Catholic bishops hold plenary meeting in Edo

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi is set to host the second plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) from August 22 to 30, 2024.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Egielewa noted that this is the first time the Diocese, created in 2003, will be hosting the event.

He added that the meeting aims to bring together over 80 Catholic bishops from Auchi Diocese, also known as Afenmai Land, which consists of six local government areas in Edo State’s Edo North Senatorial District.

“Catholic Diocese of Auchi hosts the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, 2024. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, together with the entire faithful of the Diocese, are set to host the second plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 2024 from 22nd to 30th August 2024,” Egielewa stated.

“The meeting is the first time the Catholic Diocese of Auchi will be hosting the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in its 21-year history after its erection as a Diocese on 22nd February 2003 with Bishop Dunia as its first and current Bishop.”

Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of the Auchi Diocese extended an invitation to the public to participate in the opening Mass on August 25 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the general opening ceremonies at Uyi Grands Hall.

“All Catholic faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, at home and in the Diaspora, as well as friends and well-wishers of the Diocese, are invited to take part in this epoch-making event in welcoming the fathers of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, particularly to the opening Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, on Sunday, 25th August 2024, and the general opening ceremonies at Uyi Grands Hall, Auchi,” Dunia stated.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria is the highest decision-making body of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and holds its plenary meeting twice a year, where matters of the Catholic faith and society are discussed and resolutions in the form of a communique are communicated to the Catholic faithful of Nigeria, leaders of the nation, and Nigerians in general.