
Societies in the Diocese
These organizations contribute immensely to the spiritual and social life of the Diocese
Catholic Pious Societies & Organizations

Catholic Men Organisation (CMO)
Men of faith dedicated to leadership, service, and the spiritual development of the family and parish.
Founded: Mid-20th century
Origin: Created to unite Catholic men in faith, family leadership, and parish development.
Mission: Promote spiritual growth, support Church projects, and mentor younger men.
Chaplain: Fr. Ajiboh Festus

Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) / Zumuntar Mata
A vibrant group of Catholic women committed to spiritual growth, family life, and community service.
Founded: 1960s–70s in Nigeria
Origin: Emerged to empower Catholic women in family, Church, and society.
Mission: Support catechesis, charity, and moral education.
Chaplain: Fr. Kelvin Obineche / Fr. Reuben Amodu

Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) / NACC
Dynamic youth fostering Christian values through evangelization, community, and peer mentorship.
Founded: 1985 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
Origin: Formed to engage youth in evangelization and leadership.
Mission: Foster Catholic identity, social responsibility, and community service.
Chaplain: Fr. Lemark Peter

Biblical Apostolate (CBIU)
A lay apostolic association focused on promoting Scripture study, evangelization, and deepening faith.
Founded: Post-Vatican II (1960s)
Origin: Inspired by Vatican II’s call for Scripture literacy.
Mission: Promote Bible study, translation, and integration into daily life.
Chaplain: Fr. Casmir Obi

Choir
A dedicated group that enriches liturgy and worship through sacred music and singing.
Founded: Since early Christianity
Origin: Liturgical music has always been central to worship.
Mission: Lead congregational singing and enhance liturgical celebrations.
Chaplain: Fr. Chibi Samaila

Zumuncin Maza
A fellowship of Catholic men strengthening one another in faith, service, and community bonding.
Chaplain: Msgr. Atado Joseph

Sabon Rai
A group dedicated to evangelization and nurturing new members in the Catholic faith.
Chaplain: Fr. Reuben Amodu

Knights of St. John International (KSJI)
Catholic knights committed to charity, unity, fraternity, and defense of the Church.
Founded: 1886 in the U.S.
Origin: A Catholic fraternal order for men, modeled after medieval knights.
Mission: Promote discipline, charity, and Church service.
Chaplain: Fr. Barde

Catholic Charismatic Renewal / Holy Name Society
A renewal movement promoting prayer, praise, healing, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
Founded: 1967 at Duquesne University, USA / 1274 by the Dominican Order
Origin: Inspired by Pentecostal spirituality and reverence for the Name of Jesus.
Mission: Deepen personal relationship with Christ through prayer, healing, and moral living.
Chaplain: Fr. Bahywa John

NFCS / YCS
National Federation of Catholic Students and Young Catholic Students committed to academic, social, and spiritual growth.
Founded: 1950s (NFCS) / 1929 in France (YCS, introduced to Nigeria in the 1950s)
Origin: Formed to support Catholic students in schools and tertiary institutions.
Mission: Promote leadership, academic excellence, and faith formation.
Chaplain: Fr. Ajiboh Festus

Marian Devotees / Block Rosary
A prayer group dedicated to Marian devotion through the daily recitation of the Rosary.
Founded: 1921 (Legion of Mary) / 1950s (Block Rosary Crusade)
Origin: Lay apostolate under Mary’s patronage and grassroots Marian devotion.
Mission: Promote communal prayer, visitation, and evangelization.
Chaplain: Fr. Bakoshi Mathais

St. Vincent De Paul Society
Lay Catholics serving the poor, sick, and marginalized through charity and works of mercy.
Founded: 1833 in Paris by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam
Origin: Lay Catholic group for charitable outreach.
Mission: Serve the poor through home visits and social justice.
Chaplain: Fr. Ochekwu John

Holy Childhood Association (HCA)
Children helping children in mission through prayer, sacrifice, and small works of charity.
Founded: 1843 in France by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson
Origin: Missionary awareness for children.
Mission: Encourage prayer and support for global missions.
Chaplain: Fr. Abubakar Musa

Altar Knights / Servers
An association of altar servers dedicated to assisting at Mass and fostering devotion to the Eucharist.
Founded: Centuries ago
Origin: Assist priests during Mass and liturgical functions.
Mission: Foster discipline, reverence, and early vocation awareness.
Chaplain: Fr. Izuala John

Catholic Cadet Organization
Young Catholics instilled with discipline, service, and leadership in the spirit of faith.
Founded: 20th century (varies by parish)
Origin: Combines military-style discipline with Catholic values.
Mission: Promote patriotism, service, and moral leadership.
Chaplain: Fr. Shidi Stephen

Sacred Heart / Divine Mercy / Precious Blood Devotions
Members promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy, and the Precious Blood through prayer and service.
Founded: 1675 (Sacred Heart), 1930s (Divine Mercy), 1990s (Precious Blood)
Origin: Devotions centered on the love, mercy, and redemptive power of Jesus Christ.
Mission: Reparation for sin, trust in God’s mercy, and prayer for healing and protection.
Chaplain: Fr. Asheji Duniya Pius

Family and Human Life Apostolate
An apostolate dedicated to strengthening Christian marriage, family values, and the dignity of human life.
Founded: Post-Vatican II era
Origin: Church response to modern challenges in family life.
Mission: Promote marriage, parenting, and pro-life values.
Chaplain: Fr. Bakoshi Mathais

Catholic Bankers Association
Professional body of Catholic bankers promoting ethics, faith, and fellowship in the financial sector.
Founded: Late 20th century in Nigeria
Origin: Professional group for Catholic finance workers.
Mission: Promote ethical banking, fellowship, and Church support.
Chaplain: Fr. Bakoshi Mathais
