By: YCSer Akali Emmanuel
The Young Catholic Students of Nigeria (YCS), Ahiara Diocese, successfully held its 2026 Diocesan Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Enyiogugu, under the theme “Arise and Shine” (Isaiah 60:1).
The event which brought together chaplains, students, animators, diocesan executives, provincial officials, alumni, and invited guests in a celebration of faith, leadership, unity, and service, began with a Holy Mass, that was presided over by Rev. Fr. Shedrack Onyebuchi, the Sectional Chaplain of St. Charles Catholic Church, Enyiogugu.
Delivering the homily, Fr. Onyebuchi once more reminded the students that they are the future leaders of the church and society. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the Catholic faith, uphold the teachings and doctrines of the church, and resist influences that could lead them away from Christ.
He further emphasized that the YCS Motto, “See, Judge and Act”, should not merely be recited but should guide their daily lives. The homilist urged the students to observe the realities around them (See), evaluate every situation according to the teachings of Christ and the church (Judge), and respond through good Christian actions (Act).
The Chaplain also challenged the newly elected leaders to see leadership as a call to humble service, inspiring others through good example, discipline, prayer and integrity. He concluded by encouraging all YCSers to remain active in the movement, grow in faith and knowledge, and become worthy ambassadors of Christ wherever they find themselves.
Prominent activities to mark the event included; quiz competitions with representatives from Sacred Heart Villa Secondary School, Enyiogugu emerging as winners, choral presentations, goodwill messages, and the diocesan election, during which a new executive team was elected to lead the movement. Also, Miss Intellectual of the 2026 Diocesan Day Quiz Competition title was won by Murray Chinedum Emmanuella of Handmaid’s Holy Child Juniorate, Amumara, in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.
The occasion was graced by the presence of the Provincial Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Callistus Ezenwoko; who encouraged the YCSers to take their duties and obligations seriously and be worthy agents of evangelization to various aspects of the world. He noted the need to establish YSC association in all the sections in Ahiara Diocese and implored the support of all for the reality of the project. In a special way, Fr. Ezenwoko thanked the choir from Handmaid’s Holy Child Juniorate who led in the singing during mass.
Others that were present include; YCSer Patrick Iheanacho-the Provincial Coordinator, the Owerri Archdiocesan Coordinator and President; the Chairman of the YCS Owerri Province Alumni; and the Emeritus Miss Creativity of Owerri Province, and YCSer Vera Onyemaechi, whose presence added colour and encouragement to the celebration.
The newly elected Diocesan President, YCSer Jude Ijeoma Ann of Handmaid’s Holy Child Juniorate, Amumara, now leads the new diocesan executive team. As they begin their tenure, the Diocese remains grateful to Almighty God for a successful celebration and looks forward to continued growth and greater achievements in the mission of YCS.
The programme was a remarkable success, made possible through the dedication of the Diocesan Chaplains, Rev. Frs. Paschal Obasi and Jude Nwachukwu, YCSer Akali Emmanuel- the Diocesan Coordinator, the diocesan team, animators, and the unwavering support of members and friends of the movement.
