We’re “finding creative methods to reach people”: Pioneer Bishop of One-Year-Old Nigerian Catholic Diocese

He also identified the training of lay leaders with a particular focus on female Catechists as another important approach to evangelization in his Episcopal See.

“We’ve trained women to take a central role in catechizing children and other women,” Bishop Musa said, adding, “Their natural patience and connection with children make them effective teachers.”

The focus on building the capacity of female Catechists, he said, “also helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team of evangelizers.”

The Nigerian Catholic Diocese is modernizing its catechetical methods to ensure thorough preparation of Catechumens and candidates before receiving Church Sacraments, Bishop Musa said. 

He explained, “We are developing comprehensive curricula to ensure that catechesis is not rushed. People must deeply understand the Sacraments, whether it’s First Communion, Confirmation, or Matrimony. For example, marriage preparation now includes in-depth teachings to reduce the rising rates of divorce and separation.”

Katsina Diocese has also invested in functional education by strengthening Catholic schools, the Nigerian Catholic Church leader said, adding that the approach offers an opportunity for the many school dropouts in the region as well as families that cannot afford education for their children. 

“Many children in our region are dropouts or lack access to quality education. We’re working to ensure they not only receive religious education but also acquire the skills needed for a better future,” he said.

Katsina Diocese, the 60th Catholic Diocese in Nigeria at its creation in October 2023, was carved out from the country’s Catholic Diocese of Sokoto as the seventh suffragan Diocese in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kaduna, alongside Kafanchan, Kano, Kontagora, Minna, Sokoto, and Zaria Dioceses.

Measuring 29,000 square kilometers, the Diocese started off with a population of 9,669,439 of which 19,000 are Catholics, according to the 2023 Vatican statistics. St. Martin de Porres Church in Katsina was identified as the Cathedral Church of the Nigerian Episcopal See.

In the December 18 interview, Bishop Musa highlighted some of the challenges the people of God under his pastoral care grapple with, including insecurity and a shortage of Priests. 

He said that banditry has led to attacks on some Catholic Parishes and the displacement of entire farming communities. 

“We actively support those affected and provide pastoral care despite these hardships,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

On the shortage of Catholic Priests in his Episcopal See, the Local Ordinary of Katsina shared, “Manpower remains another hurdle, with a limited number of Priests serving the diocese.”

“To address this, we’ve accepted Seminarians and are investing in their formation to ensure we become self-sufficient in the future,” he said, and added, “This year alone, we admitted 12 Seminarians out of 50 applicants.”

“We’re building for tomorrow so we can give back to other Dioceses someday. Having received priests on Fidei Donum from other dioceses, we too can give out when we become self-sufficient,” Bishop Musa told ACI Africa.

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Reflecting on his Episcopal Anniversary, the Catholic Bishop who had pledged to foster “constructive conversations” days after his Episcopal appointment advocated for collaboration in the evangelization ministry in his Diocese. 

“Everyone has a role to play in spreading the Gospel, not just Priests or Catechists. By living according to the Gospel we preach, we can inspire others and transform lives,” Bishop Musa said during the December 18 interview.

Reflecting on Christmas, the Nigerian Catholic Church leader called for hope informed by “Emmanuel – God is with us.” 

“This Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season, and His presence is a beacon of hope amid despair,” Bishop Musa said, and added, “Despite everything, we see God’s hand in sustaining us. If not for His intervention, the situation would be far worse.”

Citing Amos 5, he challenged Nigeria’s leaders to foster justice. “Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream,” Bishop Musa said, and citing Micah 6, added, “If our leaders act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, our nation can overcome its challenges.”