By Samson Adeyanju
Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza emphasized the church’s role as a prophetic voice for social justice during the opening of the 2024 General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Yola. The assembly, held at Saint Theresa Cathedral Jimeta, focused on the theme, “Mobilizing Pastoral Agents for Structural and Human Development in Yola Diocese.”
In his address, Bishop Mamza called on priests, religious, and laity to not only meet the spiritual needs of their community but also to foster holistic development encompassing spiritual, social, and economic aspects. He highlighted the importance of the assembly in bringing together church leaders to discuss and develop a pastoral plan to guide the diocese in the coming years.
“The role of pastoral agents in the modern church is crucial,” Bishop Mamza stated, describing them as the lifeblood of the church’s mission and the hands and feet of Christ in reaching diverse community needs. He stressed the need for continuous training and professional development to equip pastoral agents with the skills necessary to address contemporary challenges effectively.
Bishop Mamza identified human development as central to the Christian mission, underscoring the church’s commitment to nurturing individuals spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. He noted that education is a cornerstone of human development, advocating for the establishment and support of schools to empower individuals and transform communities.
The Bishop urged active participation from the assembly’s
attendees, emphasizing the collective effort needed to build a church that promotes justice, compassion, and sustainable development in society.
In his welcome address, Vicar General Pastoral, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mathias noted the attendance of representatives from 39 parishes and pastoral heads within the diocese. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the assembly to develop a six-year strategic plan that will support the church’s growth and mission.
Facilitator Sir John Danboyi presented on strategic development planning, highlighting the importance of core values and organizational assessments. He pointed out that the real challenge lies in the implementation of strategic plans. Participants Mrs. Josephine Odiniya and Mr. Justine Madugu described the general assembly as timely, providing an opportunity to discuss critical issues that will advance the church’s development.
