“Our individual and collective successful accomplishments brought us all the desired results,” the Nigerian member of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF/Claretian Missionaries) says, and adds, “But it’s good to know that there are more demands that have to be taken by one and all to achieve our goals.”
In his New Year 2026 message, he underscores the call to personal transformation rooted in the Gospel. Drawing attention to the Christian understanding of conversion and sanctity, he emphasizes that growth in faith is not a one-time event.
“Worthy of note is the fact that ‘conversion is the matter of a moment and that holiness is the work of a lifetime,’” he says, offering a spiritual compass for the people of God navigating the challenges of daily life.
The Catholic Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in October 2014 as Coadjutor Bishop of Makurdi Diocese situates the call to conversion within the broader reality of Nigeria’s social and moral struggles, inviting the people of God in the West African nation to allow Christ’s presence to illuminate personal and national darkness.
“We have seen Christ the light that comes into the world, the light that shines through the darkness of our hearts to reveal the hidden truths and dark moments of our lives and our country Nigeria,” he testifies.
From this encounter with Christ, Bishop Anagbe challenges believers to become witnesses of hope, saying, “Let us become light for those around us.”
In his reflection that speaks not only to Catholics in Makurdi Diocese but also to the wider Church in Africa and beyond, where communities often confront insecurity, poverty, and uncertainty, he makes a prayerful exhortation that underscores a refusal to allow sin or despair to have the final word.
He prays, “May no form of darkness – my sins or those of others – overpower this light.”
On the celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Bishop Anagbe turns the gaze of the people of God to the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of discipleship and perseverance.
In words that resonate with Catholics worldwide who look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a guide in moments of trial and decision, he invokes her maternal intercession, praying, “May her love bind us to her Son’s Cross; may we not lack the faith, nor the courage, nor the daring to carry out the will of Jesus in our lives.”
