The Masses Advocate

By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ Vatican City — In a deeply personal address, Pope Leo XIV, himself a member of the Augustinian Order, called on his fellow religious brothers to put love at the very heart of their mission. Speaking to Augustinians at the conclusion of their General Chapter, the Holy Father urged them to look inward and rekindle the passion and joy that first led them to religious life. ​The Pope began by praising the General Chapter as a "precious occasion" for reflection, but he reminded them that this introspection should not be an end in itself. Instead, it must serve as a catalyst for a renewed and enthusiastic outreach to the world. ​The Power of Love in Vocation ​Citing the words of their founder, St. Augustine , " Love what you will be ," Pope Leo spoke directly to the heart of the matter: vocation. He cautioned against seeing religious formation as a rigid set of rules or a "ready-made garment." Instead, he declared that...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a significant blow to insurgent groups, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized a key terrorist enclave in Borno State.  The decisive airstrikes, conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, have reportedly eliminated numerous fighters and destroyed their hideout, marking a major victory in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and stability to Nigeria's North East region. A Precision Strike Based on Timely Intelligence The operation unfolded in the Gezuwa general area of Bula Madibale, following a period of intense aerial surveillance that detected suspicious movements by the insurgents.  According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, the strikes were launched based on credible intelligence reports that indicated a gathering of terrorists and a stockpile of logistics at the location.  The precision and devastating impact of the attack were key to its success, leaving no doubt about the military'...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick The Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of the Benin City Archdiocese held its monthly evangelization program at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Oza, hosted by the Abudu Deanery. The spiritual event was a powerful display of faith and community outreach, despite a lower-than-expected turnout of members. The day's activities were centered around a special Mass where the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Emmanuel Usifo delivered a homily encouraging everyone to become an "Evangelizer of Christ." His message set a purposeful tone for the outreach that followed.  The CMO's Archdiocesan President, Bar Austin Odigie, led a thanksgiving ceremony with other executives, including Bar Melody Ogunsuyi, Mr. Osas Egheomwanre, Joseph Okuagba, and Anthony Adigwe. Deanery presidents Francis Itimah (Abudu Deanery), Matthew Esele (Benin City Deanery), and Ekwemalor (Iguobazuwa Deanery) were also in attendance. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the evangelizati...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  - ​The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara is in mourning as it bids farewell to two of its revered priests, Very Rev. Fr Christian Paul Egege (81) and Very Rev. Msgr Benjamin Chima (85). In a solemn ceremony held at the Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral in Ahiara Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the two priests—who were ordained on the same day, 53 years ago—were laid to rest side by side. ​The Requiem Mass was presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. The service was also concelebrated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Echema, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, and Most Rev. Dr Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, the grieving Bishop of Ahiara Diocese. ​Both priests were remembered as pioneers in their ministry, known for their deep spirituality, charitable works, and remarkable scholarship. A unique bond marked t...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  A suspended Catholic priest in Nigeria's Aba Diocese, Reverend Father Francis Anyanwu, caused a major disturbance at St. Benedict Catholic parish this past Sunday after he reportedly forced his way into a morning Mass. Anyanwu, who was suspended in July 2025 for making public accusations against church officials on social media, defied his suspension by acting as the chief celebrant for the 9 a.m. service. The incident occurred while the parish's priest, Reverend Father Felix Ezeoke, was on holiday. Father Ezeoke had officially appointed Reverend Father Benard Iloka to lead the service in his absence. According to Father Iloka, Anyanwu entered the sacristy as he was preparing for Mass and announced he would be the one to celebrate. When Father Iloka reminded him of his suspension, Anyanwu allegedly responded, "To hell with the Bishop. This is my home parish." To prevent a public confrontation, Father Iloka stepped aside. However, ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Delegates from various Catholic media organizations, including Priests/Religious in the Social Communication Directorates, the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), the Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), and other professionals from across the country, recently converged at the Daughters of Divine Love in Abuja for the SIGNIS Nigeria National Convention.  The gathering aimed to chart a path of progress for SIGNIS, the umbrella body for Catholic communicators. During the convention, key speakers delivered impactful presentations that set the tone for the future of Catholic media in Nigeria. Keynote Address: A Call for Prophetic Journalism Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Joe Keshi stressed the urgent role of Catholic media in healing Nigeria’s polarized society. He urged communicators to rise above divisions and promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and the culture of enc...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has announced the burial arrangements for three revered clergymen whose ministries profoundly impacted the lives of the faithful. The late Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, along with Rev. Fr. John Martin Chikani and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi, will be laid to rest this September. A Final Journey for Two Priests The funeral rites for Fr. John Martin Chikani and Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi are set for Monday, September 8, 2025, and Tuesday, September 9, 2025. On Monday, memorial Masses will be held at their respective hometowns at 10:00 a.m.: Fr. Chikani will be honored at Owereze Orba, and Fr. Abonyi at Idi Opi. The burial of both priests will take place the following day at St. Theresa's Cathedral in Nsukka. Honoring a Shepherd: The burial rites for Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo, the first bishop of the Nsukka Diocese, will span two days, beginning Monday, September 22, 2025. A Requiem M...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick Bishop David Ajang of the Lafia Diocese delivered a powerful message to media professionals at the 2025 SIGNIS National Congress in Abuja, urging them to actively use their platforms for evangelization.  He emphasized that the call to spread the faith isn't limited to priests and religious but extends to all believers, especially those with influence in media. Using Our Professions to Spread the Gospel: During his homily, Bishop Ajang challenged the attendees to see their work as a ministry. He drew a parallel to how Jesus called on professional fishermen to be his apostles, noting that media professionals should likewise use their skills to reach people who are not actively involved in the church. "If you are a teacher, for example, as you teach in class, it is also your responsibility in the process of teaching to evangelize," he said. He stressed that evangelization needs to reach beyond the church walls to the broader ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a significant legal victory against cybercrime, the Edo State High Court in Benin City has sentenced eight men to prison for internet fraud. The convictions came after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice M. Itsueli delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, convicting the offenders on separate charges that included advance fee fraud and possessing fraudulent documents. The men—identified as Friday Osamudiamenwen, Monday Moses, Wisdom Idahosa, Osazuwa Oghomwen, Christopher Victor, Odion Desmond Osas, Monday Louis Adagboyin, and Bright Ogbiede—each received a two-year jail term. The court also offered them the option of paying fines ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000. Beyond their sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of their assets used in the crimes, including their phones and laptops, as well as the funds traced to their bank accounts. The EFCC state...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  A tragic multiple-vehicle accident on the Ovia River Bridge has resulted in numerous fatalities and left many others injured. The crash, which caused a massive traffic jam stretching for miles, occurred when an articulated vehicle reportedly experienced brake failure and collided with other cars. Eyewitnesses and officials from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the military quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. They worked to rescue victims and manage the chaotic situation. The injured and deceased victims have been transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention and processing. The accident has brought the busy highway to a standstill, with a significant backlog of traffic affecting travelers in both directions. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash and are working to clear the road. They are urging motorists to seek alternative routes ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY, EDO — The Laity Council Executives of St. Paul Parish recently celebrated a significant two-year milestone, marked by an inspiring address from their president, Patriot James Urhere, KSM. In his reflection, President Urhere offered a powerful message on the true meaning of leadership, framing authority not as a possession but as a temporary "loan" with a clear expiration date of September 19, 2027. President Urhere cautioned against the common pitfall of leaders who hoard opportunities and build monuments to themselves. Instead, he emphasized that a leader's true worth is not measured by the length of their reign, but by what they accomplish while in office. "A bridge you built for someone may carry your name longer than any title you ever bore," he stated, underscoring that a legacy of empowerment outlives a title. The greatest honor, he noted, is to uplift others and focus on building people. Reflec...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Church worldwide is observing the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1st, a day designated by Pope Francis to encourage reflection and action on environmental stewardship. In Gombe, Very Rev. Fr. John Kean of St. James Catholic Church announced the significance of the day during his homily. He explained that this annual observance is a call for the Universal Church to contemplate the importance of protecting our planet. To mark the occasion, a special Mass has been introduced and will be celebrated in all parishes and institutions throughout Nigeria. This year's celebration holds particular significance as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si', Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment. The encyclical emphasizes the urgent need for ecological conversion and the collective care for "our common home." In line with this message, parishes and institutions are encourage...