By: Tim Etoh
In response to the Holy Father’s call for renewed compassion toward the sick and suffering, the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara joined Catholics worldwide in celebrating the 2026 World Day of the Sick on February 11.
The Diocesan celebration took place at Holy Rosary Hospital, Ogbor Nguru Mbaise, bringing together clergy, healthcare workers, patients, and members of the faithful for a day of prayer and solidarity.
The event began with confessions for the sick, followed by free medical services provided by doctors and nurses from various parts of the country.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF.
In his homily, the bishop offered words of encouragement to those battling illness. He urged them not to succumb to despair but to unite their sufferings with Christ.
“Your sufferings are not in vain; they are a participation in the redemptive work of Christ,” he said, reminding them that God sees their struggles and hears their cries.
He encouraged the sick to entrust their burdens to Christ, who Himself suffered and invites the faithful to cast all their anxieties upon Him.
The Bishop also commended healthcare workers for their dedication, describing their service as a reflection of God’s compassionate love.
Following the Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered by the Bishop and assisting priests, offering spiritual strength and consolation to those present.
Rev. Fr. Brendan Iwunna, the Secretary of Healthcare Services in the Diocese and Manager of the Holy Rosary Hospital, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his pastoral concern and thanked the priests and medical personnel for their presence and support. He encouraged the sick not to lose hope but to remain confident in God’s abiding presence.
He equally thanked the JDPC Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Claver Ohaeri, who, with his team, organized the program. The sponsors of the program were equally acknowledged.
The celebration concluded with an Agape meal shared by the bishop and the sick.
The observance served as a renewed call to action for the faithful to show practical compassion toward those suffering from illness and to support healthcare workers in their mission. Through the celebration, the Diocese once again reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity of life and caring for the vulnerable.
