Bishop Doeme says Marian devotion has strengthened faith and unity in Nigeria’s Maiduguri Diocese amid Boko Haram violence.
Newsroom (08/05/2026 Gaudium Press )Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri has said devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary has played a central role in sustaining Christian faith and strengthening the Church in northeastern Nigeria amid years of Boko Haram violence.
Speaking to ACI Africa on May 6 during a National Marian Conference at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Bishop Doeme described Marian spirituality as a source of courage, perseverance, and hope for Catholics living under persistent insecurity and persecution.
“Without the devotion to our Mother Mary, I would not be standing here before you. Without a relationship with her, I wouldn’t be standing here,” he said.
The Diocese of Maiduguri, located in a region heavily affected by Boko Haram insurgency, has endured repeated attacks over the years. Bishop Doeme, who has led the Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2009, said Marian devotion became more central after he assumed leadership.
“When I took over, we introduced more Marian devotions. That has strengthened us and encouraged us,” he said.
According to the Bishop, this deepened spiritual focus has helped Christians remain steadfast despite displacement, fear, and ongoing insecurity. He noted that persecution has not weakened the Church but has instead strengthened it.
“In the face of severe persecution from Boko Haram members, our people still remain strong. Even their faith has become stronger than before,” he said, adding that this reflects a historical pattern within Christianity: “The point is that when the Church is persecuted, it becomes stronger. That has been the reality in the Church since the time of Christ.”
Bishop Doeme also highlighted a measurable growth in participation among the faithful. He said Mass attendance and involvement in devotions have increased significantly since the insurgency began.
“If you come to our Diocese now, you will find that the number of the faithful going to church has increased and gone beyond the number before the Boko Haram crisis,” he said, noting that the Church continues to grow “physically, spiritually, pastorally and otherwise.”
Beyond his Diocese, Bishop Doeme urged Christians across Africa to remain resilient in the face of hardship.
“Even though persecution comes, we should remain strong, we should not relent, we should not give up, hope should never be lost,” he said. “Bear in mind that Our Mother Mary is with us, and also Jesus Christ is with us. With them to sustain us on this journey of faith, we will never be crushed.”
Reflecting on the National Marian Conference, the Bishop described it as vital for fostering unity among Marian groups within the Church. He acknowledged that divisions can arise, with some groups viewing themselves as superior to others.
“The Conference is of tremendous importance for us as the Church and even the people in the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri,” he said, adding that the lessons learned would help promote harmony. “I have learned, I will take this to our people and ensure that they live together under the umbrella of Mother Mary to serve her in truth and in spirit.”
He also called on Marian societies to express their faith through acts of charity, particularly in communities affected by conflict.
“As members of various Marian societies, they need to move to communities where we have displaced people, widows, orphans, and those who lack food, and try to support them spiritually and physically,” he said.
Bishop Doeme emphasized that such outreach is especially urgent in regions like Borno State, where many continue to suffer the effects of violence and displacement. Reiterating his message of hope, he encouraged believers not to yield to fear.
“We should remain strong, we should not relent, we should not give up, hope should never be lost,” he said. “Bear in mind that Our Mother Mary is with us and also Jesus Christ is with us to sustain us on this journey of faith; we will never be crushed.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACi Africa
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