- Plans for Cathedral Dedication, and 2029 Diocesan Synod
- Highlights Upcoming Events for the year and Parish Welfare initiatives
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara convened the first pastoral council of the year to discuss key developments and strategic plans for the diocese. The meeting with the bishop, priests, and lay leaders in the Church witnessed elaborate discussions on diocesan issues, key events for the year, and matters concerning the clergy and parish welfare.
The Bishop, in his opening remarks, thanked the people for their continual support and prayers while calling on them for more cooperation. Pertinent matters arising from the previous minutes included updates on the College of Nursing and a report on the 2025 Ugwu Mbaise Cultural Festivals held on December 23, 2025. The council also reflected on the Christmas Day lunch with the bishop, anchored by Mbaise people in California, and the compulsory seminar for Parish Finance Officers held on January 15, 2026.
Central also to the council’s discussions was the upcoming dedication of the cathedral tentatively scheduled for January 7, 2028. The council also reflected on the planning of the Diocesan Synod in 2029.
Other highlights include the 2026 Cathedraticum, which begins on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Active participation of the parishes during the upcoming Cathedraticum was stressed. Additionally, the faithful were reminded to lend more generously this year. The council also considered the Owerri Provincial Priests’ Recollection, which will be hosted by the diocese on May 7, and the Provincial Bishops’ Conference Meeting on August 4-5. Plans for the Diocesan Project Sunday on May 24 and the Diocesan Feast on May 30 were also deliberated upon.
The discussions also extended to priests’ health insurance and guidelines on funerals. It was reiterated that funerals should not be conducted during the Octave of Easter and that only lay readers are to read at funeral Masses following Article 28 of the burial guidelines. The Bishop, buttressing Article 22 of the guidelines, reiterated on the service of songs, which he stated must be done, if necessary, with the permission of the parish priest and must not go beyond 10:00 PM. He encouraged the faithful to avail themselves of a copy of the published Diocesan Burial Directives for proper guidance. The council also underscored the need to avoid unnecessary, flamboyant funerals, including the use of horse-drawn carriages.
The meeting concluded with the rendering of the general financial report of the diocese. Members left with optimism that the strategic decisions taken would strengthen the administration of the diocese and foster more community engagements across parishes.
