Our Lady's Garden
Spend some time with her and she will wrap you in her mantle
We mourn the death of Bishop George, Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese in Nigeria.
Please join in prayer for peace for our brothers and sisters.
Bishop George Dodo, please pray for us!
Pioneer Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese in Nigeria Dies at 66 after Short Illness
By Magdalene Kahiu
Zaria, 08 July, 2022 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa)
Born in April 1956, the late Nigerian Catholic Bishop was ordained a member of the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Kaduna in June 1983.
At the time of his death, Bishop Dodo was serving as a committee member of the Mission and Inter Religious Dialogue Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
He served as the chairman of Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from December 2012 to 2019.
Following the news of the Bishop’s demise, Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn him and condole with the people of God in Zaria Diocese.“Our thoughts and prayers with the people of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria Diocese, Kaduna Archdiocese and the entire Catholic Community in Nigeria and the world at large. May the soul of Bishop Dodo and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercies of God rest in Peace. Amen,” officials of Fides Media, the Communications Directorate of Nigeria’s Awka Diocese, say on Facebook.The first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria in Nigeria has passed on at the age of 66.
Bishop George Jonathan Dodo died on Friday, July 8 following “a brief illness,” the Vice Chancellor of Zaria Diocese has announced a statement shared with ACI Africa.
“With gratitude to God I have been directed to announce the passing unto glory of our Bishop, Most. Rev. George Jonathan Dodo, the pioneer Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria,” Fr. Abraham Bisan Nake says in the July 8 statement. Fr. Nake adds, “This sad event took place in the early hours of Friday, 8th July, 2022 after a brief illness.”
Bishop Dodo has been at the helm of Zaria Diocese since March 2001. Pope John Paul II erected the Nigerian Diocese from the Archdiocese of Kaduna in December 2000.
Blessed Cyprian, please pray for us!
Thank you Father Emmanuel for this information.
February 7, 2015
NOVENA FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA
Diocese starts novena for peace in Nigeria following Boko Haram attacks and killing of 2,000 people: Pray with us!
The Diocese of Maiduguri led by its Bishop, Oliver Dashe Doeme has started a nine day novena of prayer for peace. The novena will end and coincide with Nigeria’s presidential and general elections scheduled for 14 February, 2015. Maiduguri Diocese Director of Communications, Fr. Gideon Obasogie has made a passionate appeal calling on all Nigerians and well-wishers all over the world to pray for peace in Nigeria,
“The Diocese of Maiduguri has suffered greatly from terrorist activities of the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram. From the waves of recent attacks, we have seen for ourselves, a group of miscreants, successfully snowball into a sophisticated and ferocious terrorist network capable of pulling down nations. We have come to witness a culture of savagery and bloodletting over the years perpetrated by Boko Haram,” said Fr. Obasogie. He continues to say that the Northeastern part of Nigeria is still experiencing unrelenting large-scale slaughter of innocent civilians. “The mayhem inflicted on helpless citizens is unprecedented and irreparable. Lives have been lost and thousands are now internally displaced or have crossed the border as refugees, while opportunity for growth and progress have been truncated,” Fr. Obasogie explained.
According to Fr. Obasogie the Diocese of Maiduguri is currently faced with the challenge of caring for IDPs. He concluded, “Pray with us!”
(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)
THE OFFICIAL PRAYER FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA
God the Father our creator, God the Son our Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier!
We praise and thank you for the precious gift of Nigeria, which was and still remains a cosmopolitan, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic as well as multi-religious society. Your gift of tolerance, moderation, accommodation and Love for one another were the traits that made great this people and this society.
Sadly though, in recent times, they have been plagued by political, ethnic and religious crises and have suffered the destruction of lives and property. We humbly ask for the gift of reconciliation, that we forgive each other. Heal the wounds with the radiance of your love and mercy. Teach us to live in peace and harmony.
May their leaders be instruments of love, peace, tolerance, social and economic development. Help them to be selfless in service and to lead their people in the path of dialogue and reconciliation, so that they can truly be one family, working for the common good. May dissenting views be a source of harmony and peaceful coexistence! Bless and provide for their youth and help them to be peace loving.
Lord may the weapons of evil, hatred and violence be silenced by love. May we enjoy unity and stability as your children who live, move and have our being in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
O Jesus prince of peace: be merciful, restore permanent peace to the world and, these days especially, to Nigeria, from north to south.
Our Lady Queen of Peace: Obtain for us peace in our hearts, peace in our families, peace in our countries.
Amen
November 2, 2014
October Cease Fire Denied by Boko Haram Leader Girls Not to be Returned
The joy of the news on October 16th has been crushed by the statements this weekend by Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau. In a video released Saturday, Shekau denied any earlier agreement of truce with the Nigerian government. He refuted any intention of the release of the schoolgirls kidknapped in April from Chibok. This is devastating news for the families of these daughters. Shekau contended that the girls had already been married and have converted to Islam.
Perhaps I was naive in my belief that peace had been reached in Nigeria. The violence reported in the days following October 16th were thought to be a delay in the news of the truce agreement reaching militia in the remote areas. Now two weeks later, the violence and series of events speaks to the fact that the truce was not made in good faith. This past weekend, 30 boys and girls were abducted from a village in Northwest Nigeria. This was simply the latest in a long string of kidnappings of which one may never know a true figure.
We must continue to pray for these children, their families, and for a dramatic change that will cause a just negotiations between the parties. We must continue with fervor to join with the Bishops of Nigeria in the final months of their National Novena (Article below).
For unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
Please know as you pray that the violence against Catholics and Christians in Nigeria continues that the faith of these beautiful people increases. In the face of evil, they have chosen God. We must pray that in similar circumstances, we would do the same. Regardless of our differences, we need to join in solidarity with people of faith though out the world. This is a time for prayer and fasting in a spirit of gratitude to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Choose something you can offer for these brothers and sisters as a sacrifice as they stand strong in the face of danger. To see their faces in prayer is to view sanctity. May God sustain them in this time of trial.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Please bring peace to this troubled world. May our acts of prayer and sacrifice be joined with You. May violence cease, wrongs be righted, slaves be freed, and Your Name be sung in union and peace.
Amen
Join with the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria in Prayer!
November's Intention - For unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection
of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS DECLARE SIX MONTHS NATIONAL PRAYER FOR NIGERIA
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has outlined a six-month marathon prayer for all faithful in the country for God’s intervention for the multi-dimensional security and socio-economic plaguing the country, especially the threat to stability and peace as a result of the activities of the nefarious Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalist group, kidnapping and other criminal activities, including corruption.
The programme which is at the instance of the Administrative Board of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) will commence in the month of July with special prayers for the safe release and return of all abducted and kidnapped people in Nigeria, particularly students of Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The six-month programme will end in December with prayers focused on the promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria.
According to a statement titled: A NATIONAL CALL TO PRAYER, signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, President of the Conference and released in Abuja on June 4, all the Bishops, Priests, religious and Lay faithful in the country were called upon to oblige the call with total commitment. The high point of the six month prayer programme is the National Rosary Prayer Pilgrimage to be held at the National Christian (Ecumenical) Centre, Abuja; from the evening of Thursday, November 14 to the morning of Friday, November 15; and to be attended by Bishops and Catholic faithful from all the 55 Archdioceses, dioceses and Vicariates in the country.
The guidelines for prayer in the letter were directed at families, parishes and the national level which comes up in November. Families were encouraged to pray the Rosary together at home every Saturday while parishes are expected to hold a One Hour Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration on the last Sunday of each of the six months, with the bishops’ presiding at the Cathedral Church.
The prayer points for the six month period are as follows: July: for the safe release and return of all abducted and kidnapped people of Nigeria; August: for those who have suffered and are suffering violence because of the crisis in Nigeria and , September; for all security agents who have lost life, limbs and property in the service of dear fatherland. The months of October, November and December are for: unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
The statement concluded: “In anticipation of your fervent participation, we pray that our merciful God show us His mercy and heal our dear country.”
Please join with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria following the recent national election.
May God's Mighty Hand strengthen, direct, and guide the good people of Nigeria. May peace and hope sweep this nation and may the Holy Mother of God protect Nigeria within her mantle.
Prior to the election, Bishops of the Catholic Church in Nigeria have called for a sober reflection, prayer and fasting by Nigerians.
"Noting that there is a lot of anxiety in the country, the Bishops declared: “We invite our fellow countrymen and women to turn to God in these trying times. We know that God has shown and continues to show His love and care for us. Let us continue in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in politics, especially those of them who are seeking elective positions.” They added: “And to those our brothers and sisters either already in office or seeking to be elected, we say, be effective witnesses to TRUTH and LIGHT for the common good.”
The call for prayer continues.
Please ask for the intercession of Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi for the benefit of our good brothers and sisters of Nigeria. Blessed Cyprian (1903-1964) was ordained a priest in Nigeria on Dec 19, 1937. He served in several parishes in Nigeria before becoming a Trappist monk at Mount St. Bernard's Abby in England. He died in England in 1964 and his body was returned to Nigeria in 1996. Father Cyprian was declared blessed in 1998 in Nigeria by
Pope John Paul II.
Blessed Cyprian, please pray for us!
Thank you Father Emmanuel for this information.
February 7, 2015
NOVENA FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA
Diocese starts novena for peace in Nigeria following Boko Haram attacks and killing of 2,000 people: Pray with us!
The Diocese of Maiduguri led by its Bishop, Oliver Dashe Doeme has started a nine day novena of prayer for peace. The novena will end and coincide with Nigeria’s presidential and general elections scheduled for 14 February, 2015. Maiduguri Diocese Director of Communications, Fr. Gideon Obasogie has made a passionate appeal calling on all Nigerians and well-wishers all over the world to pray for peace in Nigeria,
“The Diocese of Maiduguri has suffered greatly from terrorist activities of the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram. From the waves of recent attacks, we have seen for ourselves, a group of miscreants, successfully snowball into a sophisticated and ferocious terrorist network capable of pulling down nations. We have come to witness a culture of savagery and bloodletting over the years perpetrated by Boko Haram,” said Fr. Obasogie. He continues to say that the Northeastern part of Nigeria is still experiencing unrelenting large-scale slaughter of innocent civilians. “The mayhem inflicted on helpless citizens is unprecedented and irreparable. Lives have been lost and thousands are now internally displaced or have crossed the border as refugees, while opportunity for growth and progress have been truncated,” Fr. Obasogie explained.
According to Fr. Obasogie the Diocese of Maiduguri is currently faced with the challenge of caring for IDPs. He concluded, “Pray with us!”
(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)
THE OFFICIAL PRAYER FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA
God the Father our creator, God the Son our Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier!
We praise and thank you for the precious gift of Nigeria, which was and still remains a cosmopolitan, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic as well as multi-religious society. Your gift of tolerance, moderation, accommodation and Love for one another were the traits that made great this people and this society.
Sadly though, in recent times, they have been plagued by political, ethnic and religious crises and have suffered the destruction of lives and property. We humbly ask for the gift of reconciliation, that we forgive each other. Heal the wounds with the radiance of your love and mercy. Teach us to live in peace and harmony.
May their leaders be instruments of love, peace, tolerance, social and economic development. Help them to be selfless in service and to lead their people in the path of dialogue and reconciliation, so that they can truly be one family, working for the common good. May dissenting views be a source of harmony and peaceful coexistence! Bless and provide for their youth and help them to be peace loving.
Lord may the weapons of evil, hatred and violence be silenced by love. May we enjoy unity and stability as your children who live, move and have our being in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
O Jesus prince of peace: be merciful, restore permanent peace to the world and, these days especially, to Nigeria, from north to south.
Our Lady Queen of Peace: Obtain for us peace in our hearts, peace in our families, peace in our countries.
Amen
November 2, 2014
October Cease Fire Denied by Boko Haram Leader Girls Not to be Returned
The joy of the news on October 16th has been crushed by the statements this weekend by Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau. In a video released Saturday, Shekau denied any earlier agreement of truce with the Nigerian government. He refuted any intention of the release of the schoolgirls kidknapped in April from Chibok. This is devastating news for the families of these daughters. Shekau contended that the girls had already been married and have converted to Islam.
Perhaps I was naive in my belief that peace had been reached in Nigeria. The violence reported in the days following October 16th were thought to be a delay in the news of the truce agreement reaching militia in the remote areas. Now two weeks later, the violence and series of events speaks to the fact that the truce was not made in good faith. This past weekend, 30 boys and girls were abducted from a village in Northwest Nigeria. This was simply the latest in a long string of kidnappings of which one may never know a true figure.
We must continue to pray for these children, their families, and for a dramatic change that will cause a just negotiations between the parties. We must continue with fervor to join with the Bishops of Nigeria in the final months of their National Novena (Article below).
For unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
Please know as you pray that the violence against Catholics and Christians in Nigeria continues that the faith of these beautiful people increases. In the face of evil, they have chosen God. We must pray that in similar circumstances, we would do the same. Regardless of our differences, we need to join in solidarity with people of faith though out the world. This is a time for prayer and fasting in a spirit of gratitude to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Choose something you can offer for these brothers and sisters as a sacrifice as they stand strong in the face of danger. To see their faces in prayer is to view sanctity. May God sustain them in this time of trial.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Please bring peace to this troubled world. May our acts of prayer and sacrifice be joined with You. May violence cease, wrongs be righted, slaves be freed, and Your Name be sung in union and peace.
Amen
Join with the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria in Prayer!
November's Intention - For unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection
of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS DECLARE SIX MONTHS NATIONAL PRAYER FOR NIGERIA
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has outlined a six-month marathon prayer for all faithful in the country for God’s intervention for the multi-dimensional security and socio-economic plaguing the country, especially the threat to stability and peace as a result of the activities of the nefarious Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalist group, kidnapping and other criminal activities, including corruption.
The programme which is at the instance of the Administrative Board of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) will commence in the month of July with special prayers for the safe release and return of all abducted and kidnapped people in Nigeria, particularly students of Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The six-month programme will end in December with prayers focused on the promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria.
According to a statement titled: A NATIONAL CALL TO PRAYER, signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, President of the Conference and released in Abuja on June 4, all the Bishops, Priests, religious and Lay faithful in the country were called upon to oblige the call with total commitment. The high point of the six month prayer programme is the National Rosary Prayer Pilgrimage to be held at the National Christian (Ecumenical) Centre, Abuja; from the evening of Thursday, November 14 to the morning of Friday, November 15; and to be attended by Bishops and Catholic faithful from all the 55 Archdioceses, dioceses and Vicariates in the country.
The guidelines for prayer in the letter were directed at families, parishes and the national level which comes up in November. Families were encouraged to pray the Rosary together at home every Saturday while parishes are expected to hold a One Hour Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration on the last Sunday of each of the six months, with the bishops’ presiding at the Cathedral Church.
The prayer points for the six month period are as follows: July: for the safe release and return of all abducted and kidnapped people of Nigeria; August: for those who have suffered and are suffering violence because of the crisis in Nigeria and , September; for all security agents who have lost life, limbs and property in the service of dear fatherland. The months of October, November and December are for: unity, peace and good governance in Nigeria; eradication of corruption and promotion of justice in Nigeria and promotion of family values, of the family institution and protection of human life in Nigeria, respectively.
The statement concluded: “In anticipation of your fervent participation, we pray that our merciful God show us His mercy and heal our dear country.”