Unitatis Media, Shavou, Mile Six, Jalingo (2026)

13/08/2026

IS ONLINE MASS ENOUGH? POPE LEO XIV SPEAKS ON VIRTUAL VS. PHYSICAL PRESENCE

In a powerful reflection during his recent General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV delivered a clear theological message to Catholics worldwide: while digital broadcasts serve a vital purpose for the sick and housebound, online participation can never substitute for physical presence at Sunday Mass.

Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that Sunday is the “dies Domini” (the Lord’s Day). Sanctifying Sunday requires gathering as a physical community around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist.

"This assembly cannot be substituted by a solely virtual presence, nor can it be reduced to a merely passive gathering," the Pope stated. The liturgy requires physical togetherness, shared sacraments, and active participation.

While livestreams provide spiritual comfort, watching Mass on a screen remains a broadcast, not a replacement for receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in person.

05/08/2026

EASE OF MOVEMENT: JDPC JALINGO SETS TO DONATE WHEELCHAIRS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN TARABA STATE

In a major boost to grassroots humanitarian outreach, the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, in partnership with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, is set to distribute 100 free wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities in Taraba State.

Organizers have described the initiative as a transformative intervention designed to restore mobility, dignity, and self-reliance to vulnerable members of the community.

Speaking on the core objective of the outreach, the project Coordinator of JDPC, Mr. Michael Maimako noted that mobility aids do more than just ease movement—they unlock opportunities, rewrite personal limitations, and change lives.

"It is a small act that can change someone's whole day, whole year, whole life," the project coordinator shared ahead of the event. "Every wheelchair we give out is one more person who gets their independence back;" he noted.

The collaborative effort draws strength from cross-sector partnerships, highlighting contributions from bodies such as Caritas Nigeria, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, and the Taraba State Government, all working to champion social inclusion and support for individuals with special needs.

The landmark distribution exercise is scheduled to take place on August 14, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM, at the Catholic Pastoral Center, Mile-six, Jalingo.

Members of the public, civil society organizations, community leaders, and friends of the disability community are cordially invited to witness and support the event.

01/08/2026

EMELDA LOUIS NGAH LAUNCHES BOOK ON MARRIAGE GUIDANCE, CALLS FOR STRONGER FAMILY VALUES

It was a moment of double celebration on August 1, 2026, as Emelda Louis Ngah, a student of the School of the Faith in Jalingo and a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, Kofai, marked her thanksgiving Mass with the official public presentation of her new book, “Honest Conversations: Practical Ways For Stronger Marriage.”

The event, which drew family, friends, and fellow parishioners, took place at the Holy Family Catholic Church premises in Kofai, located within the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo.

Delivering the homily during the Thanksgiving Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Abraham Saumam, described the publication as a timely and comprehensive manual addressing the realities of marriage in the contemporary world. Drawing his message from the daily liturgy, the cleric reflected on biblical accounts of marital complexities, such as King Herod's unlawful union—to emphasize the sacred boundaries set by divine law.

Rev. Fr. Saumam strongly challenged Christians to protect the sanctity of matrimony, reminding the congregation that marriage is a holy vocation instituted by God. He urged believers to shun divorce, premarital s*x, and other forms of s*xual promiscuity that defile the institution, noting that the newly launched book serves as a valuable resource for enriching Christian homes.

Reviewing the publication, Mr. Godfrey Anwo commended the author for addressing concrete, everyday marital realities. He expressed confidence that the practical insights contained in the book will play a vital role in sustaining and healing marriages.

Mrs. Juliet Jonah Kataps, an old teacher of the author, shared fond memories of teaching the Emelda during her primary school days. She praised Mrs. Ngah as a remarkably brilliant and hardworking individual who demonstrated unwavering dedication in the pursuit of western education.

Fr. Pius Dauda Nyerere lauded Mrs. Ngah for taking the bold and inspiring step to author a publication of such significance, encouraging her to sustain her literary pursuits.

In her vote of thanks, the author, Mrs. Emelda Louis Ngah, expressed profound gratitude to all who graced the occasion and wished attendees journey mercies back to their various destinations.

May God bless all marriages, and intervene especially in those that are going through challenges. Amen.

31/07/2026

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE: JALINGO DIOCESAN MIGRANTS & REFUGEES UNIT BRING RELIEF TO IDP CAMPS

In a powerful display of compassionate solidarity during this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, the Migrants and Refugees Unit of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, in partnership with the Jos Provincial and Jalingo Diocesan Laity Councils, alongside the Committee of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, brought smiles and much-needed relief to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the Jalingo metropolis.

Carried out on Thursday July 30, 2026, this outreach was specifically designed to emulate the profound life of almsgiving, radical charity, and peace championed by St. Francis, easing the heavy burdens carried by displaced families at both the Muslim Council and Mallam-Joda IDP camps.

Addressing the resilient displaced persons, the Chaplain of the Jalingo Diocesan Migrant and Refugees Unit, Rev. Fr. Collins Godwin Dossa, offered profound words of encouragement. Drawing deeply from the spirit of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, he urged the IDPs to keep hope alive, reminding them that difficult circumstances are temporary.

He further charged them to remain peace-loving in their daily encounters and to anchor their lives in prayer, assuring them that with God's help, a better tomorrow is certain. Finally, he issued a passionate appeal to people of goodwill, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to step up support for vulnerable populations across the state and nation.

The message from the residents at the camps visited was clear: deep gratitude to the Church, paired with a heartfelt yearning for peace and a safe return home.

At the Muslim Council IDP Camp, the Camp leader, Mallam Gidado Umar Usman, expressed deep appreciation for the Catholic Church's consistent support, and appealed to the government to take decisive action to eradicate terrorism nationwide. Camp resident, Mrs. Aisha Usman, echoed these sentiments, thanking the Church for its unwavering commitment and calling on other agencies to follow this benevolent example.

At the Mallam-Joda IDP Camp, the Camp leader, Mr. Paul Achagwa, commended the Migrants and Refugees Unit for their continued hospitality and deep concern. Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Saratu Wabari praised the constant generosity of the Jalingo Catholic community while urging authorities to intensify efforts to curb insecurity across the state and the country.

As we walk this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, let us continue to be instruments of God's peace, love, and charity to the margins of society.

29/07/2026

CBCN CARRIES OUT A HIGH-LEVEL COURTESY VISIT TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

In a direct and hard-hitting address at the State House in Abuja on July 28th, 2026, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, led a high-powered delegation to present critical national concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking under the theme, "Partners in Building a Just, Peaceful and Prosperous Nigeria," the Bishops acknowledged areas of government progress but minced no words regarding the mounting economic hardships, widespread insecurity, and political anxieties gripping the nation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CBCN ADDRESS

1. Christian Representation & Government Policies: they pressed the President to intentionally address growing anxieties among Christians regarding political representation following the departure from the previous joint-faith ticket structure.

2. The Worsening Insecurity Crisis: While commending the swift security intervention that recently freed kidnapped school children and teachers in Oyo State, the Bishops lamented that such success stories remain isolated. “Our nation still remains a favourable destination for terrorism, banditry and high levels of insecurity... Nowhere is safe anymore, as bandits and criminals freely carry away scores of worshippers and schoolchildren... Our sovereignty is at stake,” the address warned.

3. Economic Hardship & Sinking Quality of Life: Addressing the administration's "Renewed Hope" agenda, the delegation stated clearly: “Our nation is bleeding. The citizens are suffering and crying... Not only on account of the constant threat to their life, but also because of some policies of government whose promised positive effects have been delayed too long... Words are not enough. They expect concrete action.”

4. Safeguarding Democracy & 2027 Elections: Expressing deep public concern over the constriction of opposition politics and fears of a creeping single-party state, the Bishops urged President Tinubu to leverage his legacy as a democracy crusader to strengthen institutions. They warned that anything short of transparent, free, and fair elections in 2027 managed by a properly funded INEC would be "an invitation to avoidable disaster."

5. Education & Private Varsity Caps: While commending the student loan initiative (NELFund), the Bishops cautioned that the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) moratorium on new private universities risks choking off access for Nigeria’s bulging youth population.

CBCN went on to make two specific demands to the Presidency:

1. Return of Mission Schools: Renewal of the long-standing appeal to return mission-owned schools to their original religious proprietors.

2. Religious Freedom Parity: Demanding that the constitutional principle of religious freedom, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court, be equally applied across all states, specifically urging protection for Christians in Northern Nigeria facing difficulties acquiring land to build places of worship.

There was also a special request:

The delegation formally requested that President Tinubu extend an official invitation Pope Leo XIV, noting the Pontiff’s deep affection for Nigeria and the profound spiritual healing his prospective visit would bring to the country.

Words Worth Quoting from the Visit:

"As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions."
— Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso

May God bless and inspire both our religious and secular leaders to guide us aright. Amen.

26/07/2026

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL SHAVOU, JALINGO – 12TH GRADUATION & MAGAZINE LAUNCH

The 25th of July, 2026, marked a momentous occasion for Our Lady of Consolation Girls' Secondary School, Shavou, Mile-Six, Jalingo as it successfully hosted the 12th Graduation, Speech, and Prize-Giving Day, alongside the grand launching of the 8th Edition of "The Pearls Magazine."

The inspiring event was graced by an array of distinguished dignitaries, proud parents, and well-wishers who came out to celebrate our remarkable students.

Key Dignitaries in attendance include, Rev Fr James Teku, the Education Secretary of Jalingo Diocese; Mr. Innocent Gebe, Chairman of the Day; Prof. Jonathan Reuben, the Guest Speaker at the Occasion; Mr. Chukwudi Nweke, who was the Chief Launcher; HRH Tahir Nyawo, was the Royal Father of Day; and Mrs. Deborah Emmanuel Kashibu, graces the Occasion as the Mother of the Day.

In her address, the Principal warmly congratulated the graduands and left them with a powerful charge: to remain steadfast ladies of faith and good morals as they step out into the wider world, praying that Almighty God guides and prospers their next steps in life.

Congratulations to all the graduands and the entire school community on a truly successful celebration.

25/07/2026

Sunday Gospel Whispers

Sunday, 26 July 2026

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12
Second Reading: Romans 8:28–30
Gospel: Matthew 13:44–52

Theme: Choose What Truly Matters

Life is full of choices. Deep in every human heart is the desire for happiness, peace and fulfillment. Many people look for these in money, success or pleasure, but they never fully satisfy. Through the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl, Jesus teaches that only God can satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. When we choose Him first, we discover the greatest treasure.

Solomon understood this truth. Instead of asking for riches or power, he asked God for wisdom—the wisdom to know and choose what truly matters. We too need that wisdom to put God first. When we do, we become more loving, forgiving, honest and compassionate, and our lives become a blessing to others.

Today, let us ask ourselves: What is the greatest treasure in my life? Our priorities and daily choices reveal the answer. If Christ is our greatest treasure, then we will follow Him with joy, trusting that nothing we give up for Him is ever lost.

Take-Home Messages

1. Put God first in every decision.
2. Ask God for the wisdom to choose what truly matters.
3. True happiness is found in Christ alone.
4. Let your daily choices reflect your faith.
5. A heart that chooses God will never be disappointed.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom of Solomon to choose You above everything else. May You always be the greatest treasure in our lives. Amen.

Fr. Cyriacus Kamai
Catholic Diocese of Jalingo

25/07/2026

HCA OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE DEANERY HOLDS ANNUAL CONVENTION, ENROLLS NEW MEMBERS

The Holy Childhood Association (HCA) of Our Lady Queen of Peace Deanery gathered in numbers today, Saturday, July 25, 2026, for its highly anticipated annual deanery convention.

Hosted on the grounds of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cathedral at Mile Six, Jalingo, the spiritual gathering brought together young faithful from across the deanery under the inspiring theme: "One In Christ, United in Mission."

The centerpiece of the convention was a solemn Holy Mass, presided over by the Diocesan Coordinator of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), Rev. Fr. Abraham Godwin Yahaya.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Yahaya challenged the young participants to take charge of their spiritual journeys, emphasizing that personal salvation is the reward of individual dedication and hard work. He cautioned against a lackadaisical attitude toward spiritual duties, noting that those who sow sparingly in their service to God will not reap bountifully.

The Liturgy reached a moving crescendo during the enrollment ceremony. Following a traditional song of acceptance, the incoming candidates made their solemn allegiance, publicly committing to serve the Lord in truth, honesty, and steadfast devotion.

Following the Mass, the newly enrolled members together with the other members, participated in a vibrant march past. The colorful display showcased the discipline, unity, and shared purpose of the Association.

The march was proudly reviewed by PMS Director Rev. Fr. Abraham Godwin Yahaya alongside the HCA Diocesan Coordinator, Rev. Sr. Juliet Shima, marking a successful and spiritually enriching convention for all attendees.

May all the children grow in the fear and knowledge of God. Amen.

23/07/2026

A DAY OF JOY AND CULTURE: NEW SEED NURSERY/PRIMARY SCHOOL KONA, GRADUATES 9th SET

It was a moment of immense pride and celebration today as New Seed Nursery and Primary School successfully graduated its 9th set of pupils in a vibrant ceremony held within the school premises.

The event kicked off with an opening prayer led by Rev. Sr. Maureen Agwagu IJ, who offered thanksgiving to God for the lives of the graduating pupils, their supportive families, and the dedicated teaching staff.

Delivering her valedictory speech, the Head Teacher of the school, Rev. Sr. Esther David IJ, charged the young graduands to step out into the world with confidence and grow into responsible leaders. She emphasized that the children have been thoroughly nurtured in discipline and good character, noting that this positive foundation is clearly reflected in their remarkable academic improvement.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson, Mrs. Augustina Momjen, expressed deep appreciation to the teachers for shaping the pupils into well-rounded individuals. She urged the graduands to carry the positive values they acquired from the school into their next academic phase and the wider world.

In his inspiring farewell address, the outgoing Head Boy, ThankGod Solomon, affirmed that the solid moral and academic formation received at New Seed has fully equipped them to explore and excel in the world.

The celebration was colorfully spiced with rich cultural displays, including traditional dances from the Jukun, Igbo, and Shendam ethnic groups, alongside engaging poetry recitations and creative student presentations.
Bringing the memorable event to a close, Mrs. Eunice Nagor, a staff of the school, expressed gratitude to all attendees for gracing the occasion and offered closing prayers for safe journeys for everyone present.

23/07/2026

TRAGEDY STRIKES JALINGO DIOCESE: ST JOHN PAUL II PASTORAL AREA CHURCH BUILDING COLLAPSES AFTER DEVASTATING STORM

Grief and disbelief descended upon the Catholic faithful of St. John Paul II Pastoral Area in Gollong, Jalingo, as they arrived for morning Mass to find their sacred place of worship reduced to a heap of rubble.

A torrential downpour accompanied by a violent, roaring gale swept through the church building late last night, tearing through the structure and leaving total devastation in its wake. The fierce winds stripped away the roof and caved in the walls, bringing down the entire building in what parishioners are mourning as a heartbreaking loss to their spiritual home.

Despite the profound sorrow of witnessing their sanctuary destroyed, the community is holding onto a profound sense of gratitude. The Priest In-Charge Very Rev Fr Ephraim Sani confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded in the disaster, sparing the parish from an even graver human tragedy.

The fallen structure represents much more than just walls and a roof; St. John Paul II Gollong Pastoral Area was a beacon of faith, having been recently carved out of the Church of Assumption Kona Garu on January 25, 2024, by the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles Hammawa.

In the wake of this painful catastrophe, the Priest In-Charge, Very Rev. Fr. Ephraim Sani, alongside heartbroken parishioners, is making an urgent, emotional plea to people of goodwill, well-wishers, and the wider public for financial assistance to rebuild their shattered sanctuary.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE REBUILDING EFFORT

For those moved by this tragedy and wishing to contribute to the reconstruction of the church:
Bank Name: UBA
Account Name: ST John Paul II Gollong Project
Account Number: 1026896868

Direct Contacts for Enquiries and Support
Very Rev. Fr. Ephraim Sani (Priest In-Charge): 08024131330

Mr. Sylvester Numtai (Church Council Vice Chairman): 07080087038

Church Building Committee Chairman: 08066638838

May God bless and keep His people save. Amen.

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