The Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, paid a pastoral visit to St. Joseph Gidan Maicibi Parish on Sunday, 3 May 2026, where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 23 candidates and presided over the celebration of First Holy Communion for two candidates.
The liturgical celebration commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a solemn procession led by the Bishop, accompanied by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Festus Ajibo, and Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Catechists, lectors, altar knights, and other liturgical ministers also took part in the procession.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Festus Ajibo warmly received the Bishop and expressed the joy of the parish community at his pastoral presence. He noted that the visit was particularly significant as it provided an opportunity for the Bishop to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation and welcome candidates to the Eucharistic table for their First Holy Communion.
Bishop: Christ Is the Way, the Truth and the Life
The celebration continued with the Liturgy of the Word, featuring readings appropriate for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Gospel was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Festus Ajibo from John 14:1–12, in which Jesus declares: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
In his homily, Bishop Gerald Musa reflected on Christ's declaration and noted that many people often experience uncertainty and confusion about the direction their lives should take. He stressed that Christ has already provided humanity with the perfect model to follow.
Drawing from the Book of Genesis, the Bishop recalled the story of Adam and Eve, who were created in the image of God and generously provided for, but who later disobeyed God and departed from His path.
He explained that despite humanity's repeated departure from God, the Lord continues His work of reconciliation and calls His people back to Himself.
Referring to the words of the Psalmist that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, Bishop Musa emphasized the importance of allowing God's Word to guide one's decisions and way of life.
He observed that in today's world, some people preach values they do not practise. In contrast, Jesus not only teaches the way but also lives the way He calls His followers to follow. The Bishop therefore encouraged the faithful to look to Christ as the sure path to eternal life.
Called to Serve with the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Reflecting on the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Bishop Musa spoke about the early Christian community's response to the neglect of widows during the distribution of food.
He noted that the Apostles addressed the situation through prayer and discernment, leading to the selection of seven men of good reputation and filled with the Holy Spirit to take up the responsibility. Among those chosen was Stephen, who was described as a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop used the example to emphasize the importance of responsible service, good character, prayer, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
He further reminded the faithful that Jesus does not merely point out the path to eternal life but accompanies His followers on that journey.
According to him, authentic Christian life requires adherence to the precepts of God, as true life and fulfilment are found in remaining faithful to the Lord.
Bishop Urges Catholics to Know and Live Their Faith
Addressing the parish community, Bishop Musa encouraged Catholics to understand the roots and teachings of their faith and to remain steadfast in following Christ.
He called on Christians to live authentic lives and to become genuine witnesses of the Gospel, particularly through their daily actions and relationships with others.
The Bishop stressed that Christian witness goes beyond words and requires believers to demonstrate the values of the Gospel through their lives.
23 Receive Confirmation, Two Receive First Holy Communion
Following the homily, 23 candidates were presented to the Bishop for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Bishop Musa prayed over the candidates, laid hands on them, and anointed them with sacred chrism, sealing them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and strengthening them for a deeper commitment to the Christian faith.
The celebration also featured the First Holy Communion of two candidates, marking an important milestone in their spiritual journey and participation in the life of the Church.
The liturgy continued with the Prayer of the Faithful, the offertory procession, and the consecration of the Holy Eucharist. The faithful participated reverently in the celebration and received Holy Communion.
Parish Community Expresses Appreciation
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, parishioners of St. Joseph Gidan Maicibi Parish, together with members of the affiliated outstations, expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Bishop for his pastoral visit and continued fatherly care for the parish community.
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Festus Ajibo appreciated Bishop Musa for taking the time to visit the parish and for the sacrifices involved in being present with the faithful. He expressed gratitude for the Bishop's continued fatherly love, support, and pastoral guidance.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Musa thanked the parishioners of St. Joseph Gidan Maicibi and the affiliated outstations for their warm reception, support, and participation in the celebration.
The liturgical celebration concluded with the final blessing imparted by the Bishop, followed by group photographs with the clergy, newly confirmed candidates, First Holy Communion recipients, and parishioners.
The pastoral visit ended on a joyful note, strengthening the bonds of faith and communion between the Bishop and the faithful of St. Joseph Gidan Maicibi Parish and its outstations.