By Olivia Obijiaku
The Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh has lauded the clergy and lay faithful of Good Shepherd Parish, Graceland, Zaria for the love he felt among them, during his first pastoral visit to the parish on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The bishop who reflected on the day’s Gospel reading on ‘Love one another as I have loved you,’ also canvassed for love of people outside one’s ethnic groups, reminding them that Jesus commanded them to love all, including those outside their tribal cycles.
“I want to proudly say that I see genuine love in Good Shepherd Parish.” The chief shepherd acknowledged. “When I came here yesterday, it was amazing and surprising. It was shocking to me. I could touch love with my hands yesterday. I could embrace it. I see genuine love among you. Ensure that love keeps you together. Let your love transcend and transform you and your neighbourhood. Let your love speak for you.”
“I want to encourage you, let your love come from your hearts. Let it go beyond boundaries. Do not say, ‘She is not from my place. We are not of the same tribe.’ No, we all are created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus did not say, ‘you must love that tribe and hate the other. No, He said, ‘You must love one another. It is a very strong commandment. So, if Jesus gave His life because of us, what can we do for those in need? What can you do to show that you love one another?”
Congratulating them for the celebration of the parish 10th anniversary, the previous Sunday – the Good Shepherd Sunday, his lordship prayed that God may continue to keep them united; strengthen their love for one other; and keep, guide and protect them.
Good Shepherd Parish Graceland, Zaria, started between 2012 and 2013, as a worship community with 10 families of about 30 members. It became a Quasi Parish in 2015 under the leadership of the current Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev Fr. Pius Michael Kagarko, who has also been its Parish Priest.
Under Fr. Kagarko’s care, the parish has become one of the fastest growing parishes in the diocese. With its current population of about 1000 members, the parish is working tirelessly towards the completion of its permanent site, so that it may relocate from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Centre, Graceland, where it dwells temporally.
