Nigerian prelate lauds priests, laity for fidelity amid persecution

August 06, 2013

Bishop Oliver Doeme of Maiduguri – the northeastern Nigerian city that has been a center of Boko Haram’s Islamist terrorist activity – praised his priests and laity for remaining faithful amid persecution.

“Despite constant mortal danger and threats, our priests stay in their parishes and continue to perform their service,” the bishop told Aid to Church in Need. In addition, the laity “very courageously give open witness to their faith,” he said.

Located in an overwhelmingly Muslim area, the diocese has only three dozen parishes. Nonetheless, there are 30 seminarians, and eight were recently ordained to the priesthood, said Bishop Doeme.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop of Maiduguri in Northern Nigeria: "Boko Haram is a product of corruption" (Aid to the Church in Need)