The Masses Advocate

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Benin City, Nigeria – The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City marked the Jubilee of the World of Education on October 31, 2025, with a vibrant, well-attended event that brought together the educational community to reflect on the Church’s enduring role in shaping minds and morals.  The celebration, held at the Immaculate Conception College, Benin City, drew over a dozen Catholic institutions—spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels—along with their formators, teachers, and members of the Alumni body.  Activities for the Jubilee of the World of Education included Exposition/Rosary, Songs of Praise, and Benediction, setting a reverent and spiritual tone for the day. ​The Church's Indispensable Role in a Digital Age ​The central message was delivered in a homily by Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Andrew Ovienloba, President of the School of the Faith and Leadership of the Archdiocese, who represented the Archbishop.  Speaking ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Angie Epilepsy Foundation (AEF) achieved a landmark success with its One-Day Symposium in Warri, Delta State, held on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, at the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun.  Under the crucial theme, “The Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Epilepsy in Nigeria,” the event galvanized a powerful, multidisciplinary effort to combat the ignorance and stigma surrounding the neurological condition. Unprecedented Turnout & Spiritual Mandate for Empathy The symposium was not merely well-attended, but recorded a massive, enthusiastic turnout, demonstrating a unified community front against epilepsy discrimination. The distinguished attendance included a cross-section of influential figures: medical doctors, pharmacists, seasoned clergy, traditional chiefs, and youth leaders. The day’s proceedings, skillfully overseen by Chairman Mr. Ochko Amrabiure and Host Sir Moses Yasere KSM MGK, were blessed by ...

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick Benin City, Nigeria – In a significant stride towards fostering a more just and equitable society, the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has again joined forces with the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) to host a pivotal two-day Women's Empowerment capacity building workshop.  This training focuses on the crucial advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and discrimination as part of the project’s second year. The workshop, held recently at the Archdiocesan Chancery Hall in Benin City, was expertly facilitated by Mr. Samuel Akorokpor and Edith Ugwu. This collaboration marks the continuation of a year-long initiative titled "Women Religious (Nuns) as Collaborators with the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) to eliminate violence and discrimination against Women and Girls in Nigeria," generously funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. A Unified Front for Change: Th...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Parishioners and clergy of Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City, gathered recently to mark the one-year memorial mass in repose of the soul of the former Cathedral Administrator, The Late Rt. Rev. Msgr. Festus Omede. ​The solemn celebration was the main highlight of the day, with the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omogiate, Dean of the Benin City Deanery, serving as the chief celebrant. Concelebrating were the current Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. James Ogbeiwe, his Assistant, and Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun SJ, a Jesuit Priest and former parishioner who held a special connection to the late Monsignor.  Also in attendance was Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe, Administrator of St. Philomena Catholic Hospital and Parish Priest of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church. ​Homily Highlights Compassion and Simplicity:  ​The memorial mass was significantly highlighted by the homily delivered by Rev. Fr. David...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ Benin City, Edo State —The Catholic Men Organisation ( CMO ) of the Archdiocese of Benin City recently hosted a deeply significant and well-attended 2025 Evangelization Fund Raising/Harvest Thanksgiving service at the historic Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road . The event was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, drawing Catholic Men, their families, and numerous benefactors united by a common commitment to advancing the Church's missionary efforts. ​ A Call for Humility and Self-Evaluation from the Archbishop ​The highlight of the day was the Holy Mass, celebrated by the Archdiocesan CMO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omogiate , who eloquently represented the Metropolitan Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Austin O. Akubeze . ​In a potent homily that resonated with the congregation, Archbishop Akubeze, speaking through Fr. Omogiate, issued a profound spiritual challenge. He called on the faithful to avoid the destructive temp...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Oyo, Nigeria — The Catholic community in Nigeria and beyond is mourning the loss of a devoted shepherd, Most Reverend Julius Babatunde Adelakun, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo , who passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 91. ​The diocese confirmed the passing in a statement, noting that Bishop Adelakun "returned to the Father" at 6:20 p.m. ​ A Life of Dedicated Service ​Born on November 4, 1934, Bishop Adelakun dedicated over six decades of his life to the service of God and the Church. He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 27, 1965 . Less than eight years later, his profound commitment was recognized when he was consecrated a bishop on February 11, 1973 . ​For decades, Bishop Adelakun shepherded the Diocese of Oyo with unwavering dedication , fostering growth and spiritual nourishment within the community. His ministry is recognized as one that leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and founder of The Kukah Centre, delivered a stark and moving address at the Vatican during the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom.  Held at the Augustinianum Hall, his remarks were titled "A Plea and Testimony from Nigeria."The Deepening Crisis and a Call for Moral Courage:In his speech, Bishop Kukah painted a grim picture of Nigeria's rapidly worsening security crisis, highlighting the complexity where terrorism, religious persecution, and criminal violence are increasingly indistinguishable.  He issued a sobering, powerful statement: "Nigerians are dying for a living," stressing that years of national neglect have created an urgent need for moral courage and a complete national renewal. Upholding Rights and Caution on Sanctions:The Bishop acknowledged Nigeria's long-standing tradition of interfaith coexistence,...

In a highly publicized move described by authorities as a symbolic gesture toward its religious minorities, Iran has officially inaugurated a stunning new metro station in Tehran named "Virgin Mary Station" (Mary’s Station or Istgah-e Maryam ). ​The station, which opened on the new Line 6, is a significant piece of public architecture, with a design meant to explicitly honor the figure of the Virgin Mary, a revered personage in both Christianity and Islam.   It features a magnificent arched concourse and a striking domed ceiling , which are meticulously covered with intricate religious frescoes and artwork dedicated to Mary. Officials assert this move is part of an effort to showcase the religious pluralism that exists within the Islamic Republic. ​However, the unveiling of the station offers a jarring juxtaposition to the lived reality of the country's Christian community. Despite the official show of respect and the celebration of this architectural t...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Catholic Artiste and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) has taken a significant step toward advancing moral and cultural transformation, with its national and provincial executives paying a high-profile courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. AbdulWasiu Olatubosun. ​Commissioner Commends CAEAN’s Model for Youth Engagement ​Led by the National President, Ambassador Edith Isidahomen, the delegation from CAEAN's Ibadan Province and Archdiocese was warmly received by Dr. Olatubosun at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.  The Commissioner expressed profound delight and commended the association for its unique role in promoting moral transformation and evangelisation through the arts. ​Dr. Olatubosun was particularly impressed that CAEAN has successfully integrated religious mission with cultural appreciation, stating their approach is a vital model for youth engagement,...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ OYO, NIGERIA — The call to spread the Gospel is a sacred duty for every baptized believer, not a task reserved solely for the clergy. This was the emphatic message from Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo , the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, during his homily for World Mission Sunday. ​Preaching on the theme, "We Are All Missionaries," Bishop Badejo reminded the faithful at Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral that their current faith is a direct result of someone else's past missionary efforts. ​"Every Christian is both a product and a participant in the Church’s missionary work," the Bishop stated. He stressed that the divine mandate to evangelize is a shared responsibility, extending beyond priests and religious orders to every member of the Church. ​ Four Pillars of the Missionary Vocation ​The Bishop detailed four essential ways Catholics can actively fulfill their missionary calling: Praying, Preaching, G...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Uromi Diocese has successfully concluded an electoral exercise, ushering in a new slate of officers set to guide the organization into a new era. The peaceful and orderly election marks a significant moment for the men's wing of the Catholic community in the Diocese. ​The election was overseen by a high-powered delegation from the Benin Ecclesiastical Province, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Leading the delegation were the Provincial President, Mr. Steve A. Apologun, and the Provincial Secretary, Mr. Michael Iyiegbuniwe.  The process culminated in the election of Mr. S.O. Agboiyi as the new Diocesan President. The New Executive Council  A full roster of dedicated men was elected to serve alongside the new President:  Vice President: G.U. Unemhinmn  Secretary: Sir Aikore Innocent (KSP)  Assistant Secretary: Mr. S. Emovuon  Financial Secretary: Mr. Mon...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​A Weekend of Deep Engagement: Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, recently concluded a scheduled and highly impactful Pastoral Visit to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Obibi Nguru Mbaise, Imo State, spanning from Saturday, October 11, to Sunday, October 12, 2025.  The visit was marked by comprehensive engagement with both the parish leadership and the youth preparing for a pivotal sacrament. ​Pastoral and Council Interaction: The visit's focus on Saturday was intensive preparation for the Sunday conferment of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  True to his pastoral routine, Bishop Nwobi dedicated the evening to a crucial interaction with the Parish Pastoral Council members, alongside the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Donald Akalefu. This meeting allowed for a direct discussion on the pastoral needs and progress of the parish community. ​Catechesis on Heroic Faith: Following the council meeting, His Lordship spent dedicated time catechizi...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Benin City Archdiocese has launched a robust, school-to-school campaign, joining forces with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other key stakeholders in a unified War Against Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Prostitution. ​The initiative, part of the activities marking the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the CMO in Nigeria , saw Archdiocesan executives, led by President Sir Barr Austin Odigie KSP , and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) take the anti-vices message directly to students across the Benin metropolis. ​ Campaign Highlights and School Engagements ​The campaign reached several key secondary institutions, including: ​ Army Day Junior School, Ikpoba Hill: Where a seminar was held covering cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, and drug trafficking. ​ Edokpolor Grammar School: Lectures on Drug Abuse, Prostitution, human trafficking, and other social...

' ​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Federal Government of Nigeria has enacted a sweeping and transformative reform aimed at drastically expanding access to tertiary education across the nation. In a move that eliminates years of centralized, high-stakes testing, the administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has banned the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and dissolved the mandate of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). ​The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, championed this initiative as a core component of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the reform is designed to "democratize education" and empower Nigerian youth. Dr. Alausa highlighted the stark reality that while over two million candidates sit for the UTME annually, only about 700,000 secure admission, a gap he attributed not to candidate ability but to "outdated entry requirements tha...

​ ​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ GOMBE — The community of St. James Catholic Church, Gombe, is engulfed in profound grief following the passing of their cherished spiritual leader, Very Rev. Fr. John Keane, SMA . Fr. Keane passed away peacefully this afternoon. ​A devoted servant of God, Fr. Keane's time as Parish Priest was marked by an extraordinary commitment to the parishioners, leaving behind a powerful legacy defined by love, selfless service, and unwavering dedication . His impact extended beyond the church walls, touching the lives of many across the wider community. ​His sudden departure creates a significant void in the spiritual heart of the parish, and his memory will be forever treasured by all who knew him. ​ Funeral and Commemoration Details ​The parish leadership is currently working on the necessary arrangements. Further details regarding the funeral rites and commemoration services will be communicated to all parishioners and the public in due c...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ VATICAN CITY —Pope Leo XIV delivered a fervent appeal to the world's leading news professionals on October 9, 2025, urging them to vigorously defend the truth and act as a crucial barrier against those who exploit "the ancient art of lying" to sow division. ​Speaking to journalists and staff from major news agencies attending a conference sponsored by MINDS International , the Pope declared that communications "cannot and must not separate its work from the sharing of truth." ​"You can also be a bulwark of civility against the quicksand of approximation and post-truth," he told the audience. ​The Crisis in Communication and the Need for Ethics ​Pope Leo XIV acknowledged a paradox: in the age of rapid communication, news agencies and media consumers are both facing a period of crisis. He noted that citizens are "often mistaking the false for the true and the authentic for the artificial....

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Vivian Ogu Annual Lectors Competition 2025 of the Benin City Deanery successfully concluded with a stunning display of eloquence, biblical knowledge, and spiritual commitment from Catholic lectors across the region. The event, which celebrates the dedication of those who proclaim God’s word, saw participants excel across reading, impromptu speaking, and quiz categories. ​Reading, Speech, and Quiz Victories ​In the Male Reading category, Imevbore Stephen of St. Joseph Parish clinched the first position. He was followed by Ezuegwu Chigozie of St. Thomas Aquinas in second place, and Simeon Ubeh of St. Andrew secured third. ​For the Female Reading category, Edebor Juliet of St. Francis Parish emerged as the champion. She was followed closely by Odozi Esther I. of St. Augustine in second place, while Mongha Francisca of St. Thomas took third place. ​The challenging Impromptu Speech category, which tested participants' ability to thi...