By Jessica John Bakari
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, has called on members of the Church to recognize their God-given gifts and use them for the growth of the Body of Christ.
Bishop Mamza made the call while declaring open the Annual Diocesan Pastoral Council General Assembly at St. Peter Seminary Pastoral Centre, Jimeta.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, the Bishop said the gathering is aimed at strengthening collaboration among the clergy, religious, and lay faithful. He urged participants to overcome divisions, misunderstandings, and personal preferences that could hinder the Church’s common mission.
He encouraged the lay faithful to promote mutual respect, active listening, shared responsibility, and leadership modeled after the example of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Mamza noted that as the Diocese reflects on current challenges—including insecurity, displacement of families, poverty, youth unemployment, and preparations to host the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in 2027—there is a greater need for deeper evangelization and unity among the faithful.
He called on members of the Diocese to build on the diverse gifts God has bestowed on them by working together and valuing the contribution of every member, stressing that such collaboration would make the Church a stronger and more effective instrument of God’s love and mercy in society.
The Bishop also encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions and deliberations of the Pastoral Council by listening to one another and, above all, to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
He expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the assembly and commended the organizers, clergy, religious, and lay faithful for their dedication and commitment to the pastoral mission of the Catholic Diocese of Yola.
Bishop Mamza prayed that their sacrifices, prayers, and service would continue to strengthen the Church and bring hope to God’s people.
As the meeting commenced, he urged participants to entrust themselves to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that their deliberations and decisions would bear lasting fruit for the growth of the Church and the salvation of souls.
