The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has announced that the first set of Nigerian Catholic Bishops have safely arrived in “Vatican City for their sacred Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit.”
In a social media post, the CSN stated, “With hearts lifted in gratitude to God, joyfully announces that the first group of members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), following the successful conclusion of their 2026 First Plenary Assembly, have arrived in Rome.
The arrival of Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade of Ondo Diocese and Bishop Felix Ajakaye of Ekiti Diocese. Credit: CSN
“As a spiritual preparation for the formal Ad Limina programme (1–16 March 2026), the bishops gathered for Holy Mass yesterday and again this morning in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae,” the statement noted.
Upon their arrival, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, who marked his birthday, officiated the “Eucharistic celebration.”
It also noted, “We warmly invite all the faithful to keep our bishops in fervent prayer—that this Ad Limina Visit may bear abundant spiritual fruit, strengthen the mission of the Church in Nigeria and beyond, and that the Lord may grant peace to our troubled world.”
Clarifying the mission of the Prelates in the eternal city, CSN disclosed that “The Ad Limina Apostolorum—a cherished ecclesial tradition observed every 5 years—draws bishops ‘to the thresholds of the Apostles.’
Secretary General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo and Bishop Augustine Echeme of Abba Diocese. Credit: CSN.
“In prayerful communion, they venerate the tombs of Saint Peter at St. Peter’s Basilica and Saint Paul at Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, while also visiting the other Major Papal Basilicas: the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. These moments anchor the bishops in apostolic faith and mission.”
While “we bless the Lord for journey mercies and commend this pilgrimage of faith to His abiding care,” the secretariat further explained that “Throughout the visit, our shepherds pray, renew their apostolic zeal, engage the Roman Curia, and meet the Holy Father—presenting a comprehensive account of the pastoral life, challenges, and hopes of the dioceses entrusted to them. It is a powerful sign of communion with the Successor of Peter and with the Universal Church.”
