Warri Diocese Declares Jubilee Year

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has unveiled series of programmes lined up to celebrate its 50 years of existence in Warri, just as it has also announced that it will be hosting the Nuncio of the Pope as part of the celebration.

The Bishop of Catholic Diocese, Warri, Most Rev. Dr. Oke’Oghene Afareha revealed the yearlong celebration at a press briefing with journalists in Warri.

According to the Bishop, the Golden Jubilee Celebration will be kick-started on the 10th of March 2014 with Masses offered for intention of the Diocese in every Parish, and it will end in February, 2015 with a grand finale at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri.

Bishop Afareha used the opportunity to invite all Christ Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the entire people of Delta State and beyond to journey with them in the celebration of the Jubilee Year as they celebrate the wonderful works of God in their midst.

Bishop Afareha said the Golden Jubilee was worth celebrating because for the past 50 years, the Warri Diocese has spread across Delta State, winning souls for Christ, matured and have stayed united with the five ethnic groups in the state.

He said that despite the various challenges faced by the Diocese, it has been able to ensure that God’s message had helped the people of the Diocese to develop their spiritual life through spreading of the word of God.

He said; “The month of April, 2014 will witness the entire Diocese gathering at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kwale for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. In May, 2014 tere will cultural fiesta at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli. During this celebration, there will be displays of the rich culture of the 5 ethnic groups within the diocese and all other of our brothers and sisters living with us in the Diocese.”

“In the month of June the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic church, Ugborikoko. In July 2014 there will be a Choral Presentation at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ekurede Itsekiri. In August, the Sacrament of Matrimony will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sapele for those who have not blessed their marriages,” it added.

The Bishop of Wari Dioceses added; “In the month of September, there will be a symposium – The Catholic Diocese of Warri at 50. This will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, Oleh, and the Hosting of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria Plenary. The month of October, the Diocese will embark on a pilgrimage of the Our Lady of the Visitation Centre at Oleri.”

“In the month of October, there will be the celebration of Sacrament of the Holy Orders at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri. In December 2014, the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Aragba-Orogun. In January 2015, there will be a sport fiesta at St. Enda’s, Agbarho,” he added.