You are the closest collaborators of your priests – Fr. Mbata
By Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The important role of catechists in the life and mission of the Church was once again brought into focus as catechists from across the dioceses of the Owerri-Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province gathered at Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara, for their provincial convention held on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The gathering, which drew representatives from the various South-Eastern dioceses of Nigeria, was not merely an administrative meeting convened for policy deliberations and organizational matters. It was equally an occasion of ecclesial reflection, fraternity, and renewed commitment to the apostolate entrusted to catechists within the Catholic Church. For catechists have continued, especially within the local Church in Africa, to occupy a very important place in the work of evangelization, often serving as the immediate link between priests and the faithful in many parish communities.
Introducing the Eucharistic Celebration, which preceded the meeting, the Chancellor and Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Mbata, described catechists as the closest collaborators of priests in the work of the Gospel. Welcoming the delegates on behalf of the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Nwobi, Fr. Mbata expressed joy that the Diocese was chosen to host the provincial encounter.
He noted that their vocation as catechists remains a thing of gratitude to God, since the Church depends greatly on their dedication, sacrifice, and closeness to the people in the transmission of the faith. He therefore encouraged them not to relent in their efforts despite the difficulties often associated with their apostolate.
Delivering the homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Chrysogonus Chilaka, Chaplain of the Ahiara Diocesan Catechists Association, reflected extensively on the priestly prayer of Christ for unity among his followers. He observed that the prayer of Jesus was not restricted merely to the immediate disciples who surrounded him physically during his earthly ministry but extended equally to all believers and indeed to all who would eventually come to faith through the ministry of evangelization.
The homilist further drew attention to the persecutions endured by St. Paul on account of the Gospel he preached, especially the message of the resurrection, pointing out that commitment to the work of God has never exempted believers from trials, oppositions, and moments of suffering. Christians, and especially those directly engaged in the apostolate, must therefore be prepared inwardly for difficulties.
“Be prepared, for you are not immune to challenges and trials although you work for God,” Fr. Chilaka stated.
He reminded the catechists that as close collaborators of priests, they must always remain willing and available to assist in the discharge of the Church’s evangelizing mission entrusted by Christ himself. He concluded by urging them to become genuine agents of unity and peace within both Church and society, reflecting the very unity for which Christ prayed.
The chaplain also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ahiara Diocesan Catechists Association to the visiting delegates for honoring the Diocese with their presence.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Owerri-Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province Catechists Association, Bro. Innocent Obidike, Catechist Nze Sylvester Ukaegbu, thanked the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Nwobi, for graciously approving the hosting of the convention in the Diocese. He encouraged participants to take an active part in the deliberations and proceedings of the gathering.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, activities continued at the Secretariat Hall, where the convention proper commenced with an opening prayer led by the Provincial President, Bro. Innocent Obidike. This was followed by a welcome address presented by the President of the Ahiara Diocesan Catechists Association, Mr. Augustine Njoku, as well as the presentation of kolanuts in keeping with the cherished traditions of hospitality and fraternity.
Other major highlights of the gathering included the presidential address, the official handover ceremony, and the swearing-in of newly elected executives who will pilot the affairs of the association for the next tenure.
The convention eventually concluded with closing remarks and prayers offered by Sr. Mildred Umeh, the Directress of the Ahiara Diocesan Catechists Association.
Beyond the formal proceedings, however, the gathering once again highlighted the enduring importance of catechists within the life of the Church, especially in mission territories where the work of evangelization continues to depend greatly on committed lay collaborators whose sacrifices, though often quiet and unnoticed, remain indispensable to the growth and stability of the Christian community.
