On Day 7 of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Auchi, the Bishops embarked on parish visitation program in the Diocese, fostering personal connections with the faithful.

This tradition allows each visiting Bishop, representing the Conference, to celebrate Holy Mass for the intentions of the hosting Bishop, Diocese, Parish, and Parishioners.

The Bishops highly valued this program, recognizing that the people are the core of their mission, driving their efforts, discussions, and decisions. By prioritizing the people, the Bishops reaffirmed their raison d’être – serving the spiritual and temporal needs of their flock.

It is the Bishops’ fundamental responsibility to tend to the spiritual and temporal well-being of their flock. The episcopal visitation exercise held additional significance as a visible expression of the Church’s unity.

Although each local Church is governed by its local ordinary, every Bishop remains a Shepherd to all souls, transcending geographical boundaries. By visiting various parishes, the Bishops demonstrated their solidarity with their brother Bishops, aiming to bolster the faith and hope of the people.

On August 28, the Bishops were dispatched to 31 parishes across Auchi diocese, with each one embarking on a unique journey. While some, like Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, visited nearby parishes such as Holy Rosary in Afashio-Afowa, just a short distance from the Conference venue, others traveled up to an hour and a half to reach their assigned parishes, where they were warmly received by the eager and joyful lay faithful of Auchi diocese.

For Bishop Michael Apochi of Otukpo Diocese, his mission was to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Igarra, a significant parish located at the heart of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, about an hour’s drive from the plenary venue.

As the oldest Parish in the Diocese, St. John’s has a rich history, dating back to 1938 when it was established as St. Mary’s under the Southern Okene Parish (now Kogi). Renamed in 2021 under the late Rev. Fr. Isaac Osese Bossey, this ancient parish has given birth to 10 parishes and Mass Centers, forming the ‘Deanery One’ in the Diocese. Notably, St. John’s has nurtured numerous vocations, producing over 20 nuns and 17 priests, including Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, the current Bishop of Ilorin diocese.

Bishop Apochi and his team were warmly received at the spacious and peaceful St. John’s Church compound, where over 600 enthusiastic and loving parishioners, led by the vibrant pastoral team of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Callistus Ikhane and Rev. Fr. Daniel Ebohvotokhai, welcomed them with open arms.

The gathering also included priests from neighboring parishes within the deanery, as well as Nuns and Postulants from the Diocesan Religious Congregation, all united in worship and joy.

In his homily during the Holy Mass, Bishop Apochi extended warm greetings from the entire Conference of Bishops in Nigeria to the congregation. He urged them to remain united and steadfast in their Catholic faith, drawing inspiration from the day’s reading. He also cautioned them against laziness, encouraging them to work diligently for their daily sustenance. 

Furthermore, he prayed for God’s continued blessings on their endeavors, protection from harm, and the gift of good health and peace.

The joyful parishioners demonstrated their profound faith in God by generously offering an abundance of gifts to the visiting Bishop, symbolizing their gratitude and hospitality. With open hearts and hands, they presented a diverse array of farm produce, including yams, garri, and oil, showcasing the richness of their harvest and the depth of their devotion.

As the visiting team toured the Church compound, the Parish Priest proudly pointed out the All-Purpose Hall, currently under construction, highlighting its potential to benefit not only the Catholic Community but also the broader Igarra community.

He made a heartfelt appeal for support from all individuals of goodwill, urging them to contribute towards the project’s swift completion, which will bring immense value to the community.

For support of Igarra Parish Hall project: Zenith Bank Current Account. 1016296740. St John the Apostle Catholic Church Igarra-Special. Inform us by WhatsApp text on 09060006198. Thank you, and may God bless you.