By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
In a grand gesture of festivity and spiritual reawakening, the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria Ahiara Diocese, held their 2026 Laity Day celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara.
Notably, the Laity Council is the central coordinating body for all lay people in the church. It unites all lay groups, as well as pious associations under one platform, to foster collaboration and strengthen lay participation in the life of the church.
This remarkable event which brought together the lay faithful of Ahiara Diocese commenced with a Holy Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by the Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF and concelebrated by other priests. In his opening remarks, the bishop gave thanks to God for the presence of the laity in the church and acknowledged the significant role they continue to play in the church, while encouraging them to be relentless in discharging their duties.
Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Amadi, the Vicar for Laity, reminded them that, at Baptism, every lay person is called to a priest, prophet and witness and told them that their offices, homes and communities are where the gospel must be lived daily.
Fr. Amadi urged them to be salt and light in society by promoting truth, justice, peace and integrity in all they do. He added that their leadership should inspire other Catholics to take their faith into public life with courage and service.
The homilist concluded by praying that God would strengthen the council to continue building a church that is active, united and committed to transforming society.
Rev. Fr. Paschal Njoku, the Ahiara Diocesan CLCN Chaplain in a warm expression of thanks and gratitude, acknowledged the efforts of the organizers of this year’s celebration. He thanked the Bishop of the Diocese for his support towards the realization of the feast day celebration. The chaplain equally channeled same gratitude to all present for the occasion and in a special way, congratulated the recipients of the awards.
The high point of the event was the presentation of Pillar of the Laity, Star of the Laity, Priestly Service and Posthumous Awards of excellence to distinguished priests and faithful, whose hard work, efforts, support and contributions have been instrumental to the growth and sustenance of the association in the diocese. Other honorary conferments were; Royal Patron for CLCN Ahiara Diocese bestowed on HRH Eze. Dr. Pius C. Onyekwere (MSI Nfunala IV of Ahiara), Okenze Felix Amadi as Grand Patron CLCN Ahiara diocese, and Chief Mrs. Angy Ihuoma as Grand Matron CLCN Ahiara diocese.
The event was studded by many dignitaries which incude; Hon. Engr. Rex Okoro who was the chairman of the occasion, High Chief Isdore Ihuoma (Traditional Prime Minister Ogbenneisii Aut. Comm.), HRH Eze/Ugoeze Sir Patrick Chimezieuwa Ihuoma KSM (Eze Udo III Ogbe Aut. Comm.), Igwe Engr. Augustus Anyanwu (Eze Ododo), Engr. Henry Sleek Iwuoha (Sleek Concept Limited), Hon. Placid Onyedikachi Chijioke JP (Provincial President), Sir Victor Ohiagu (Provincial Secretary)Hon. Darlington Ohaeri, Sir Victor, Owerri Archdiocesan President of the Laity Council and the Executives and other individuals who came to be part of the celebration.
The recipients of the awards were overtly gladdened by the recognition and honor. They thanked the Bishop of the diocese and the members of the association for finding them worthy and pledged support to the diocese.
In his further remarks, the Bishop made known his joy for the success of the feast celebration. He thanked the organizers, congratulated the awardees, acknowledged the presence of all and prayed for a more fruitful befitting outings in the future.
Other activities to spice up the day’s event took place at the diocesan hall, with the opening prayer by the chaplain and the presentation of kolanuts by Barr. Mark N. Iwuchukwu. In the welcome address, Bro. Anthony O. Isianyi, President C.L.C.N Ahiara Diocese, with heart full of joy and profound gratitude welcomed all to the celebration. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the significant milestone. Bro. Isianyi further highlighted that the Diocesan Laity Day is a biennial celebration that provides an opportunity for the association to appreciate God’s goodness and to renew their commitment to the growth and development of the church. The president exercised gratitude to the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, their Chaplain and all whose supports have merited them growth and development. Bro. Isianyi made known that one of the greatest challenges confronting the council today is the lack of adequate funds to acquire a Diocesan Evangelization Bus and to establish a permanent Laity Secretariat. He appealed for support and the generosity of people of goodwill.
The blessing of candles and salts, which are the symbol of the laity was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezechinyere Anyanwu, the Assistant Chaplain.
Giving the vote of thanks, Ezinwanne Isaac Anyanwu, the Vice President C.L.C.N Ahiara Diocese and the M.C for the occasion, immensely thanked all who were part of the celebration. He appreciated the effort of the organizers and supporters. Mr. Anyanwu congratulated the awardees and prayed for journey mercies upon all.
The event officially came to an end with a closing prayer that was led by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezechinyere Anyanwu.
The Ahiara Diocesan Laity Day celebration, concluded with a call for all lay faithful to remain beacons of hope, working together to build a church that is vibrant, united and engaged in transforming the world. With prayers for the church and the nation, the members reaffirmed their commitment to living out their faith and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the church and society.
