By Olivia Obijiaku
Clergy, religious and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria have been implored to thank God for His benevolence and to trust Him, despite the harsh realities embracing them, in the country, Nigeria. Recalling that some people who had plans for the year and for the Easter celebration are no more, the Chief Shepherd of the diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh in his Easter message of 2026, titled, ‘Peace Be With You (John 20:19)’ told them that the Gospel calls them to truth, which demands courage for, ‘you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32)’
“In the midst of the many challenges facing our country, fear, insecurity, hardship, and uncertainty, Easter calls us to a deep spirit of gratitude. Being alive to witness this Easter is not by our strength but by God’s grace. Many had plans for this day, but are no longer with us; yet God has preserved us. Therefore, even in difficulty, we must give thanks, trusting that God who raised Jesus from the dead is still at work in our lives and in our nation.”
His Lordship asserted that Easter invites them to embrace gratitude to God, intimating that peace, does not mask the reality of difficulties, but exhibits the assurance of the Presence of God in such times. He then charged them to become agents of hope to others, so as to propagate the message of the Resurrection, with its accompanying light that dispels every darkness.
“Let us then, celebrate this Easter not only with joy but with renewed faith and hope. Christ greets us as He greeted His disciples, ‘Peace be with you’ (John 20:19). This peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of many troubles and challenges. As we thank Him for the gift of life, may we also become instruments of hope to others, bearing witness that Christ is truly risen and that His resurrection continues to bring light into our darkest situations.”
The bishop had earlier on, while delivering the homily at the Chrism Mass, which was celebrated in Christ the King Catholic Cathedral (CKCC), Sabon Gari, Zaria, Thursday, April 2, 2026 taught that the Oils of the Sick, of Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism are not mere symbols, but profound spiritual instruments of grace, through which Christ continues to heal, strengthen, consecrate and save His people. He called on the priest to remain in Christ, so that they can preach Him to others.
“Every time we anoint the sick, baptize a child, confirm a young person, or ordain a priest, we are reminded that it is Christ Himself who solemnly acts through us. Before we, as priests specially called for this ministry, can anoint others, we must strongly remain rooted in the One who calls and anoints us. Before we can carry Christ to others, we must constantly have Him with us in order to carry Him to others.”
Of Holy Thursday, he explained that day goes beyond the commemoration of Last Supper, but also a moment of new life and new personality in Christ, who has called them to emulate and to exhibit His way of life of love, self-giving, as well as being another Christ, for the sanctification of souls and the betterment of humanity.
“Holy Thursday is far more than a remembrance of the Last Supper. It is a sacred hour of our own birth in Christ, our birthday, the moment when the Lord bound together the Eucharist and the priesthood in the mystery of love. He was not only entrusting us with a ritual to perform, but inviting us into a way of life, to become poured out, men broken and shared, men whose entire existence reflects His sacrificial love. In giving His Body and Blood, He was also shaping our identity, calling us to mirror His self-emptying for the life of the world.”
Bishop Daboh thanked the priests for collaborating with him, despite the insecurity, economic challenges, and emotional and pastoral burdens. He reminded them that the renewal of their vows is a powerful proclamation to those they serve. He also thanked the lay faithful for praying and supporting them, soliciting that they continue to do same and more.
