07/06/2026
TRIPLE CELEBRATION IN JALINGO: BISHOP HAMMAWA CREATES NEW PARISH, CONFIRMS 287, WEDS 6 COUPLES
In a celebration of growth and spiritual renewal, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles Michael Hammawa, has Canonically elevated St. Patrick Pastoral Area, Kpanti-Napo, to a full-fledged parish today, June 7, 2026.
The historic elevation, which took place during a festive Holy Mass, celebrated on the Sunday of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, also saw 287 congregants receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and six couples united in Holy Matrimony.
Delivering his homily to a packed congregation, Bishop Hammawa emphasized the supreme value of the Holy Eucharist. He opined that eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ provides a deep joy and consolation to human hearts that far surpasses any worldly nourishment.
"Eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ leads Christians to Christ, and ultimately to eternal life where there is unending happiness and joy," the Bishop stated.
Turning his attention to the day's sacraments, Bishop Hammawa charged the newly confirmed to stand firm as "responsible soldiers of Christ." He likewise exhorted the newlyweds to love and cherish one another unconditionally until death parts them.
The formal transition of the pastoral area into a parish was marked by the official reading of the canonical decree. Standing in for the Dean of Our Lady Queen of Peace Deanery (Very Rev. Fr. Greg Nbashi), Rev. Fr. Jainarius Raphael Shonfo presented and read the decree to the faithful. According to the decree, Very Rev. Fr. Abel Makong has been officially transferred to St. Patrick Kpanti-Napo to serve as its pioneer Parish Priest.
Responding to his appointment, Fr. Makong solemnly vowed to care diligently for the souls entrusted to his pastoral charge and to be a listening ear whenever his flock cries out for help. He further pledged his total allegiance to the teachings and Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
Earlier in the Mass, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Hyginus Naphtali Bebeh, welcomed the Bishop and visiting dignitaries. Mr. Bebeh noted that the elevation was the fruit of the commitments, sacrifices, and struggles of many dedicated faithful, praying for God’s immense blessings upon them.
The celebration concluded with a vibrant, beautiful procession of oneness, as various church organizations, pious societies, families, and individuals presented gifts to the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese.
Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception and generosity, Bishop Hammawa thanked the community for their gifts and prayed to God to replenish their efforts. He ultimately challenged the energized parish to maintain their momentum by working hard to complete all ongoing infrastructural projects in the newly minted parish.
May the Lord be praised in His Church and His people. Amen.
