f Kafanchan, Most Rev. Julius Yakubu Kundi, has commended thousands of Catholic faithful who gathered at the Ssugh U Maria Pilgrimage Centre, Mount Ayati, in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, describing them as “heroes and heroines of the Christian faith” for their courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to prayer amid the security challenges and economic difficulties confronting communities across Nigeria.

Bishop Kundi made the remarks on Friday, 2 October 2026, during the 2026 Makurdi Diocesan Annual Marian Pilgrimage, which attracted more than 7,000 pilgrims under the theme, “Mary as the Model of Faith and Hope in Difficult Times.”

The annual spiritual gathering brought together the faithful for prayer, Marian devotion and reflection on the place of faith and hope in the Christian response to adversity. Their presence at the pilgrimage centre, despite the difficult circumstances affecting many communities in Benue State and other parts of the country, offered a visible expression of perseverance and trust in God.

At the invitation of the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, Bishop Kundi led the spiritual exercise, using the occasion to encourage the pilgrims to remain steadfast in their faith and united in prayer, especially at a time when many Christians and communities continue to face serious challenges.

“You Are the True Heroes and Heroines of the Christian Faith”

Addressing the pilgrims, Bishop Kundi expressed admiration for their determination to participate in the pilgrimage despite the difficulties confronting the region. He acknowledged the significance of their gathering at Mount Ayati, noting that the number of faithful present exceeded what he had anticipated in view of the prevailing security concerns and other hardships.

“I had hoped to find only a handful of people on this mountain, given the persecution and challenges confronting us,” Bishop Kundi stated, commending the pilgrims for their courage and devotion.

He assured them that they were not alone in their struggles, emphasising the solidarity of the Christian faithful beyond the immediate boundaries of the Diocese of Makurdi.

“I want to assure you that you are not alone. The Christian faithful of the Diocese of Kafanchan stand with you in solidarity and prayers. Keep faith with God and always seek the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he urged.

Describing the pilgrims as “the true heroes and heroines of the Christian faith,” the Bishop recognised their presence as a testimony to the enduring strength of Christian belief and the determination of the faithful to seek God even in difficult circumstances.

His message underscored the importance of solidarity among Christians, reminding the congregation that prayer, mutual support and perseverance remain essential sources of strength when individuals and communities face uncertainty, insecurity and suffering.

Mary: A Model of Faith and Hope in Difficult Times

Reflecting on the pilgrimage theme, Bishop Kundi drew attention to the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose life of faith, obedience and trust in God continues to inspire Christians in their journey of discipleship.

He reminded the congregation that faith does not exempt believers from suffering or guarantee a life free from trials. Rather, Christian faith provides the spiritual foundation for facing difficulties with hope, courage and confidence in God's presence.

Referencing the suffering endured by Christ Himself, the Bishop explained that hardship should not automatically be interpreted as an absence of God's care. Instead, Christians are called to remain faithful, trusting that God accompanies His people even through moments of pain and uncertainty.

The example of Mary, therefore, offers the faithful a model of perseverance: a willingness to trust in God's promises, remain committed to His will and continue along the path of faith even when the future appears uncertain.

Bishop Kundi encouraged the pilgrims to draw spiritual strength from their Marian devotion, urging them to seek the Blessed Virgin Mary's maternal intercession while remaining firmly rooted in Christ and the teachings of the Church.

The pilgrimage thus became an opportunity for the faithful to renew their commitment to prayer and reflect on how Christian hope can sustain individuals, families and communities in the face of adversity.

Bishop Kundi Shares the Pastoral Growth of Kafanchan Diocese

Drawing from the pastoral experience of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Bishop Kundi recounted the growth of the Diocese, noting that it had expanded from just over forty pastoral units to more than eighty-three.

He presented this development as a reminder of the importance of persistent prayer, unity and commitment to the mission of the Church.

The Bishop's reflection offered encouragement to the pilgrims, demonstrating how sustained pastoral effort and the collective faith of a Christian community can support growth even amid challenging circumstances.

He urged the faithful of the Diocese of Makurdi to remain steadfast in their Christian commitment and continue supporting their Bishop, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, as well as the priests and other pastoral workers serving the people.

He stressed the importance of standing together as a Church, maintaining unity and strengthening the bonds of Christian fraternity, particularly when communities face social, religious and security-related challenges.

His message also highlighted the responsibility of the faithful to support their spiritual leaders through prayer, cooperation and active participation in the life of the Church.

Ssugh U Maria: A Centre of Marian Devotion and Spiritual Renewal

Established in 2017, the Ssugh U Maria Pilgrimage Centre at Mount Ayati has developed into a notable place of Catholic devotion in North-Central Nigeria. The centre attracts thousands of pilgrims annually who gather to pray, seek spiritual renewal and entrust their personal and communal concerns to God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The pilgrimage also draws traditional leaders and observers from different religious backgrounds, reflecting the centre's wider significance as a place of communal reflection, prayer and hope.

For many pilgrims, the annual gathering provides an opportunity to step away from their daily routines, reflect on their relationship with God and renew their commitment to Christian living. It also creates space for people to bring their personal struggles, family concerns and hopes for their communities before the Lord.

Against the backdrop of insecurity, economic hardship and social uncertainty, the 2026 pilgrimage assumed particular significance, offering participants an opportunity to strengthen their faith and affirm their commitment to peace, unity and mutual support.

A Day of Prayer, Adoration and Marian Devotion

The day's spiritual programme featured a series of Catholic devotional practices centred on prayer, worship and the entrustment of personal and national concerns to God.

The programme included the celebration of Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary Procession and the Incineration of Intentions. During the Incineration of Intentions, written petitions were burned as a symbolic expression of entrusting private prayers, griefs, anxieties and hopes to God.

This devotional practice provided the pilgrims with an opportunity to place their personal needs and the concerns of their communities before the Lord, seeking His grace, protection, healing and peace.

Another significant moment was the Symbolic Marian Release, during which a bouquet of rosary-shaped balloons was released into the sky. The gesture symbolised prayers for peace, unity and healing across Nigeria, expressing the pilgrims' collective hope for a nation where communities can live together in safety, dignity and mutual respect.

The spiritual exercises concluded with the impartation of the Episcopal Blessing, bringing the day's programme to a close with a prayerful affirmation of faith and renewed hope.

A Pilgrimage of Solidarity, Hope and Christian Resilience

Beyond its devotional significance, the 2026 Makurdi Diocesan Annual Marian Pilgrimage served as a powerful expression of solidarity among the faithful and a reminder of the role of prayer in sustaining Christian communities through difficult times.

The gathering of more than 7,000 pilgrims at Mount Ayati demonstrated the determination of the faithful to remain connected to their spiritual roots and to seek God's guidance despite the difficulties surrounding them.

Bishop Kundi's message of encouragement reinforced the importance of standing together as members of one Christian family, supporting spiritual leaders, caring for one another and refusing to allow fear and hardship to extinguish hope.

The pilgrimage also highlighted the continuing relevance of the Blessed Virgin Mary's example to Christians navigating uncertainty. Her faith and trust in God remain an enduring invitation to persevere in prayer, practise charity and remain committed to the Gospel.

As the pilgrims departed from Mount Ayati, the central message of the gathering remained clear: Christian faith calls for perseverance, hope must be sustained through prayer and solidarity, and the Church is called to stand with those who suffer.

For the thousands who participated, the pilgrimage was both a personal act of devotion and a collective affirmation of faith, fraternity and spiritual resilience amid the challenges confronting Nigeria.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Principal Patroness of Nigeria, continue to intercede for the Church, comfort communities experiencing hardship, and obtain for the nation the gifts of peace, unity and healing.

Report by Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, Communications Office, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.