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Lord, help us Christians to be salt of the earth and light of the world.

May the blessings of the Lord be upon us, as we put out our hopes in Him.

TRIPLE CELEBRATION IN JALINGO: BISHOP HAMMAWA CREATES NEW PARISH, CONFIRMS 287, WEDS 6 COUPLES

In a celebration of growth and spiritual renewal, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles Michael Hammawa, has Canonically elevated St. Patrick Pastoral Area, Kpanti-Napo, to a full-fledged parish today, June 7, 2026.

​The historic elevation, which took place during a festive Holy Mass, celebrated on the Sunday of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, also saw 287 congregants receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and six couples united in Holy Matrimony.

​Delivering his homily to a packed congregation, Bishop Hammawa emphasized the supreme value of the Holy Eucharist. He opined that eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ provides a deep joy and consolation to human hearts that far surpasses any worldly nourishment.
​"Eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ leads Christians to Christ, and ultimately to eternal life where there is unending happiness and joy," the Bishop stated.

​Turning his attention to the day's sacraments, Bishop Hammawa charged the newly confirmed to stand firm as "responsible soldiers of Christ." He likewise exhorted the newlyweds to love and cherish one another unconditionally until death parts them.

​The formal transition of the pastoral area into a parish was marked by the official reading of the canonical decree. Standing in for the Dean of Our Lady Queen of Peace Deanery (Very Rev. Fr. Greg Nbashi), Rev. Fr. Jainarius Raphael Shonfo presented and read the decree to the faithful. ​According to the decree, Very Rev. Fr. Abel Makong has been officially transferred to St. Patrick Kpanti-Napo to serve as its pioneer Parish Priest.

​Responding to his appointment, Fr. Makong solemnly vowed to care diligently for the souls entrusted to his pastoral charge and to be a listening ear whenever his flock cries out for help. He further pledged his total allegiance to the teachings and Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
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​Earlier in the Mass, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Hyginus Naphtali Bebeh, welcomed the Bishop and visiting dignitaries. Mr. Bebeh noted that the elevation was the fruit of the commitments, sacrifices, and struggles of many dedicated faithful, praying for God’s immense blessings upon them.

​The celebration concluded with a vibrant, beautiful procession of oneness, as various church organizations, pious societies, families, and individuals presented gifts to the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese.

​Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception and generosity, Bishop Hammawa thanked the community for their gifts and prayed to God to replenish their efforts. He ultimately challenged the energized parish to maintain their momentum by working hard to complete all ongoing infrastructural projects in the newly minted parish.

May the Lord be praised in His Church and His people. Amen.

CATHEDRATICUM 2026: JALINGO DEANERY

The Priests, Consecrated Persons, and Lay faithful of Jalingo Deanery rolled out the red carpet on June 6, 2026, to give a grand welcome to the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, Most Rev. Charles Hammawa, on the occasion of the annual Deanery Cathedraticum.

​The colorful event, which drew hundreds of Catholic faithful, was hosted at the Holy Trinity Nyabunkaka Pastoral Area. The Jalingo Deanery comprises six key parishes and pastoral areas: St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Paul Sabon Gari, St. Theresa NTA, St. Joseph Mayo Gwoi, St. Paul Tudun Wada, and the host community, Holy Trinity Nyabunkaka.

​Delivering the welcome address, the Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity Nyabunkaka, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Iorbee, expressed deep appreciation to the Bishop and visiting dignitaries for gracing the pastoral area with their presence. He commended the enthusiasm of the parishioners and urged everyone to participate fully and enjoy the celebration.
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​Centering his Homily on the liturgical readings of the day during the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Hammawa admonished Christians to give back to God unreservedly. He emphasized that true giving must flow from a heart and soul filled with love and joy, rather than out of a sense of grudge or obligation.
​"Givers never lack," the Prelate reminded the congregation, urging believers to generously commit their "time, talents, and treasure" to the service of God and humanity without complaints.

​Speaking toward the end of the celebration, the Dean of Jalingo Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Mario Gashi, extended a vote of thanks to Bishop Hammawa for his fatherly visit and spiritual leadership. Fr. Gashi invoked God’s abundant blessings upon the Bishop and praised the faithful of the deanery for turning out in impressive numbers to support the diocese.

​The event concluded with a vibrant presentation of gifts to the Bishop by various church organizations, pious societies, and sodalities. Deeply moved by the gesture, Bishop Hammawa thanked the congregation for their unwavering support and offered prayers, asking God to replenish the coffers of all who donated willingly toward the growth of the Church.

May God be praised in His Church and His people. Amen.