By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
The Diocese of Port Harcourt is set to welcome the entire Catholic Church in Nigeria for the celebration of the 2025 National Jubilee Year of Hope, an occasion Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, has described as “a thing of joy and deserving of gratitude to God.”
In an exclusive interview, Bishop Eluke expressed deep appreciation to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for selecting Port Harcourt as host, saying, “I must not fail to express our deep appreciation to the CBCN President and the entire conference of Bishops for approving Port Harcourt Diocese to host the Jubilee celebration.”
The grand spiritual gathering will take place at the International Sanctuary of Jesus the Saviour and Mother Mary, Elele, with dignitaries including the Pope’s representative to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the CBCN; bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful from across the country.
Bishop Eluke highlighted the unique nature of the occasion, calling it “more of a once in a lifetime thing” and affirming hopes that it will “bring blessings and healing to our land… peace, which we so much need in the entire Rivers State, and by extension to Nigeria.”
The prelate commended the tireless efforts of the local Church, noting, “Priests, religious and laity have taken the task as their own and have been working around the clock by cooperating with the planning committee to make sure we give our very best.” He also paid tribute to Bishop Emeritus Camillus Etokudoh, “our grandfather in the house,” for his moral support and guidance.
While acknowledging challenges with funding and logistics, the Bishop maintained that “God’s grace and favour abounds… none of it that the love of the people and our collaboration has not been able to overcome.”
On a personal level, Bishop Eluke called the moment “a great thing of honour” during his tenure, adding, “We look forward to nothing less than God’s blessings and His favour upon us through this very important spiritual encounter.”
The 2025 National Jubilee of Hope is expected to be a transformative spiritual milestone, fostering unity, renewal, and divine blessings for the Church in Nigeria.