The Masses Advocate

By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Benin City, Nigeria – On All Souls' Day, November 2nd, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City gathered for a deeply moving and comprehensive commemoration of all the faithful departed.  The observance centered on a solemn Memorial Mass celebrated at the Archdiocesan Priests' Cemetery, reinforcing the ancient Christian duty to pray for the dead. ​A Gathering of the Faithful and Clergy ​The sacred liturgy was chief-celebrated by the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze. He was concelebrated by a large assembly of senior priests and clergy from parishes across the Archdiocese, underscoring the unity of the local Church in prayer. ​The congregation reflected the full spectrum of the Archdiocesan community. Present at the cemetery were the Female Religious (Sisters and Nuns), Top Officers of the Archdiocesan Laity Council, the Archdiocesan Choir, whose voices lent solemnity to the rites, and numerous Lay Fait...

-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...