- Call for Active Participation in the Special Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi
- Emphasize Annual Igbo Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving, Security Gains, Economic Challenges, and preparations for their upcoming Ad Limina Visit to Rome
The Catholic Bishops of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province concluded their first plenary on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Villa Assumpta, Owerri, after reflecting on key issues affecting the southeastern region, the nation, and important ecclesiastical matters.
Calling on the faithful to embrace the life of peace, holiness, and Christian charity, the bishops emphasized the need for the faithful to participate in the Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV on January 10, 2026, the Vigil of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, to commemorate the 8th centenary of his death, that will last till January 10, 2027. Other key highlights include a strong emphasis on the forthcoming Annual Igbo Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving; cautious optimism about recent improvements in the security situation in the southeastern states; a call for renewed concern about persistent economic hardships facing Nigerians; and the announcement of their upcoming Ad Limina Visit to Rome in March.
In a communique presented at the end of the plenary meeting, the bishops made known that in a joint document issued on December 22, 2025, by the representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops, they declared that every last Saturday of January would be dedicated to celebrating the annual Igbo Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving, beginning on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Described as an important platform for promoting ecumenism, our cultural heritage, Christian values, and peaceful coexistence among the Igbo people, the celebration is aimed at celebrating God’s guidance on the Igbo people, especially during the 1967-1970 Nigeria-Biafra Civil War, a celebration that will be marked in our respective places of worship, hopefully between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The bishops encouraged parishes and institutions to participate actively in this ecumenical initiative in Igbo land. They urged the faithful to use the celebration to recount the numerous blessings God has bestowed on our people amidst the various struggles over the years, a moment of deepening faith, strengthening communal bonds, and upholding moral values in the Church and society.
On national security, the bishops acknowledged recent improvements in the security network in the southeast, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, noting a reduction in violent incidents and increased efforts by security agencies. However, they cautioned that challenges remain, especially in rural communities, and called on government authorities to sustain and strengthen measures that guarantee the safety and welfare of the people, as it is the priority of the government following our constitution. The bishops decried the nefarious activities of terrorists in the nation in general, while calling on the government to put more effort into curbing their activities and ensuring they face the full weight of the law when caught. They also encouraged citizens to support peace-building initiatives and avoid actions that could inflame tensions.
Addressing the economic situation that has affected prices of goods and essential commodities, the bishops expressed concern over the continued hardship faced by many Nigerians, especially last year, due to inflation, unemployment, and rising costs of living. They called on the government to provide basic amenities for the people, prioritize workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and implement people-oriented economic reforms that prioritize the poor and vulnerable, while appealing to church institutions and charitable bodies to intensify support for those most affected. They concluded by calling on the government to ensure that the recent tax reforms reflect movement towards reaping the good dividends of democracy and not to stifle the meager income of the people.
Recounting the upcoming events, the bishops announced their forthcoming Ad Limina visit to Rome, during which Catholic bishops in Nigeria will meet the Pope to show solidarity and commitment and to reflect on matters concerning pastoral care, evangelization, and the growth of the church in Nigeria. The bishops described the visit as one that strengthens ties with the Holy See and reaffirms the Nigerian Church’s commitment to its mission with the Church in Rome. They called for prayers of all faithful to ensure the success of the visit this coming March.
In their closing message, the bishops, while seeking the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, urged Catholics and all Nigerians to remain hopeful, prayerful, and committed to justice, peace, and national development, assuring the faithful of the Church’s continued role as a moral voice and agent of social transformation.
