithful expressed their maximum support for the bishop and assured him of their continual support.
The term “Cathedraticum,” originating from the Latin “Cathedra,” meaning “chair or throne,” signifies the yearly support from parishes to their diocesan bishop. It is equally the annual financial contribution paid by Catholic parishes to their bishop, representing unity, respect, and adherence to the bishop’s authority. The contribution aids the bishop’s administrative, pastoral, and charitable works within the diocese.
This year’s Cathedraticum was quite fascinating and epoch-making, being the first to be held in the seven deaneries, instead of the former three deaneries, thanks to the creation of four additional deaneries by the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF. The seven deaneries include St. Cyril’s Deanery Ahiara, St. Augustine’s Deanery Ezi-Center/Ezi-West, St. Monica’s Deanery Nguru, St. Cyprian’s Deanery Enyiogugu/Okwuato, St. Victor’s Deanery Ekwerazu, St. Athanasius Deanery Oke-Ovoro, and St. Catherine’s Deanery Ezi-East.
The 2026 edition of the Cathedraticum began at St. Cyril’s Deanery, with its center at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Ahiara, and ended at the Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara, with various schools, institutions, and organizations in the diocese contributing to support the work of the bishop.
The Masses were all presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, and concelebrated by a great number of priests from the diocese.
During this period, the Catholic faithful of Ahiara demonstrated great support for the bishop through their benevolent contributions and donations towards the growth of the diocese.
Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, the Vicar General, on behalf of the Bishop, poured out heartfelt gratitude to the Deans of the deaneries, leaders of the various institutions, and the financial council of the diocese for the top-notch coordination and organization of this year’s Cathedraticum. Fr. Okoro equally thanked the faithful for their generous donations and contributions to facilitate and assist the bishop in his works in the diocese.
