A Catholic Church group, the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate (ASHJI) has called on members of the Catholic Church to disregard false narratives insinuating that members of the church worship the Virgin Mary as there was no truth in it.
The group in a communique issued in Abuja on Sunday at the end of its national convention held at the DRACC Centre, Ako Estate, Abuja described the insinuations as falsehood orchestrated by people who are ignorant of the tenets of the Catholic faith.
In the communique jointly signed by its National President, Brother Agada Rawlings Emmanuel and Chairman of the Communique Committee, Michael C. Akabueze, the group clarified that, the “council admonishes members to disregard the false accusations that Catholics worship the Blessed Virgin Mary and note that She is only given special veneration perculiar to Her as the Mother of God.”
Brother Agada Rawlings Emmanuel
The group called on members of the Catholic Church “to practice the Devotion but to also practice unconditional love among members which the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary stand for.”
While calling on Catholics and Christians to continue to dedicate themselves to service f for humanity, the group called on members to intensify evangelism efforts to bring more people to the fold of Jesus Christ.
One of the highpoints of the convention was the election of new national officers of the group, which saw Mr. Chisom Chukwumah elected as the new national president of the group.
Below is the full text of the communique:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 12TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF ASSOCIATION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 17 – 21, 2025 AT DRACC, ACO ESTATE ABUJA.
Preamble: We, the members of National Council of Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Nigeria held our 12th National Convention from September 17 – 21, 2025 at DRACC, Abuja.
Having reflected on issues affecting our Association, hereby issue this communique:
- Council appreciates the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for journey mercies granted members in the past four years.
- Members were called not only to practice the Devotion but to also practice unconditional love among members which the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary stand for.
- Council called on Presidents at all levels to comply with the directives of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on single term of four years for Presidents and maximum of eight years for other officers but at different positions.
- Council encouraged members to make proper use of the newly released National Prayer Guidelines and Meditations Book.
- Council condemns the negative attitudes of some Provincial Officers who attend National functions once in four years.
- Members were encouraged to note and recognise the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a Pilgrimage of Hope and that of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our Hope of Salvation.
- Council admonishes members to always allow the will of God to prevail in our lives; no matter how bitter they may appear.
- Members were encouraged to recognise the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Salvation History and accord Her the Honour She deserves.
- Council admonishes members to disregard the false accusations that Catholics worship the Blessed Virgin Mary and note that She is only given special veneration perculiar to Her as the Mother of God.
- Emphasis was made on Team Work for the success of our Association; arising from deliberate synergies among officers.
- Council sees the need for succession planning and execution for the growth of the Association.
- Council decried the slow membership growth of the Association and called for more efforts from the Centres.
- Council was convinced and consequently approved in addition to the existing guideline, the use of our Scapulars and Medals on First Saturdays and Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- Election : The following members were elected as National Officers to serve for the next four years
- President: Chisom Chukwumah
- Vice President: Catherine Haruna
iii. Gen. Secretary: Benadette Okonkwor
- Asst. Gen. Sec: Philian Nwahiri
- Treasurer: Bridget Dibia
- Fin. Sec: Augustine Idaghe
vii. Promoter: Edward Oyoboseli
viii. Registrar: Anthonia Loto
- Soc./Welfare: Juliet John
- Pub. Sec: Paul Olanrewaju
- Int. Auditor: Raphael Ileleji
xii. Night Adoration Coord: David Ogu
xiii. Tarcisian Coord: Peter Olowokere
Signed
Michael C. Akabueze
Communique Committee
Signed
Agada Rawlings Emmanuel
National President
