The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Elele, Nigeria

Africa's only International Shrine, where millions gather monthly for Eucharistic Adoration and healing at the sanctuary founded by Father Emmanuel Edeh in the Niger Delta.

In a small town in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, something remarkable has been unfolding since 1985. What began as a humble parish assignment has grown into Africa's largest pilgrimage centre—and in 2020, the Holy See elevated Elele's sanctuary to International Shrine status, making it the first and only such designation on the entire African continent. Today, millions of pilgrims journey here each year, drawn by reports of healings, deliverances, and profound encounters with God through Eucharistic Adoration and Marian devotion. The story of Elele is inseparable from that of its founder, Father Emmanuel Matthew Paul Edeh. Born in Akpugo, Enugu State, in 1947 and ordained a Spiritan priest in 1976, Father Edeh arrived at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Elele in September 1984. The parish, in what was then considered a remote and impoverished corner of Rivers State, became the unlikely birthplace of a spiritual movement that would eventually reach around the globe. Within a year, Father Edeh had established the Pilgrimage Centre of Eucharistic Adoration and Special Marian Devotion—now formally known as the International Sanctuary of Jesus the Saviour and Mother Mary. The sanctuary complex sprawls across the grounds that also house Madonna University, Nigeria's first private Catholic university, which Father Edeh founded. Three churches dedicated to Mary, Jesus, and Joseph serve the constant flow of pilgrims, while religious sisters, priests, and contemplative monks and nuns from four congregations founded by Father Edeh attend to their spiritual needs. The atmosphere during Pilgrimage Week—held the first week of every month—pulses with prayer, as thousands gather for day and midnight Masses, Eucharistic processions, all-night adoration, and testimonies of healing and transformation.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The seeds of Elele's extraordinary flowering were planted long before Father Edeh arrived in Rivers State. As a young seminarian at the Holy Ghost Juniorate in Ihiala, Emmanuel Edeh earned the nickname "Edeh Sancta" from his fellow students, who observed his tireless devotion to the Rosary. During the devastating Nigerian-Biafran War (1967–1970), he worked at Caritas feeding centres caring for starving children—an experience that ignited what he would later call his "mission of practical charity." After earning a doctorate in philosophy from DePaul University in Chicago, Father Edeh returned to Nigeria in 1984. His superiors assigned him to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Elele—a posting some priests considered a punishment due to the area's remoteness and poverty. Father Edeh saw it differently. He began holding prayer sessions and all-night Eucharistic adoration, first alone, then with a handful of followers. Word spread of answered prayers and inexplicable healings. The sick came. The troubled came. Those seeking deliverance from what they believed to be spiritual bondage came. In 1985, Father Edeh formally established the Pilgrimage Centre and founded the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, the first of four religious congregations that would bear the name "Saviourite." The Fathers of Jesus the Saviour followed in 1991, along with contemplative monks; contemplative nuns joined in 2008. These communities now staff not only the sanctuary but also hospitals, orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and schools that Father Edeh has established throughout Nigeria. A pivotal moment in the sanctuary's history came on October 15, 2016, when the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria formally declared Elele a National Shrine. Four years later, in 2020, the Holy See elevated it to International Shrine status—an unprecedented recognition that acknowledged both the site's extraordinary growth and its spiritual significance for Catholics far beyond Nigeria's borders. Today, pilgrims arrive from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, making Elele one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Elele

The pilgrimage complex in Elele encompasses several interconnected sites spread across the grounds near Madonna University. The atmosphere is one of constant activity—pilgrims moving between chapels, queuing for confession, gathering in small groups for prayer. During Pilgrimage Week, the crowds swell dramatically, with pilgrims sleeping in guesthouses on the grounds or in the surrounding town.

International Sanctuary of Jesus the Saviour and Mother Mary

Local Name: Pilgrimage Centre of Eucharistic Adoration and Special Marian Devotion Address: Kilometre 5, Elele-Owerri Road, Elele, Rivers State 511101, Nigeria GPS Coordinates: 5.1018417, 6.8190222 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: pilgrimagecentreelele.org Dedication: Jesus the Saviour and Mother Mary Historical Note: The main sanctuary serves as the spiritual heart of the pilgrimage complex. Constructed to accommodate the ever-growing crowds, it hosts the major liturgical celebrations during Pilgrimage Week, including the day and midnight Masses that draw thousands of faithful. The sanctuary achieved National Shrine status in 2016 through the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria and was elevated to International Shrine status by the Holy See in 2020—becoming Africa's first and only international shrine. Spiritual Importance: The sanctuary is renowned for its powerful Eucharistic devotion. All-night adoration, a practice that began with Father Edeh alone in his private chapel, now involves thousands of pilgrims praying together through the night, particularly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during Pilgrimage Week. The shrine has become associated with countless testimonies of healing, deliverance, and spiritual renewal. Father Edeh's ministry, rooted in his philosophy of "mmadi" (the Igbo concept that every person is "good that is" because they are created and loved by God), emphasizes both spiritual transformation and practical charity.

Marian Shrine

Address: Within the Pilgrimage Centre complex, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria GPS Coordinates: 5.1018417, 6.8190222 Dedication: Blessed Virgin Mary Historical Note: The Marian Shrine holds special significance within the complex. According to tradition, Our Lady first appeared at the site where the Convent of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour now stands. Thursdays during Pilgrimage Week are dedicated entirely to Marian devotion, with a Votive Mass celebrated at the original apparition site followed by a procession to the Marian Shrine. Spiritual Importance: The Thursday Marian devotions conclude with Benediction at the Marian Shrine, followed by a midnight Holy Mass that marks the spiritual climax of the Marian pilgrimage day. The devotion reflects Father Edeh's lifelong dedication to the Blessed Virgin, which began during his seminary days when he was known for his constant praying of the Rosary.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church

Address: Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria GPS Coordinates: 5.0985, 6.8155 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Dedication: Our Lady of Lourdes Historical Note: This parish church, where Father Edeh was assigned in September 1984, represents the humble origins of the entire pilgrimage movement. Before the construction of the main sanctuary, this modest church hosted the early prayer gatherings that would eventually attract millions. The church serves as a reminder of the movement's beginnings and the faithful community that first welcomed Father Edeh's ministry. Spiritual Importance: Though now overshadowed by the vast pilgrimage centre, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish remains an active place of worship and a touchstone for pilgrims who wish to pray at the site where it all began.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

First Week of Every Month – Pilgrimage Week International Sanctuary of Jesus the Saviour and Mother Mary. The most important regular celebration, Pilgrimage Week transforms Elele into a sea of believers. Thousands gather for day and midnight Masses, Eucharistic processions, all-night adoration, testimonies of healing, and inspirational talks from Father Edeh and other priests. Thursday is dedicated to Marian devotion, with a solemn procession from the original apparition site to the Marian Shrine. Thursday of Pilgrimage Week – Marian Devotion Day Marian Shrine and Convent of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour. Beginning with a Votive Mass at the convent where Our Lady is said to have first appeared, pilgrims process to the Marian Shrine for homilies, Benediction, and a midnight Holy Mass that stretches into Friday morning.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Pilgrimage Centre Guesthouses 📍 Address: Pilgrimage Centre Complex, Kilometre 5 Elele-Owerri Road, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria The pilgrimage centre operates several guesthouses to accommodate pilgrims, particularly during Pilgrimage Week. Rooms range from simple hostel-style accommodations to private apartments. Some rooms are designated for international pilgrims. Early booking is essential during Pilgrimage Week. Madonna University Guest Accommodation 📍 Address: Madonna University Campus, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria As the pilgrimage centre is located adjacent to Madonna University, some accommodation may be available through the university, particularly outside of academic terms. Hotels in Port Harcourt 📍 Address: Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria (approximately 42 km from Elele) For pilgrims seeking more conventional hotel accommodation, Port Harcourt offers a range of options from budget to luxury. The journey to Elele takes approximately one hour by road.

🚗 Getting There

By Air: Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), located in Omagwa, is the nearest major airport, approximately 18 km from Elele. International connections are available through Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport). From the airport, taxis or arranged transportation can bring pilgrims to Elele in approximately 30-45 minutes. By Road: Elele lies on the Elele-Owerri Road, approximately 42 km northwest of Port Harcourt city centre. The pilgrimage centre is located at Kilometre 5 along this road. Public buses and shared taxis operate regularly between Port Harcourt and Elele, with the journey taking approximately one hour depending on traffic. From Other Cities: From Lagos (approximately 500 km): Flights to Port Harcourt or long-distance buses are available. From Owerri (approximately 45 km): Regular public transport connects Owerri to Elele along the Elele-Owerri Road. From Aba (approximately 60 km): Buses and shared taxis via Port Harcourt or direct routes.

📚 Further Reading

Books:

  • Emmanuel M.P. Edeh, Igbo Metaphysics: The First Articulation of African Philosophy of Being – Father Edeh's groundbreaking philosophical work that articulates the "mmadi" concept underlying his spiritual mission.
  • Emmanuel M.P. Edeh, Peace to the Modern World – Reflections on achieving peace through the Edeh Charity Peace Model.
  • Peter O. Amah, SuperServant Leader – A biography exploring Father Edeh's leadership and charitable works.

Articles & Online Resources:

🎥 Recommended Videos

🔗 Useful Links

🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Elele's location in southern Nigeria places it within reach of several other significant Catholic sites:

  • Port Harcourt (42 km) – Corpus Christi Cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Port Harcourt
  • Owerri (45 km) – Maria Assumpta Cathedral, capital of Imo State
  • Aba (60 km) – Christ the King Cathedral, a major commercial and spiritual centre

🪶 Closing Reflection

"Man is 'mmadi'—good that is—having been created and cared for by God. Every person deserves to be respected and dignified. It is the duty of each person to reciprocate that care from God by caring for their fellow human beings without dehumanizing them."

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— Father Emmanuel Edeh, from his philosophy of African being