The Masses Advocate

By Ruben Mario Brodrick ​In a vital step toward promoting public health and community wellbeing, the Media Chaplaincy of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara , specifically the Holy Family Chaplaincy Aboh Urban , successfully organized a public awareness seminar on Saturday, October 4, 2025 . ​The event, held at the Holy Family Catholic Chaplaincy in Aboh Urban, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria , was a significant effort aligned with the global observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The program operated under the inspiring theme, "Pilgrims of Hope: Uniting against Breast Cancer," focusing on arming the local community with life-saving information. ​Expert-Led Education and Empowerment ​The highly successful program was anchored by renowned health expert, Sister Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ . Sister Akunna delivered a comprehensive and accessible session, providing participants with in-depth knowledge on crucial aspects of breast health. ​Her presentati...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ ENUGU, Nigeria — The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria ( CAMPAN ), Enugu Diocese chapter, officially launched its operations by holding a vital introductory meeting with the Director of Social Communications, Reverend Father Anthony Aneke . The small but significant gathering took place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, signaling a new era for Catholic engagement in the local media landscape. ​ A Formal Introduction and Mandate ​The meeting served as the formal presentation of the newly established diocesan body to the Director. Mr. Gregory Odiakosa, the interim chairman of CAMPAN Enugu Diocese, explained that the assembly was necessary to introduce the association to Fr. Aneke and to outline their initial plans and programs. ​“We are just starting, having received a mandate from our national body during the last conference,” Odiakosa stated. “Since then, we have been gathering Catholic media pr...

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, ...