“No Priest has been harmed”: Bishop in Nigeria Grateful to Mother Mary for Intersession through Years of Insurgency

“One of the most significant miracles is that in 15 years of insurgency, no Priest has been harmed, even when serving in dangerous areas. We have faced attacks, but our Priests have been untouched,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

The Catholic Church leader recalled instances of divine intervention, including his own safety during pastoral travels across the Diocese, which is Nigeria's largest by landmass. 

“Maiduguri Diocese is the largest in Nigeria in terms of landmass. Despite the dangers, I have traveled to every corner of this diocese and have not encountered Boko Haram in my pastoral activities. This is undoubtedly a miracle of Our Lady,” he said.

He added in reference to the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri, Bishop John Bogna Bakeni, “I have an assistant, the auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri. He was ordained about two years ago, he has also been going to places, and he has not experienced any encounter with Boko Haram or bandits. This is also another miracle.”

Bishop Doeme shared another testimony of a young Priest who was captured by Boko Haram after inadvertently entering their territory. 

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Following intense prayers and a Novena, the Priest returned unharmed, along with other captives who belonged to different ethnic groups. 

“It became clear to us that the Lord sent the Priest there to liberate those captives. This Priest is alive today, and we share this testimony to glorify God through the intercession of Our Lady,” the 63-year-old Catholic Bishop said.

Reflecting on the impact of Marian devotion in the Diocese of Maiduguri, Bishop Doeme acknowledged the gradual return of peace to areas once ravaged by insurgents. 

“Our Mother Mary has crushed Boko Haram. Today, our area is more peaceful than many other parts of Nigeria. She has degraded this monster,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader told ACI Africa that at the peak of the insurgency, over 25 parishes in the Diocese were abandoned.

“Today, nearly all have reopened, with most having resident priests. This is the work of Our Lady,” Bishop Doeme said.

He added, “The people have returned, and so have the Priests. We only have three parishes without resident Priests, but services are still being conducted in those locations. This is the work of Our Lady.”

The Bishop emphasized the ongoing role of Marian devotions in sustaining the faith and resilience of the Diocese. 

“We remain committed to Marian devotions, knowing that our Mother Mary is always with us, guiding and shielding us for her honor and the glory of her Son,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.