Welcome to Mar.Gregorios Church

St. John's Catholic Cathedral is located at the episcopal see of Bauchi in Bauchi state. Established on the 5th of July 1996 as Apostolic Vicariate of Bauchi, on territory split off from its metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Jos and promoted on the 31st of December 2023 as Diocese of Bauchi.

Beyond its role as a place of worship, St. john's Catholic Cathedral is a spiritual and administrative heart of the Catholic Church in Bauchi state. It oversee various medical and educational institute, including numerious nursery, primary, and secondary schools across Bauchi, demostrating its commutement to community development and education. The cathedral’s initiatives foster holistic growth, providing essential services and nurturing the intellectual and spiritual well-being of the local community. Through these efforts, St. John’s stands as a beacon of hope, promoting spiritual and social welfare and empowering future generations with knowledge and faith.

St. John's Catholic Cathedral Bauchi

The Catholic Church is the oldest and largest Christian Church in the world, with over 1.3 billion members globally. It traces its origin to Jesus Christ and the apostles, particularly St. Peter, the first pope. The Church is known for its universal mission, deep spiritual traditions, and its enduring commitment to truth, love, service, and the dignity of all human life. Guided by the Pope in Rome, the Catholic Church is organized into dioceses and parishes around the world, where the faithful gather for worship, receive the sacraments, and live out the Gospel.
The Diocese of Bauchi was established in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. It was carved out of the Archdiocese of Jos to better serve the faithful in Bauchi State, located in northeastern Nigeria. The diocese covers a vast geographical area and operates in a region with a predominantly Muslim population. Despite being a religious minority, the Catholic community in Bauchi is strong, committed, and growing.
At the heart of the Diocese is St. John the Evangelist Catholic Cathedral, located in Bauchi city, the state capital. As the Mother Church of the diocese, the Cathedral is the liturgical and administrative center of Catholic life in the region. It is the official seat of the bishop and the focal point for major diocesan celebrations, ordinations, and pastoral activities.
St. John’s Cathedral serves as a place of worship, community gathering, and spiritual formation for Catholics in and around Bauchi. Masses are celebrated regularly in English and Hausa, ensuring accessibility to a diverse and multilingual congregation. The Cathedral also hosts various Church societies, organizations (C.M.O, C.W.O, C.Y.O.N, H.C.A), baptism, catechism and confirmation classes, and outreach ministries that serve both Catholics and the wider community. Since its elevation to cathedral status, St. John’s has continued to stand as a symbol of faith, hope, and resilience, especially in a region that has faced religious tension and security challenges. In 2012, the Cathedral was the site of a tragic attack, but the unwavering faith of the people and leadership helped the Church remain strong and united in the face of adversity. Under the pastoral care of Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Nanman Dachelem, C.M.F., appointed bishop in 2017, the Cathedral and Diocese continue to grow in faith, vocations, and service. Bishop Dachelem emphasizes the importance of evangelization, education, interfaith dialogue, and unity in diversity. Today, St. John the Evangelist Cathedral remains a beacon of spiritual life, service, and community development, not only for the Catholic faithful but also for the wider society in Bauchi State. Whether through worship, social outreach, or education, the Cathedral remains committed to building a peaceful, just, and Christ-centered society.

Faith and Liturgy

The Catholic Church in Nigeria, including at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, maintains the traditional Catholic faith and liturgy while embracing a modern approach to pastoral care, community life, and interfaith dialogue. The Church holds firmly to the teachings of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the authority of the Magisterium — teachings passed down from the apostles and preserved through the centuries. The Roman Rite, also known as the Latin Rite, is the primary liturgical tradition followed in the Cathedral. While the core structure of the Mass and sacraments remains universal, the Church adapts to local culture by offering liturgies in both English and Hausa, making worship accessible to all. Hymns, prayers, and preaching often reflect the rhythm and culture of the local faithful while staying faithful to Catholic doctrine. The Cathedral observes the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, which includes the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, along with solemnities, feasts, and memorials of saints. The seven sacraments are celebrated with reverence and joy, particularly the Eucharist, which is central to the life of the Church. The Catholic community in Bauchi shares the values, customs, and daily life common to other Nigerians. While being distinct in religious identity, Catholics in the region participate fully in the social, cultural, and civic life of the community. Faith is integrated with everyday living, and the Church plays an active role in promoting peace, education, and moral values.
Though deeply rooted in ancient tradition, the Church remains open to renewal, always seeking ways to deepen faith and encourage participation in a rapidly changing world. St. John’s Cathedral continues to be a place where the eternal truths of the Church are lived out in a local and meaningful context.

Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church functions through a sacred and time-tested hierarchy that reflects its apostolic roots, theological order, and spiritual mission. This hierarchical structure was established by Jesus Christ when He chose the twelve Apostles and entrusted them with the responsibility of leading His Church. Among them, St. Peter was given a special role of leadership, which continues today in the person of the Pope. The Pope, based in Rome, is the spiritual head of the entire Catholic Church and the visible sign of unity among Catholics across the world. From him flows the authority that ensures the Church remains one in faith, doctrine, and moral teaching. Working in communion with the Pope are bishops, who are successors of the Apostles. Each bishop governs a specific geographical area known as a diocese, where he is responsible for teaching the faith, celebrating the sacraments, and shepherding the people of God. Under his guidance, priests are assigned to parishes, where they lead local communities in worship, administer the sacraments, and offer pastoral care. Deacons also play a vital role, assisting in liturgical services and engaging in works of charity and evangelization. This structure is not merely administrative but sacramental, grounded in the Church’s belief that Christ Himself works through the ordained ministry to guide and sanctify His people.
At St. John the Evangelist Catholic Cathedral in Bauchi, we are an integral part of this hierarchical communion. The Diocese of Bauchi is led by Most Rev. Hilary Nanman Dachelem, C.M.F., who shares in the mission of the universal Church while addressing the unique needs of the faithful in our region. Through our participation in the diocesan and global Church structure, we are united with millions of Catholics around the world in one faith, one baptism, and one spiritual family. The hierarchy not only preserves the integrity of Catholic teaching but also ensures that every community, no matter how small or distant, remains connected to the living tradition of the Church founded by Christ over 2,000 years ago.