News & Events

One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my life.

News & Events

1. Obituary

We announce with great pain, the death of Very Rev. Fr. Ambrose Alumiasunya. This occurred this afternoon at the Federal Specialist Hospital, Irrua. Other information will be communicated in due course.   Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie Auchi Diocesan Chancellor 17/08/2022 "... Read More

2. Tears In Auchi As Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia Is Laid To Rest

Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe who was abducted at his rectory in Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria on the 26th of June, 2022 and was later murdered by his abductors on the same day, has been laid to rest at the Auchi Diocesan Priests' cemetery located at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivianokpodi yesterday 8th July, 2022. The burial rites began with a wake keep Masses held on Thursday 7th July, 2022 at the Cathedral at 5:00pm, 9:00pm and 6:00am on Friday morning. The three Masses were celebrated by Rev. Frs. Gregory Ogbenika, Sylvester Attashie and Valentine Anaweokhai respectively assisted by a good number of Priests present.  ... Read More

3. Bishop Dunia Dedicates St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Ogbona

              The church building of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, on Saturday 25th July, 2022 was dedicated by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia following the completion of all major renovations in the church edifice.             The dedication ceremony which took place at the celebration of the Mass of dedication presided over by the Bishop, was graced by a good number of Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, knights and ladies of the church, lay faithful and indigenes of Ogbona community both h... Read More

4. Catholic Diocese of Auchi, 26th June, 2022

With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June, 2022 at about 6:30am in his rectory while coming out o go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State. Until his death, Fr. Odia was the Administrator of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School, Jattu. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace. Amen. Burial arrangements will be announced by the diocese later.   Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa Director of So... Read More

5. Auchi Diocesan CWON Celebrates Mother’s Day

            Immaculate Conception Cathedral was filled to the brim as Catholic Women Organization, Auchi Diocesan Chapter, gathered to celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day themed "The Catholic Woman: TheHeart of the Home"and to launch their project "Morning Star Mega Gas Plant".             The celebration started with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Callistus Ikhane; the C.W.O Chaplain, Rev. Fr. John Aligamhe; Cathedral Administrator and his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Francis Umeh.In the homily, Fr. Ikhane congratulated the... Read More

6. Bishop Dunia Ordains Seven New Priests For Auchi Diocese
… Charges New Priests To Be Of Good Service To The Church

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, has recently ordained seven Deacons as Priests for the diocese after fulfilling all necessary canonical requirements. This solemn ceremony which took place at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, was graced by Priests, Religious, and Parishioners from within and outside the diocese, as well as friends, well-wishers; including the wife of the deputy Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Marian Shaibu, and family members of the Ordinands, who came in their numbers to felicitate with the newly ordained and witness another priestly ordination in the diocese since 2019. ... Read More

7. HUMAN FRATERNITY: PATH TO BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN NIGERIA

A Communiqué issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Resource Centre, Durumi, Abuja, 5 – 11 March 2022. 1. PREAMBLE We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the year at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Resource Centre, Durumi, Abuja, from 5 – 11 March 2022. Having prayerfully reflected on issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian State, we now issue this Communiqué. 2. WE ALL ARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS On 4 February 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmad Al... Read More

8. Bishop Dunia Marks 31st Priestly Ordination Anniversary at Auchi

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In gratitude to God for the gift of the Priesthood, The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia has solemnly marked his 31st Priestly ordination anniversary in his residence at the Bishop's Court, Waterboard, Auchi recently. The event was kicked started with the celebration of the Holy Mass in the house Chapel with the Bishop as the Chief Celebrant, assisted by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie and the Bishop's Secretary, Rev. Fr. Peter Balogun. At the beginning of the Mass, the Bishop expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and ministry, praying God to grant eternal repose to the souls of his deceased classmates and g... Read More

9. Bishop Dunia Marks 31st Priestly Ordination Anniversary at Auchi

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In gratitude to God for the gift of the Priesthood, The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia has solemnly marked his 31st Priestly ordination anniversary in his residence at the Bishop's Court, Waterboard, Auchi recently. The event was kicked started with the celebration of the Holy Mass in the house Chapel with the Bishop as the Chief Celebrant, assisted by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie and the Bishop's Secretary, Rev. Fr. Peter Balogun. At the beginning of the Mass, the Bishop expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and ministry, praying God to grant eternal repose to the souls of his deceased classmates and g... Read More

10. Bishop Dunia Inaugurates Okhashie As Mass Centre

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The joy of St. Bonaventure, Catholic Church, Okhashie-Okpella parishioners and the entire community knew no bounds as their Church, which was once an outstation of St. Vincent Catholic Church, Okugbe-Okpella, was raised to the status of a Mass Centre recently by His Lordship, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese after a period of 72 years of the Church's existence. Delivering the welcome address, the Laity Chairman, Mr. Saliu Thaddeus assured the new Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Ambrose Alumiasunya of their total support and cooperation in enhancing the growth and development of the new Mass Centre. Meanwhile, a huge crowd gathered at the Church prem... Read More

11. Diocese of Auchi Marks 54th World Communications Day At Bishop's Residence

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In commemoration of the yearly World Communications Day celebration, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has recently celebrated the 54th World Communications Day based on the theme "That You May Tell Your Children And Grandchildren (Ex10:2) Life becomes History" at the Bishop's Residence in Waterboard, Auchi Edo State. The event featured the Holy Mass which was celebrated by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, Children Speeches which included a poem and write-up delivered after the Mass on Coronavirus (Covid-19 pandemic) awareness, Short Press Briefing by the Bishop after the Mass and a talk which was centred on "Parents and Supervi... Read More

12. Auchi Diocesan Priest Becomes First Nigerian Priest To Bag a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture at the Biblicum

The news filtered out in the late hours of Monday, 24th May, 2021, of the successful doctoral defense in Sacred Scripture by Reverend Father Stan-William Oshiozekhai Ede at the prestigious Pontificium Institutum Biblicum, Rome. The defense that was described as seamless by some Priests who were in attendance makes Fr Stan- William the First Nigerian Priest to obtain a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture at the Biblicum, abbreviated as SSD, and the second Nigerian to reach this feat after Sr. Mary Jerome Obiorah of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation in the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Fr Stan-William had his Seminary formation at the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele Ekpoma, where he ... Read More

13. Notification

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This is to inform our dear faithful that THE PROMISE Newspaper has officially resumed from the lockdown and will publish for July, 2020 Edition. Please take note and thank you for your usual cooperation.... Read More

14. Notice! Notice! Notice!

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This is to inform our dear faithful and customers that THE PROMISE Newspaper will not be published for the Month of April due to the coronavirus pandemic which has altered the usual arrangement. Thanks for your understanding.... Read More

15. St. Andrew Apana Erected As Parish

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The joy of the people of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Apana and the entire Apana community knew no bounds as their Mass Centre was raised to the status of a Parish recently by His Lordship, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi after a period of a hundred and one (101) years of the Church's existence. The event which attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life included the most elderly person in Apana community, Pa Isaac Oshiokhamhele. The ceremony began with a Holy Mass which was celebrated by the Bishop and assisted by a host of Priests and Religious. In his homily, the Chief Shepherd informed all that for one to achieve grea... Read More

16. Auchi Diocese Loses Vicar General

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Christ's Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi was recently thrown into mourning as they recently lost the Diocesan Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Osese Bossey who died on Tuesday 24th December, 2019 after a brief illness. Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Osese Bossey who was born in 1954 and ordained 15th March, 1980 was until his death, resident at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Igarra where he also served as the Parish Priest for many years. As a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, he also worked in other parishes such as Church of the Assumption, Udaba and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Agenebode. The deceased who is well acclaimed for his pastoral zeal as an education... Read More

17. Bishop\'s Brother, Yakubu Dunia Is a Laid To Rest At Imiegba

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Mr. Yakubu Dunia, the elder brother of the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, has been laid to rest at his home town in Imiegba. At the commencement of the burial ceremony, the corpse of Mr. Yakubu Dunia was received at the family house where he was paid his last respect and thereafter, the remains were taken to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Imiegba for the Funeral Mass before the interment, as the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Gerald Ugo welcomed all present. In his homily at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Callistus Ikhane speaking on the mysteries of death and life, said that people refuse to talk about death but do not understand that the more one fails to ta... Read More

18. Holy Rosary, Uzairue Celebrates 100 Years of Christianity

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In thanksgiving to God for the establishment of Christianity in their domain, the communities of Afowa/Affashio Uzairue have celebrated the centenary of the advent of Catholicism at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Uzairue. Delivering his homily at the Mass, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia who greeted and thanked all present for creating time out of the their busy schedules, told them that the theme of the celebration is “Never Forget the Great Deeds of the Lord”. He urged all to continue to serve God appropriately, thanking Him for what He has done in their lives from one generation to another. He said as Christians, they should end... Read More

19. Diocesan CWO Celebrates Mothers at the Cathedral

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Members of the Diocesan Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria, (CWO) Auchi Diocese, have celebrated the gift of motherhood in thanksgiving to God for his blessings in the lives and apostolate. In his homily at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Martins Enegbuma who welcomed all dignitaries and the DACWO women to the celebration, noted that where there is no woman, there can be no nation. He congratulated the women for their efforts in making the program a success and noted that they should expunge fear as women are more prone to it, especially these days where insecurity reigns supreme in the country. He added that in the words of Jesus, they should not be afraid, but rather, they should focus on God a... Read More

20. Bishop Dunia Ordains Ten Deacons

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His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia has ordained Ten Deacons for the Diocese of Auchi, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi. They were Reverends Anazor Romanus, Anyawu Emmanuel, Daniel Evbotokhai, Igiehha Chinoye, Ikechukwu Amos, Okochukwu Peter, Okong Philip, Osu Tunde, Ugorgi Chigozi and Ubesinachi Francis. Delivering the homily at the Mass, Bishop Dunia who welcomed all present to the event noted that everyone is present at the Mass as a result of the Diaconate Ordination of their Sons. He further admonished the Lay faithful to always listen to the Holy Spirit so as to reap the benefits of Divine Mercy as the day was the celebration of the feast of Divine Mercy.... Read More

21. Auchi Diocese Marks 15th Anniversary, Bishop Dunia Clocks 15 years as Bishop

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The joy of Christ’s faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, knew no bounds as the Diocese marked her 15th Canonical Erection and the Episcopal Ordination of the Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia on Saturday, 7th April, 2018. At the Mass of thanksgiving, the Bishop gave the opening remark and welcomed all to the occasion. Rev. Fr. Francis Ikhianosimhe who delivered the homily, welcomed priests, lay faithful and invited guests to the celebration. He noted that there is need to keep giving thanks to God for all He has done and while doing this, there is need to reflect on how the Diocese started many years ago with few Parishes/Mass Centres, with the Bishop whom God ordained exact... Read More

22. Diocesan Rosary Carnival Holds at Sabogidda-Ora

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The 2013 Catholic Diocese of Auchi Rosary Carnival, has taken place at St. Theresa Catholic Church Sabogidda-Ora, an Out Station of St. Joseph Parish Eme-Ora. Delivering the homily at the closing Mass, the Bishop of the Diocese Most Rev. (Dr) Gabriel G. Dunia who noted that the event was to enable faithful and all present reflect on the role of Mother Mary in the Church, pointed out that the occasion was an important one among the events in the Diocese, and stressed that as the Mother of the Church, Mary is the Mother of God, because Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, adding that all Christians as His body. Continuing, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, pointed out that Mother M... Read More

23. Auchi Diocese Mark 10th Anniversary

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It was a gathering of Priests, Religious, lay faithful, friends, Sons and Daughters of Auchi Diocese at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, as Catholic Diocese of Auchi was agog on the occasion of 10th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of the Bishop, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia and the formal inauguration of the Diocese. Appreciating all present for coming to celebrate with the Diocese, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia prayed God to continue to give to all the gift of faith, no matter the pressure, to enable the diocese succeed, noting that God had prepared consecrated men and women for the salvation of souls and prayed God to remove from H... Read More

24. Auchi Diocese Holds Eucharistic Congress At Pastoral Centre

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As part of the activities to mark the year of faith as directed by the Vatican, the Catholic diocese of Auchi has held their 2012 two days Eucharistic congress at the Diocesan pastoral centre, Sabo Iyakpi. In his homily titled “the Eucharist makes a whole not a part”, the bishop of the diocese most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia who noted that Catholics are the luckiest for having the Eucharist, stressed that the event was an opportunity for faithful to hear, understand, receive and treasure the gift God has given to them through His son Jesus Christ, adding that Catholics should be happy that they are part of the reception of the body and blood of Christ. Continuing, th... Read More

25. Resettlement Of Victims Is Not An Easy Task - Fr. Oghiator ... As Fr. Okhifo Solicits For More Assistance for victims

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As the flood that hit over seven communities in Etsako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of Edo State is gradually receding, the parish Administrator of Assumption parish, Udaba, Rev. Fr. Godswill Oghiator, has reiterated that resettlement of victims after the flood is not an easy task, stressing that the flood has destroyed property worth millions of Naira including farmlands. He disclosed this to THE PROMISE NEWSPAPER crew at the parish house in Udaba, when the team of journalists visited the area. Continuing, Fr. Oghiator who appreciated God for protecting the lives of all the people in Udaba community during the flood, said that he has not experienced the... Read More

26. Bishop Dunia Ordains Eight Deacons

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The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia has ordained eight deacons for the Diocese at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi. They were: Adoghamhe Reginald, Attashie Sylvester, Odia Christopher, Anavhe Thomas, Okodugha Kingsley, Onimhawo Gregory, Osikwemhe Simon and Oregbemhe Aloysious. Delivering his homily at the mass which coincided with Divine Mercy Sunday, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese who noted that the mercy of God is also known as the love of God that is inestimable, stressed that the inestimable love of God for mankind was revealed in many passages of the Bible, adding that it is God's will to shower mercy upon His creation and pointed... Read More

27. BEPCWO Celebrates Anniversary At Abraka

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The Benin Ecclesiastical Province of the Catholic Women Organization, (BEPCWO) has recently celebrated their 18th anniversary at Abraka, Delta State. Delivering his homily at the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Mark Ikeke who congratulated BEPCWO members on their 18th anniversary, noted that Mother Mary's Aparition in Lordes to Benedicta has become an important feast in the city of Lordes, stressing that with the help of Mother Mary, the life of the little girl became transformed as well as the city of Lordes which he added is now a pilgrimage site. He assured all present that with the intercession of Mother Mary, their lives would be transformed just as the li... Read More

28. Bishop Dunia Marks Episcopal Ordination Thanksgiving

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The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia, has marked his 9th Episcopal ordination anniversary thanksgiving at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi. Delivering his homily at the mass which coincided with Ash Wednesday, the bishop who noted that lent is a period in which faithful are expected to pray, fast and give alms to the poor around them, stressed that Catholics are also expected to give themselves totally to God, adding that it is only in doing so that they would become useful to God and themselves. Continuing, the chief shepherd of the diocese enjoined all present to see the period of lent as an opportunity to have a personal retreat a... Read More

29. Bishop Dunia Visits Sobe Parish

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The Catholic community of St Thomas Moore Parish, Sobe was agog recently, as the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia, paid a three day pastoral visit to the parish. The Bishop who was received by parishioners from Sobe, Uzebba, Avbiosi and Okpuse led by the parish administrator Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Anselm Jimo, appreciated the faithful for their love and prayed God to bless them all. Delivering the homily at the Eucharistic celebration to conclude the visit, the Bishop charged the faithful to depend on the grace and love of God, stressing that as soldiers of Christ, they should be ready to defend their faith at all times no matter the condition th... Read More

DAILY MASS READINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Burial Rite For Late Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia

Date: 2022-07-07 - 2022-07-08

The Burial Rite for late Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe comes up this week as follows: WAKE KEEP: 5:00PM, 9:00PM & 6:00AM on Thursday 7th July, 2022 @ Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi FUNERAL MASS: 10:00AM on Friday 8th July, 2022 @ Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi

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About Us

logoThe Diocese history of Auchi dates back to the latter part of the 19th century when the first Roman Catholic Missionaries arrived at Agenebode in the present Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Although, evidences abound of earlier contacts of the Christian missionaries with the indigenes of Agenebode and environs, the officially recorded date for this is 1884 when catholic priests started visiting Agenebode and environs from their then headquarters in Lokoja.

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    Auchi, Edo State.