By Olivia Obijiaku
Members of St Jude Igbo Catholic Community of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria celebrated the 25th anniversary of the existence of the association.
The Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Igbo Language by the Chaplain of St. Jude Igbo Catholic Community, Archdiocese of Kaduna, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Okelue, who led the congregation to thank God, for how far He has led and brought them, praying for more progressive years ahead.
The celebration which took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Center, Graceland Zaria, on Sunday, 27th September, 2026, featured the 50 million naira fundraising for the purchase of evangelization bus.
The celebrant revealed that the association bears the same name: St Jude Igbo Catholic Community, across the archdiocese and dioceses of Kaduna, Kafanchan, Kano and Zaria, owing to the special connection Ndigbo have with the saint, an apostle of Jesus, who is also revered and invoked worldwide for intervening in hopeless and helpless causes.
He cited instances where those who sought the intercession of the saint received positive results. Detailing that after the Biafra War, Ndigbo started from the scratch, including those who moved to North-West of the country, the clergyman narrated how those in Kaduna also found it very difficult to carve a niche and God pulled them out of their quagmires.
Fr. Okelue recounted, “According to history, after the Biafra war, many of our people came here from the East, with little support. When they came to Kaduna, especially around St Joseph Cathedral, things were very difficult for them. But they did not know that a priest, Fr. Dennis Bingham, who gave me the First Holy Communion, was watching them. When he saw how our people were suffering, he called them and advised them to come close to St Jude because he helps those who are helpless and hopeless.”
“That was how St Jude started at St Joseph Cathedral, as far as that time. It united the Igbos. We loved ourselves and did things together. Gradually, things became better and today, the story is different. It then means that we drank from the same breasts – St Jude Kaduna archdiocese; St Jude, Kafanchan diocese; St Jude, Kano diocese; and St Jude, Zaria diocese. Then we were all under Kaduna archdiocese. So, St Jude is like a brother to us. Apart from the fact that he is invoked globally, we are specially connected to him.”
On the way forward, Fr. Okelue told them to shun selfishness and work together for the good and progress of the association and one another. He pointed to love, unity, and forgiveness as the vital ingredients, needed for more and more testimonies and blessings. He then prayed for progress; healing for the sick; long life; and good health for members.
The Mass was concelebrated by the Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Kagarko, who also represented the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiaknoaboi Daboh; Rev. Frs. Peter Ogwuche (Diocesan Chaplain); Dr. Isaac Agu; Christoper James; and Kelvin Okoli. It also had Catholic and non-Catholic participants from far and near.
The occasion was chaired by Barr. John Igwe, who explained that the decision to purchase a bus is a direct way of fueling the machinery of the Gospel and ensuring that St. Jude, their Patron Saint, continues to thrive in their midst. He then solicited generous support, out of the love of God and the community, led by Chief Fabian Ezemah.
According to the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Chief Uzoma J. Ogoke. the jubilee afforded them the opportunity of appreciating the efforts and sacrifices of their leaders and members, who served the community meritoriously, as well as those, who supported them through the years. Resultantly, awards of recognition were presented to three categories of awardees, namely: Defenders of the Faith; Pillar of Support; and Friends of Ndigbo.
