Nigerian Catholic Diocese Witnessing “triumph of faith over fear”, Bishop Hails Resilience amid Protracted Persecution

He said large crowds still attend Diocesan events in Maiduguri, describing the participation of the people of God in public liturgical celebrations as a visible testimony of faith. “Despite pain and hardship, the people of God still trust in divine protection,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Maiduguri, who was invited to Makurdi Diocese to speak on Marian devotion told ACI Africa that consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Five First Saturdays Devotion are “powerful spiritual weapons for our time.”

He explained that consecration means surrendering oneself, a family, or a nation to Jesus through Mary. “When one consecrates oneself to Mary, it involves renunciation of sin, repentance, and a renewal of life. It can be done at personal, Parish, Diocesan, or national levels,” Bishop Dashe said.

He continued, “Our Mother strengthens us on our journey of faith, but this happens only when we maintain a deep relationship with her.”

The 64-year-old Nigerian Bishop went on to recount how his Episcopal See, consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary fourteen years ago, has witnessed “countless miracles” despite 16 years of insurgency.

“The very fact that I stand here today, alive and still shepherding my flock, is itself a miracle. In all these years, no Priest of our Diocese has been killed. That alone is divine intervention,” he said.

The Bishop of Maiduguri since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2009 also recalled how a Priest captured by Boko Haram was freed after Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

“On the fifth day, that Priest returned alive and free with eight other captives who escaped with him. They trekked for 19 hours and were never pursued. That was Our Lady at work,” he recounted.

Another Priest, he said, was released from captivity after three rounds of Novenas, alongside ten Muslim women.

“During captivity, he refused to renounce his faith. Instead of harming him, his abductors treated him kindly,” Bishop Dashe recounted.

He said such events have drawn more people to the Catholic Church and affirmed, “Despite the crisis, our Catholic population continues to grow. People are returning because they see what faith and prayer can accomplish.”

According to Bishop Dashe, consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary is “the easiest, fastest, and safest way to Jesus.”

For him, consecration and reparation are “twin devotions that go hand in hand.”

Bishop Dashe encouraged Catholics in Nigerian Dioceses, Parishes, and families to embrace and foster Marian devotions.

“Every Diocese should be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and it should go down to the level of Parishes and families, each home can consecrate itself, and these acts can be renewed monthly,” he appealed during the interview on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

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Bishop Dashe also encouraged Catholics to form Marian prayer groups and to practice the Five First Saturdays devotion in community settings.

In the interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Dashe had a message of hope for Nigerians. He said, “Yes, we are going through difficult times, but we must never lose focus. The Blessed Virgin Mary is with us, and her intercession has never failed, and it will heal our nation, Nigeria.”

Referring to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Nigerian Catholic Bishop testified, “I have seen what she has done for us in Maiduguri, and I am convinced she will do even greater things for our nation.”

“Let us deepen our Marian devotion, pray the rosary daily, and live lives of faith, charity, and purity. Where Mary is honored, Jesus reigns,” Bishop Dashe appealed.