By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, on Monday, February 2, 2026, being the feast of the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple, joined the Holy Mother Church to celebrate the World Day of Religious for the year 2026.
This remarkable celebration of the male and female religious in Ahiara Diocese began with a Eucharistic Celebration with His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, as the presider, with other priest religious who concelebrated the Mass.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Eze SDV exhorted the religious to be focused in their calling and not to be distracted by the bandwagon of social media, which swerves greatly from the kind of life expected of a religious. He equally told them that they are the signs of God’s presence in the world. While emphasizing the great importance of patience and perseverance, Fr. Eze went further to encourage the Religious to be patient in any hostile situation they may find themselves in, using Simeon and Anna in the scriptures as examples, who waited patiently for the coming of the Messiah.
The moment for the renewal of consecration set in, and the religious, while standing in front of the altar with lighted candles, engaged in the sacred activity.
The prelate, while addressing the religious, appreciated the works they do for the development of Ahiara Diocese and the growth of the church in general. He equally admonished them not to be distracted by the influence of social media clickbait or clout chasing for the sake of generating funds while relegating the ordinances of the religious life to the background. His Lordship urged them to be steadfast in their calling for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Following the Mass was the reception at the event hall in the Cathedral premises, in which Sr. Patricia Eke HHCJ, President of Women Religious Ahiara Diocese, in the welcome address, welcomed and thanked the Religious for availing themselves of the opportunity to be part of the celebration. She remarked that over time, the celebration has served as a medium for reunion and renewal. Sr. Eke enjoined the religious to be selfless in all they do, trusting in God’s divine providence, as Mary, the mother of Jesus, did when the child Jesus was presented in the temple. The president equally appreciated the efforts and sacrifice of those who have been journeying with them, especially the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese and the Vicar for Religious Ahiara Diocese, Rev. Fr. Christian Uche SDV.
Other activities that took place during the reception were welcome songs, cultural dance, riddles/jokes, drama, and akuko ugha bu eziokwu. These activities brought so much joy and gladness among those present. It was equally a moment of relaxation. The celebration finally drew to a close with a closing prayer led by Rev. Fr. Udochukwu Iwuji, SDV.
