Cathedraticum 2026: Nsukka Diocese Begins With Grand Celebration At Eha Alumona Deanery

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka on Friday, March 13, 2026, began its annual Cathedraticum in a grand and spiritually uplifting celebration at Eha Alumona Deanery. The event gathered priests, religious, and a large number of the faithful who came together to express their solidarity, love, and support for their chief shepherd, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah.
Cathedraticum, a longstanding tradition in the life of the Church, symbolizes the unity of the faithful with their bishop and their commitment to the mission of the local Church. For the faithful of the Diocese of Nsukka, it is also an opportunity to reaffirm their bond with the bishop who shepherds them in faith and pastoral care.

A Moment of Thanksgiving and Prayer

In his introductory remarks during the liturgical celebration, Bishop Onah lifted his heart in gratitude to God for the many blessings bestowed upon the Diocese of Nsukka. He prayed earnestly for the continued growth of faith among the people of God and invoked God’s choicest blessings upon the priests and faithful of Eha Alumona Deanery.

Shortly before the homily, the bishop observed a cherished diocesan tradition often witnessed during Cathedraticum celebrations in Nsukka. Inviting the faithful to sit, he walked gently among them, extending pastoral blessings and prayers—a deeply symbolic gesture reflecting the shepherd moving among his flock.

Blessings from Rome

Addressing the congregation during his homily, Bishop Onah made a joyful announcement. He revealed that he had returned from Rome only two days earlier.
“Not only because you are the first deanery to host the Cathedraticum this year,” the bishop said with a warm smile, “but also because I just returned from Rome two days ago, you are the first to receive my blessings from the Pope.”
The bishop recounted how he presented the prayers and intentions of the faithful of the Diocese of Nsukka before God while praying at the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. According to him, the Holy Father, Pope Leo, entrusted gifts to the Bishops—rosaries as a reminder to persevere in prayer and a cross as a sign that bishops must faithfully carry their crosses along with him, in union with Christ.

Reflecting on the deeper mystery of the Church, Bishop Onah reminded the faithful that the Church is fundamentally a communion of believers united in one baptism and one faith.
“We are not gathered because we are too holy,” he explained, “but because there is a mystery that leads the Church.”

Call to Repentance and True Worship

Drawing from the readings of the day, particularly the message of the prophet Hosea and the Gospel according to Gospel of Mark, the bishop called on the faithful to return wholeheartedly to God.
“Come back to the Lord your God,” he urged, echoing the prophetic voice of Hosea. “It is your sin that has brought you failure. The Lord our God is one, and you must love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Bishop Onah further reflected on the public ministry of Jesus as narrated in the Gospel. Beginning with Christ’s entry into Jerusalem in Mark chapter 11, he described how Jesus was praised by the crowd but disturbed the political and religious establishment, including figures such as Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate.
The bishop explained that Jesus began his mission in Jerusalem by cleansing the temple, driving out those who had turned worship into commerce.
“Church worship has become business even in our own time,” he warned, drawing a parallel between the events of the Gospel and contemporary realities.

He also reflected on the episode of the cursed fig tree and the growing opposition Jesus faced from the chief priests and scribes who questioned his authority. When they demanded to know the source of his power, Jesus countered by asking them about the authority of John the Baptist—a question they refused to answer.
Their hostility intensified after Jesus narrated the parable of the wicked tenants in Gospel of Mark 12:1–11, a story that exposed the rejection of God’s messengers.
“They wanted to arrest Him,” the bishop noted, “but they feared the crowd. In our own time, however, our government fears no crowd, and so the condition of society worsens.”

Render to Caesar, Render to God

Continuing his reflection, Bishop Onah explained another moment in the Gospel where Jesus was tested on the issue of paying taxes.
When asked whether it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, Jesus responded: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
The bishop clarified that this teaching is often misunderstood.
“The image of Caesar is on the coin,” he explained, “so the coin belongs to Caesar. But the image of God is on man. Therefore, man must offer his life to God.”
He noted that the religious leaders were amazed by Jesus’ wisdom, yet they continued to test Him with further questions, including the famous case of the woman who had married seven men—an attempt to challenge the doctrine of the resurrection.

A Celebration of Faith and Communion

The Cathedraticum celebration at Eha Alumona Deanery was marked by deep faith, vibrant participation, and a strong sense of ecclesial unity. For the priests and faithful present, the event was not only a liturgical celebration but also a visible expression of their communion with their bishop and with the universal Church.
As the Cathedraticum continues across other deaneries of the Diocese of Nsukka, the faithful are expected to gather in similar celebrations of prayer, generosity, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church.
The opening celebration at Eha Alumona has already set a tone of spiritual renewal, reminding the faithful that true worship begins with repentance, fidelity to God, and unity within the Body of Christ