At Launch of Silver Jubilee Celebration of Nigerian Diocese, Catholic Bishop Urges “work toward healing, rebuilding”

Lafia, 12 December, 2025 / 6:48 PM

Bishop David Ajang of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Lafia has called on the people of God in his Episcopal See to intentionally work toward healing, rebuilding, and renewed commitment to the Christian faith as the Diocese marks the 25th anniversary of its establishment.

Speaking to ACI Africa on the sidelines of the launch of the year-long Silver Jubilee celebrations, Bishop Ajang said reconciliation and renewal should be at the heart of the commemorations, which will culminate in November 2026.

“Every family, parish, and community must work toward healing and rebuilding,” he said during the Wednesday, December 10 interview, and added, “In this jubilee year, I call on spouses to reconcile with one another, parents to reconcile with their children, and siblings to reconcile among themselves.”

Bishop Ajang noted that even within the Church, Bishops and Priests, as well as members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) often stand in need reconciliation to restore unity.

“Renewal calls us to return to who we were meant to be. It calls us to recover our identity as God’s children,” he explained. 

Looking back at 25 years of the Diocese of Lafia, the Catholic Church leader emphasized that the anniversary is more than a commemoration of time; it is a testimony to God’s transformative work. 

He linked the growth of the Diocese to early evangelization efforts by missionaries, saying, “Their message took root; people listened, accepted the faith, and became Christians. Once the message entered the hearts of the people, transformation followed.”

Bishop Ajang, who chairs the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), said the Diocese of Lafia has grown in the same pattern, beginning with a few Catholics and expanding into a vibrant Church community. 

At its creation, the Diocese had two deaneries and thirteen Parishes. 

“Today, we have seven deaneries and fifty-nine Parishes and mission stations,” he said. 

He added that the Diocese, which started with seven indigenous Priests, now has more than 120 Priests.

“This type of growth, in just twenty-five years, is nothing short of phenomenal,” Bishop Ajang said.

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop also reflected on the major infrastructural developments in his Episcopal See, including the new Cathedral, the Bishop’s residence, and the nearly completed Diocesan secretariat.

He said the only major project still pending is a pastoral centre. 

“As part of my fourth episcopal anniversary, I conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new pastoral centre,” he explained. 

Construction, however, is delayed as the Diocese awaits approval from the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board. 

“Once the approval comes, we will commence without delay,” he assured.

Bishop Ajang urged Catholics to prepare for a spiritually enriching experience during the year-long jubilee celebrations.

“This is going to be an extraordinary year—one filled with grace, renewal, and celebration,” he said. 

He called on all Catholics to walk together, pray together, build together, and renew their commitment to handing on a vibrant faith. 

“The next twenty-five years depend on what we do now,” Bishop Ajang said.