The Masses Advocate

As part of their 2025 National Annual General Meeting (AGM), the St. Jude Thaddeus Society of Nigeria embarked on a "Jubilee of Hope" pilgrimage to the St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine in Benin City, which culminated in a visit to Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze. A Pious Welcome from Archbishop Akubeze expressed his joy in receiving the society members, who had traveled from various dioceses across Nigeria.  He shared his appreciation for their prayers, noting that the spiritual act would also bless the local archdiocese.  The Archbishop recalled his own personal history with St. Jude, sharing that when he was a seminarian in the 1980s, his mother made sure her offering to St. Jude came before his own pocket money.  He assured the attendees that God would take care of their families while they were away, reminding them, "you do not do anything for God without getting your reward." The Pilgrimage: A Journey of Rest, Renewal, and Reconciliation:  R...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick The Catholic Church in the Benin City Ecclesiastical Province has announced a new set of standardized fees for Mass booking (stole fee) and other sacramental services, effective immediately.  The decision, which aims to ensure uniformity and prevent exploitation, was finalized after a meeting of bishops from dioceses under the Benin City Metropolitan See, comprising of Benin City Archdiocese, Warri, Isele-Uku,  Auchi, Uromi and Bomadi Dioceses respectively. A notification signed by Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze confirmed that the new approved offering for a Mass is ₦500.  Additionally, the fees for other services, known as stole fees, have been harmonized across the province.  Baptism, Marriage, and Confirmation each now cost ₦1,000. In a significant move, the Archbishop however emphasized that funerals must remain free of charge and stressed that priests should act with compassion toward grieving families.  He fi...

    -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  MINNEAPOLIS — A peaceful morning mass at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis turned into a scene of terror and tragedy Wednesday when a gunman opened fire from outside the building, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Of those injured, 14 were children. The attack, which city officials have called a "senseless act of violence," occurred around 8:45 a.m., shortly after the all-community mass had ended. Witnesses recounted a horrifying scene as an individual, dressed in black and armed with multiple weapons, fired shots through the windows of the church. Bullets struck several children who were still inside, praying. The two children killed were ages eight and ten. Doctors reported that seven of the wounded children remain in critical condition. Police confirmed that the shooter, believed to be in his early twenties with no significant criminal history, acted alone. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound ...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick In a powerful homily delivered on the feast of St. Augustine, the Dean of Iguobazuwa Deanery, Very Rev Father Benjamin . A. Brodricks delivered a stark and unforgettable message: no one is beyond God's mercy, and no one is immune to temptation. He used the dramatic life story of St. Augustine to challenge his congregation to stop procrastinating change and to abandon the dangerous lies of spiritual overconfidence. Speaking on the Gospel reading where Jesus warns that "you do not know the day or the hour," Father Brodricks highlighted a common human flaw.  He pointed out that many people, including those in Nigeria, live as if their future is guaranteed, constantly postponing important acts of reconciliation, honesty, and faith.  This behavior, he noted, mirrors St. Augustine's own early reluctance to convert, captured in his famous prayer: "Lord, make me holy… but not yet." The priest cautioned that such delays could be ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  A stunning new bronze sculpture in Assisi, Italy, is bridging the ancient and the modern, celebrating soon-to-be-saint Blessed Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer prodigy who used technology to share his faith. Unveiled on August 15th at the Shrine of the Renunciation, the 11-foot statue, titled "St. Carlo at the Cross," is a powerful symbol of the Catholic Church's connection to today's youth. Created by renowned Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, the piece depicts Blessed Acutis kneeling humbly at the foot of the crucified Christ. Unlike traditional saintly portrayals, this sculpture shows him in a sweatshirt, jeans, and a backpack, holding a laptop displaying the sacred vessels for Holy Communion. This unique detail honors his legacy of creating an online database of Eucharistic miracles before his death from leukemia in 2006. Schmalz explained that the statue is a message to the world that the Church is "youn...

By Ruben Mario Brodrick  What was once a place of worship has become a battleground of accusations and high-stakes probes.  The Anglican Diocese of Awka is in turmoil after its Chancellor, Justice O.J. Okeke, accused top church officials of forging his signature on land sale documents.  This bombshell has ignited a full-blown crisis, prompting Justice Okeke to escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and reject any internal reconciliation process he deemed a "charade." In a dramatic response, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, has formed a powerful investigative panel, including four judges, a bishop, and a venerable, to get to the bottom of the scandal.  While several diocesan officials have been dismissed and the diocese insists its Archbishop has been cleared of wrongdoing, Justice Okeke alleges that church leaders are protecting those responsible.  With an official probe underway and ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City, Nigeria — In a solemn ceremony marked by faith and fellowship, the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Archdiocese of Benin City celebrated the 2025 Solemn Admission of new members.  Held at the revered Holy Cross Cathedral, the event saw 29 Sacred Heartians and 2 Associate Members formally inducted into the fold, all uniting under the theme: "Tepid Souls shall become fervent." The celebration drew a large congregation of participants from various parishes across the Archdiocese.  Presiding over the ceremony was the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev Fr James I. Ogbeiwe. The proceedings were rich with spiritual significance, featuring the Act of Consecration, and the blessing of scapulars, medals, and badges of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Following the blessings, the postulants were officially recognized with the solemn tradition of kissing the...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a powerful conversation with the Register, Antonia Acutis, the mother of soon-to-be-saint Carlo Acutis, discusses her son’s shared path to holiness with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. The two young men, who lived in different eras but will be canonized together on September 7, offer a compelling and timely message for today’s youth: sainthood isn't about grand mystical experiences, but about living a life of heroic virtue in the everyday. Antonia Acutis highlights the striking similarities between Carlo and Pier Giorgio. Both were from wealthy families but were dedicated to serving the poor and sick.  They were deeply committed to the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration, and had a great love for the Virgin Mary. Acutis states, “They were both really fun, brilliant and full of life,” and shared a passion for math and science, using their intellectual gifts to serve God. Acutis challenges the traditional,...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City, Nigeria -  The St. Paul's Catholic Church Laity Council, led by the President,  Patriot James Urhere, recently hosted a vibrant double celebration to honor two of the parish's beloved assistant priests: Reverend Father Godwin Ibe, marking his second priestly ordination anniversary, and Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezeadanike, celebrating his first. The event, a testament to the council's tradition of recognizing the clergy's immense sacrifices and dedication, was a spectacular evening filled with gratitude and joy. The council consistently celebrates the birthdays and ordination anniversaries of its priests, showing appreciation for their commitment to the spiritual well-being of their parishioners. The celebration brought together a host of distinguished guests, including the parish priest and Dean of the Benin City Deanery, Very Reverend Father Dr. Charles Omogiate.  The event was chaired b...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a significant stride towards empowering women and fostering social justice, the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Benin, under the leadership of Executive Director, Rev Fr Benedict Onwugbenu and Blessing Lehem, recently participated in a crucial two-day training and inception meeting in Enugu.  The event, hosted by the Women's Aid Collective (WACOL), marks the start of a transformative partnership aimed at strengthening the voices of women and improving community service delivery. The intensive training provided JDPC Benin with essential tools and strategies to enhance their work in promoting gender equality.  This collaboration is a direct response to the need for sustained efforts in creating a society where the contributions of women are not only recognized but also central to development.  The initiative will focus on key areas such as legal aid, advocacy, and social mobilization to address s...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick St. Francis Catholic Church in Ekenhuan, Benin City recently hosted a significant enrollment ceremony for new members of the League of Tarcisians and Benjamin, the junior arm of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Deanery 3. The historic event was presided over by the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Church, Reverend Father Andy.  In his homily, he urged the newly enrolled children to be true soldiers of their patron saint, St. Tarcisius, whom he described as a dedicated lover and adorer of the Eucharist. The newly enrolled Junior Sacred Heartians, who are boys and girls from various parishes in Deanery 3 of the association within the Archdiocese of Benin City, also participated in a special quiz competition.  The competition was a highlight of the grand reception held in their honor following the Thanksgiving Mass.  Parents from the Sacred Heart Associatio...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Catholic Diocese of Auchi is making an urgent and emotional plea to President Bola Tinubu and other security agencies to secure the release of two seminarians who were abducted more than a month ago. The seminarians were kidnapped from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode on July 10, 2025, and have now been held captive for 35 days. The situation has become even more alarming after a viral video surfaced, showing the young men holding human skulls and begging for financial help to secure their freedom. Bishop Gabriel Dunia, the head of the Diocese, has expressed deep personal distress over the incident, stating, "I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now." The bishop is not only praying for their release but also calling on people everywhere to join him in prayer. During the attack, a Nigerian Civil Defen...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a historic move celebrating religious harmony, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, has declared August 15th a public holiday. The decision honors the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a significant day for Christians worldwide. This unprecedented proclamation is especially meaningful given The Gambia's demographics, where approximately 96.4% of the population is Muslim. The president's gesture sends a powerful message of unity and mutual respect, demonstrating the nation's commitment to inclusivity among citizens of all faiths.  By allowing the entire country to observe this important Christian holiday, The Gambia solidifies its reputation as a beacon of interfaith tolerance in the region.

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has issued a public warning regarding a planned consecration of a "bishop" in the area.  The individual, identified as Joseph Chigbo Agu, is reportedly set to be consecrated and installed as a bishop in the so-called Greek Byzantine Catholic Church of Nigeria. However, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka clarifies that Agu is not a Catholic priest.  Furthermore, the diocese has no affiliation or communion with the Greek Byzantine Catholic Church of Nigeria or the individual scheduled to perform the consecration. In a statement, the Diocesan Catholic Secretariat emphasized that the group is not in communion with the Catholic Church and that the ceremony should not be held on any Catholic premises. The diocese is advising all Catholics and the general public to distance themselves from the group and its activities. The statement, signed by Rev. Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, the Diocesan Secretary/Chancellor, concluded w...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  A key aide to President Bola Tinubu has ignited a fresh political debate, confidently declaring that no rival can unseat the current president in the 2027 elections. Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Tinubu, also issued a stern warning to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to avoid a presidential bid and preserve his international reputation. In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," Bwala made a series of bold assertions regarding the upcoming polls. A Confident Stance on Tinubu's Re-election Bwala stated that President Tinubu's political influence spans both Nigeria's northern and southern regions, giving him an insurmountable advantage. He claimed, "There's not a single politician who has the capacity to knock off President Bola Tinubu on all fronts." This declaration comes as political strategizing intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a significant development, an Abuja court has ordered the remand of five men suspected of carrying out the brutal attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, more than three years ago. The suspects—Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge and pleaded not guilty. The attack, which occurred on June 5, 2022, tragically claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left more than 100 injured. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the prosecution's request to remand the accused in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). This decision was unopposed by the defense counsel, who did, however, request that the suspects be granted access to their lawyers and family members, noting that they had been in custody since 2022 without such access. The court granted the request for the defendants to be ...

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, also known as Abbas Ajakaiye, the founder and General Overseer of the Turn of Mercy Church. He is being held for alleged involvement in cross-border drug trafficking. The arrest was made after a coordinated operation by NDLEA agents, who had placed the cleric on their watchlist. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Olasele is suspected of using his religious platform as a cover to move illicit substances between Nigeria and other countries. The agency says the arrest is the result of weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.  Currently, Olasele is in NDLEA custody and will face charges in court once the investigation is complete. The agency emphasized that this case sends a strong message that no one, regardless of status, is above the law.

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  A civil servant in Edo State, Mr. Ewere Morgan Eseosa, has been convicted of fraud after being caught collecting salaries from two government jobs simultaneously. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) successfully prosecuted the case, which exposed a serious violation of the nation's anti-corruption laws. An investigation by the ICPC revealed that Eseosa was on the payroll of both the University of Benin and the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council. This fraudulent scheme allowed him to illegally accumulate a total of ₦1,328,255.47 in unearned salaries. The conviction was secured under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, with the ICPC's prosecutor, Dennis Nnaemeka Okoro, leading the charge. This ruling serves as a strong deterrent against fraudulent activities within the public sector and reinforces the ICPC’s commitment to holding civil servants accountable.

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City, Edo — The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is set to welcome a new leader as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Idia Nibukun Ize-Iyamu as its new Chief Medical Director.  The appointment, which takes effect on August 18, 2025, will see Professor Ize-Iyamu take over from the outgoing CMD, Professor Darlington Obaseki, bringing over 27 years of dedicated service to the institution's top leadership role. A Career of Distinction and Global Expertise Professor Ize-Iyamu's journey at UBTH is one of steady progression and deep institutional knowledge. She joined the hospital in 1997 as a Junior Registrar and climbed the ranks to become an Honorary Consultant in 2005.  Her leadership skills were further cemented during her more than eleven years as a respected Head of Department, where she was widely known for her integrity and results-oriented approach. Beyond her administrative role...

BENIN CITY – In a powerful and heartfelt Homily, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Metropolitan of Benin City challenged priests, religious men and women, and seminarians to embody the compassion of Christ and serve as "bridges of hope" for the faithful. The message was delivered during a special Jubilee celebration held on August 4, 2025, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City, marking a significant event within the Jubilee Year of Hope. The celebration, which coincided with the Memorial of Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of secular priests, served as a moment of reflection and encouragement. Archbishop Akubeze praised the clergy for their dedication and sacrifice, acknowledging their tireless efforts in guiding God's people, especially through challenging times. A Call to Compassion and Personal Connection Drawing parallels between the ministry of Saint John Vianney and the call to modern clergy, the Archbishop urged his au...

By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Kigali, Rwanda — In a historic development for the Nigerian Catholic Church, the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Most Reverend Stephen Mamza, has been elected as the first Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). The election took place during the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, where Catholic bishops from across the continent gathered to deliberate on the future of the Church in Africa. Bishop Mamza, who previously served as the Adamawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was chosen for the prestigious position in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Church.  The role is a significant one within SECAM, which acts as a continental body for Catholic bishops, promoting communion, collaboration, and a unified voice on issues affecting Africa. The organization's mission is centered on building the Church as a "Family of God" and fostering ...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick BENIN CITY, NIGERIA – The air was filled with song and joyful praise as the faithful gathered to celebrate the 15th ordination anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe. Under the theme, "Look What the Lord Has Done – The Lord is My Strength and My Shield," the celebration paid tribute to a remarkable journey of faith, service, and dedication that has touched countless lives. The homily, delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Brodricks, the Dean of Iguobazuwa Deanery, was a powerful testament to Fr. Idebe’s ministry. He highlighted Fr. Idebe's journey from a promising student to a dedicated priest, emphasizing that his path was not a matter of human choice, but a divine calling, likening his anointing to that of the prophet Isaiah.  "He had the talent and intelligence to chase any worldly career," Fr. Brodricks stated, "but like Peter and Paul, he left the boat and the nets and followed Jesus." The celebration wasn...