The Catholic Diocese of Katsina on Saturday, 26 September 2026, joined Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya (MSP) in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Patrick’s Parish, Gidan Maikambu.
The celebration commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the Opening Rites of the Holy Mass and brought together Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, priests from within and beyond the Diocese, Dominican Sisters, religious and lay faithful, family members, friends, well-wishers and members of the parish community.
A Celebration of 25 Years of Priestly Ministry
The recognition of the Bishop and concelebrating priests set a solemn and joyful tone for the celebration as the faithful gathered to give thanks to God for the gift of priesthood and for the 25 years of dedicated service of the Jubilee celebrant.
The Liturgy of the Word featured the First Reading from Isaiah 22:19–23, followed by the Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 138. The Second Reading was taken from Romans 11:33–36, while the Gospel according to Matthew 16:13–20 was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Musa Abubakar.
Fr. Cyril Ibe Calls for Faithfulness in Ministry
Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibe described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate with the Jubilee celebrant through a Mass of Thanksgiving.
He acknowledged the contributions and good work of Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya within the Deanery and the Diocese at large, commending his years of service to the Church.
Fr. Cyril encouraged the Jubilee celebrant to remain steadfast in his priestly vocation and urged the invited guests and members of the Christian community to continue supporting him in his ministry and service to God and His people.
Eucharistic Celebration in Thanksgiving
The Prayer of the Faithful was led by Catechist Auwal Ibrahim, after which the Offertory procession was conducted.
The celebration proceeded into the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with the faithful joining in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the 25 years of priestly ministry granted to the Jubilee celebrant.
Bishop Gerald Musa Congratulates Jubilee Celebrant
Following the Prayer after Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, congratulated Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya on attaining the significant milestone of 25 years in the priesthood.
The Bishop warmly welcomed the priests, religious, parishioners, family members, friends and other guests who gathered to mark the special occasion.
Reflecting on the Jubilee, Bishop Musa acknowledged that spending 25 years working in the vineyard of the Lord represents a significant journey of faith, commitment and service. He thanked God for sustaining the Jubilee celebrant throughout his years of priestly ministry and prayed that the Lord would continue to strengthen him in his vocation.
Prayers for Vocations and Continued Service
The Bishop also offered prayers for children and young people who desire to become priests and religious, asking God to guide and strengthen them as they discern their vocations.
He further prayed for the Jubilee celebrant, asking God to grant him many more years, abundant grace, strength and wisdom to continue serving faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was marked by profound gratitude to God, fellowship and renewed appreciation for the gift of priestly vocation. The presence of the Bishop, priests, Dominican Sisters, parishioners, family members and other well-wishers added solemnity and joy to the Thanksgiving celebration.
A Witness to Perseverance in Priestly Ministry
The celebration served as a reminder of the beauty of perseverance in priestly ministry and the importance of prayer, encouragement and support for those who dedicate their lives to the service of God and His people.
After 25 years of priestly service, Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya (MSP) was celebrated with gratitude, while prayers were offered for continued strength, faithfulness and abundant grace as he continues his priestly journey in the Lord’s vineyard.