On December 1, 2017, Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma led the groundbreaking and the stone laying ceremony of TRINITAS UNIVERSITY of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu at the main campus site, KM 20, Owerri/Onitsha Road, Awo-Omamma, Imo State, Nigeria. This welcome project is designed to provide high quality and accessible Catholic higher education for students. Learn how you can be part of this historic project.
We take the Church's urgent call for the fostering of vocations as a value we treasure highly (Pope Paul VI, Decree on Priestly Training Optatam Totus, n.2). Across the diocese, there are many programs designed for this purpose. We begin with the family and get everyone to think of their unique vocations in the sacraments of service—ordained and religious life, and married life. Be part of this great call to foster vocations in the diocese.
Most weekends of the year, the bishop pays a pastoral visit to parishes and institutions within the Diocese of Orlu. It is an opportunity for the bishop to be with the people, listen to them and offer his pastoral services. To learn when the bishop would be visiting your parish or institution, please click the link below.
SOLEMN INUAGURATION OF ST. MICHEAL PARISH UMUOWA...GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!
St. Michael Catholic Parish Umuowa in Orlu L.G.A, Imo State was the cynosure of all eyes as the entire Catholic Community of Umuowa sent out their voices in Jubilation and thanksgiving to God over the inauguration of their new Parish on Thursday 9th January, 2020 by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma. The epoch making event saw the presence of great number of the Parishioners, Priests, Religious, the traditional ruler of Umuowa HRH Eze M.C. Duruigbo (JP), Igbonenye IV, Ezediohanma of Umuowa Autonomous Community, Kinghts and Ladies, statutory or and Friends of the Parish who turned en masse to identify with the new Parish.
The occasion started with the Eucharistic Mass presided by Most Rev. A. T Ukwuoma the Catholic Bishop of Orlu while Rev. Fr. Dr. Kenneth Amasiatu (parish priest of St. Mary’s Umuowa), Rev. Fr. Kingsley Umelo (diocesan chancellor), Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anselm Nzekwe, (Rector St. Mary’s Seminary Umuowa) and host of other priests joined in con-celebration.
Before his homily, the Bishop presented to the faithful of St. Michael’s Parish Umuowa their new Parish Priest in the person of Rev. Fr. Nnadozie Henry, which trailed a tremendous applause among the congregation.
While delivering his homily, the Prelate pointed out that the idea behind the creation of a new Parish in the Diocese is not for political reasons or to bring about division, rather it is for extensive spreading of the gospel of Christ to the doorsteps of all as Christ has commanded and for the unity and indivisibility of the people of God. He encouraged the newly assigned parish priest to ensure dissemination of the gospel of Christ in the land of Umuowa to its last letter. This he said drawing light from the reading of the day which hinged on the primary works of a prophet. The Bishop charged the Parishioners of the nascent Parish to make full use of the opportunity given to them through the Sacraments and get closer to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
The post Communion prayers having been said, the Bishop appreciated all who worked assiduously towards the success of the inauguration especially Rev. Fr. Dr. Kenneth Amasiatu (Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Umuowa), Rev. Fr. Okoye JohnPaul (Parochial Vicar, St. Mary’s Umuowa), the Chairman of St. Michael’s Parish Umuowa Chief Damian Nwachukwu as well as the inauguration committee, he blessed them. Likewise, while the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish Umuowa thanked His Lordship for such magnitude of blessing brought to the land of Umuowa, the newly assigned parish priest Rev. Fr. Nnadozie Henry appreciated His Lordship for finding him worthy of such position of a parish priest, expressed delight on his appointment and promised to work unremittingly for the growth of the gospel.
This was followed by the handing over of some Church’s documents to the new Parish Priest aptly done by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Kingsley Umelo.
Shortly before the end of the mass, the new Parish priest received supports from some parishes especially from St. Judes’s Parish Mgbidi, St Mary’s Parish Umuowa, and others who individually wished to.
Trailing the Eucharistic celebration was the official opening of the new Parish Rectory. Entertainment of guests and appreciation by the members of the Parish put the celebration to tail. It was indeed a memorable event.
DEDICATION OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PCHURCH AMAMPUTU ULI, ANAMBRA STATE, A GREAT HARVEST OF FAITH!
Friday, 10th January 2020 will forever remain evergreen in the hearts and minds of the parishioners of St. Anthonys Catholic Parish, Amamputu Uli as they experienced the grand dedication of the parish church which cemented their sense of commitment and fidelity to God. The event featured the arrival of his Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma, the Catholic bishop of Orlu, the Emeritus bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Gregory O. Ochiagha and numerous priests within the circumference of Orlu diocese.
The chain of the event started with the Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by his Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma in con-celebration with the Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Gregory O. Ochiagha and some other priests.
In his enriching homily, Bishop Ukwuoma analyzed the passage as one that summons all to have a high regard for the church instantiating it with the sad experience of the Jews regarding the destruction of the temple. He highlighted the pride of the place the earthly Jews reserved for the church as exemplified in the magnificent temple Solomon built for God. Thus, the relevance of the Church he said “is clearly seen in the way Solomon built the temple.” In addition to that, he revealed that the Church is a tool of sanctification that rids the society of all idolatrous and all evil practices. He also urged the faithful to treat the Church with utmost reverence and respect as it is the abode of the Most High.
Following the credo was the chanting of the litany of the saints, which was further trailed by the anointing of the altar and the church pillars, the incensing the altar, the tabernacle and the congregation depicting the dedication of the Church and the people to God. The events of the celebration were sealed with a joyous thanksgiving amidst gun salute.
Following the post communion prayer, the Bishop together with the parish councilors signed the certificate of dedication which the Bishop handed over to the parish priest Rev. Fr. Augustine Ifediba. The parish priest at this juncture expressed his gratitude in a special way to the parishioners who contributed immensely towards the event of the day. In appreciation, he thanked God for a dream come true. He thanked and appreciated the presence of the bishops, monsignors, priests, religious, friends and well wishers who came to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord. Finally he prayed for more blessings to the people of Amamputu and Uli at large. The rest of the day was marked with excitement and unimaginable happiness.
DEDICATION OF ST. ANTHONY CHURCH AWO-OMAMM, A JOYFUL DAY INDEED!
It was a day to remember as joy filled the air in Umuezukwe Catholic Community on Wednesday 8th January 2020, as St. Anthony Catholic Parish was dedicated to God. It was a day that will always be remembered as one of the most joyful days in the lives of the parishioners of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Awo-Omamma as their dream came true.
The solemn dedication which started with a solemn procession was presided by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma in con-celebration with the emeritus Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha with numerous priests.
Speaking during the homily, the learned prelate started with a note of appreciation to the parish priest and the entire parishioners of St. Anthony's for making the age long dreams come to reality. In a way, the learned prelate reminded the faithful that the celebration was not only for the dedication of St. Anthony's parish church, but also to sanctify and dedicate the parishioners and the entire people of Awo-Omamma both home and abroad to Almighty God. He therefore charged the people to always have recourse to God in His temple. The learned prelate in addition warned the people not to desecrate the dedicated church as it henceforth belongs to God and must be used as a house of prayer.
The lively sentiment of spiritual renewal generated by the dedication rites was hard to forget as the people of God lifted up their heart to God with the sweet smelling incense rising up to God. The parish priest and the parishioners could not hide their joy as they danced and jubilated upon declaration of the church as consecrated.
After the Mass, the parish priest Rev. Fr. Alex Ejike Nwabuo thanked God for granting success to the work of their hands. His sentiments of gratitude also went to the bishop of the diocese his Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma and the emeritus bishop his Lordship, Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha for their love and support. He equally thanked the priests, religious and all who worked hard on their different capacities and abilities to bring the event of the day to light. During the course of the appreciation, he recognized in a special way some personnel's who have been outstanding either in their donations or their selfless service towards the growth of the church.
In a brief chat with the parish rector by the forum correspondents on the secret behind the success of the dedication, he replied “do not let anyone subject you to the box of a nobody or set the limit of your achievements for you.
DEDICATION OF SACRED CHURCH UMUDIOKA ANCIENT KINGDOM. 7th Jan. 2020.
“We will offer up our life in spirit and truth, pouring out the oil of love in worship to you, in surrender we give everything to you Lord; come and have your dwelling place” were the joyful song of dedication resonating in the ears of the entire parishioners, friends and people of the society who assemblage the premises of Sacred Heart Umudioka Ancient Kingdom in Orlu L.G.A to behold the solemn dedication of their modern and imposing Church building on the 7th day of January, 2020 (7th January,2020) by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine .T. Ukwuoma, Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese. Making it the second Church building to be dedicated to God in the diocese of Orlu in this new year of 2020.
It was a double celebration: Parish Silver Jubilee celebration and Solemn dedication of their Church building which left no other words of thanksgiving to God other than thank you Jesus.
Present at the occasion were stupendous personalities within the state and beyond, including the bishop emeritus of Orlu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. G.O Ochiagha, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Umelo, (Orlu Diocesan Chancellor), numerous priests and religious within and across the Diocese, traditional rulers among which His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. T.A.O Obiefula FCEI and wife Her Royal Majesty Ugoeze Anthonia Obiageri Obiefule (traditional ruler of Umudioka ancient kingdom), HRH Eze Cyriacus C. Mkpado (Duruanosike ii of Umuzike), HRM Eze Dr. Douglas Okwara (Okwarachukwu iv,Igwe and Paramount Ruler of Umuna Ancient Kingdom, HRM Eze B.C Okereke (Ubi 1 of Uzoubi-Umuna), HRH Eze Dr. A.F.C Emetumah iii Ofor of Umuofor Kingdom Oguta L.G.A, HRH Eze Dr. M.U Osakwe (Nnachi of Amannachi Orsu L.G.A, HRH Eze K.N Ndujife(JP) Ebube-Agu og Amagu Ancient Kingdom Orsu East L.G.A, Knights and Ladies, including the executive of the diocesan pastoral council CMO and CWO, statutory organizations and other dignitaries were present.
In his homily, the bishop Most Rev. Dr. Augustine .T. Ukwuoma, led the faithful through the genesis of the days’ celebration, its implication and what is expected of the faithful as regards a dedicated church. For him, Silver jubilee celebration of Sacred Heart Umudioka as a catholic parish implies twenty-five (25) years of the deep-rooting of the word of God, both in our minds and our land. By providence , the word has come to stay in Umudioka Ancient Kingdom through this solemn dedication of this glorious house of God. Hence, the Bishop thanked all that played any positive role in ensuring the completion of this sacred edifice.
The building and dedication of a temple to God started from of old with the event of second Samuel (2 Sam 7:1-17.....David planned to build a temple for God...) but, with the directions of God to David through prophet Nathan, Solomon the son of David erected a magnificent adorable temple for the most high God. Thus, the temple in Jerusalem signified the splendour of God, the prelate said. He went on to say that such is what the Christ faithful of Sacred Heart Parish Umudioka Ancient Kingdom have done to enable the ark of God have a dwelling place, as the Holy Eucharist which signifies this ark will be reposed in the tabernacle of God in Umudioka Ancient Kingdom“ By this gesture, you have lifted up your hearts and minds to God, showing ever-readiness to Worship God with ultimate and offering sacrifices which God accepts through the rising of incense from His holy altar that reflects the presence of God”, he said. By the dedication of this house of God, it has been made different from every other Church building out there. It shall be called a house of prayer and not a market zone (Mathew 21:13), a place of peace, a house of forgiveness and reparation. As such, it deserves respect, cleanliness, reverence and adoration. “As you have invoked God to come and dwell in your bodily temples, families and community, endeavour to abide by the teachings and dictates of God by keeping your temples holy, allowing old things to pass away and loving one another for the holy one of Israel now possesses your clan as His dwelling place” he advised as he concluded.
Following the homily were the litany of the saints, prayer of dedication, the anointing of the Altar and Pillars of the Church, and finally, the solemn incensation. The Church was wholly blessed and dedicated to God. This generated an immeasurable demeanour of joy and gladness as the whole people of God present, sounded a loud praise and lively sentiments of gratitude to God for such blessing.
Having said the post communion prayer, the Bishops together with the priests transferred the sacred specie to the tabernacle signifying that the Ark of the New covenant dwells in the Church after which the dedication certificate was signed.
Articulating his words of gratitude, the bishop in modo speciali appreciated the Parish Rector Rev. Fr. Vitus Okechukwu for his tenacity towards seeing to the completion of the Church building amidst all odds. He thanked immensely all who worked tooth and nail to ensure such great achievement thus the traditional ruler of Umudioka ancient kingdom, Sir. Pharm. & Lady. Eugene and Ekeoma Ogbuji (the family that built the New Chapel of Adoration) the past parish priests, parish councillors, dedication committee and the faithful of Umudioka ancient kingdom and all others he thanked all and prayed God to bless and strengthen all.
In addendum, the Bishop emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. G.O Ochiagha registered his heart felt gratitude to the Parish Rector for demonstrating such aflame spirit and organization. For him, one thing that help life is to be open and never to operate alone. On this he thanked Fr. Vitus for his openness to work, he thanked the Umudioka community for such great achievement. By this dedication, you are no longer ancient kingdom but a modern kingdom he added. He in furtherance once more thanked the traditional ruler of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom Eze Dr. T.A.O Obiefula for his meaningful contributions to the Church in Umudioka. He discouraged the syndrome of dispute among them and advised them to live in peace with one another. He said “i never knew i will be alive to witness the dedication of this church building” by this, he blessed the faithful that they will live and reap the fruits of their labour. He ended.
Full of joy, the parish rector Rev. Fr. Vitus Okechukwu and his Parish council Chairman Mr. Okechukwu Obiukwu (Okeh Nzeh) glorified God for such rare opportunity of dedicating a temple to him. they thanked the Bishop for accepting to dedicate their church building, in like manner they deepened their voice of gratitude as to appreciate the emeritus bishop of the diocese Most Rev. Dr. G.O Ochiagha for laying the foundation stone of the Church building 25 years ago and for being present on the dedication day. Others include, all the past Parish Priests, dedication committee, all arms of his Parish, and all who directly or indirectly contributed to the success so far; they prayed God to bless all.
With the final blessings of His Lordship, the procession led to the new built adoration chapel by Sir. Pharm. & Lady. Eugene and Ekeoma Ogbuji family. the bishop having thanked them for courage, blessed it and commissioned it for the worship of God. The rest of the day was swamped with excitement for the ark of God now has a place in Sacred Heart Umudioka Ancient Kingdom.
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