Recommits the Diocese to the maternal intercession of Mary
By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi CMF, in a bid to recommit the Diocese to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, instituted an annual novena to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help.
This year’s novena began on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with devotions at the parish and deanery levels, respectively. The Novena was consummated on Friday, January 30, 2026, with all who partook in the novena convening at Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara Mbaise, to mark the end of the novena. The conclusion of the Novena began with a Rosary procession at the Cathedral premises, followed by a Holy Mass. The Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of Ahiara Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, who represented the Bishop, and concelebrated by a host of other priests. In the introduction, the presider welcomed all present on behalf of the Bishop. Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Christopher Akuchie, while reflecting on Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, emphasized the theme “Mary, full of grace.” “Mary is the mother of perpetual help because she is full of grace. She has the grace to endure and pity those in need perpetually. She is full of grace because she never gets exhausted in helping those who are in need resort to her,” the homilist opined. Speaking on the importance and significance of the Rosary, Fr. Akuchie recited the promises made to those who are committed to praying the Rosary. He posited that the Rosary is a powerful and veritable instrument to fight evil in the world; thus, he admonished the faithful to take it seriously. He thanked the bishop for instituting the event and encouraged people to join the association.
The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, on behalf of the Bishop, thanked all present and intimated to the faithful the need to take the association and the devotion to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, seriously. He equally promised that efforts would be made to promote the association in the Diocese.
