AWO-OMAMMA, Nigeria – St. Christopher Parish, Amaji Awo-Omamma, was filled with
joy on June 28, 2026, as the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine
Ukwuoma, paid a pastoral visit to the parish and administered the Sacrament of
Confirmation to 119 candidates.
The first of its kind since the inauguration of the parish on 1 st May, 2021, Bishop
Ukwuoma received a warm welcome on his arrival as a cultural dance troupe and
children bearing flowers ushered him into the parish. Parish societies, dressed in their
distinctive uniforms, lined up to receive their chief shepherd, reflecting the unity and
vibrant life of the parish community.
In his homily, Bishop Ukwuoma reflected on Christ’s call to discipleship, emphasizing
the need for self-denial and fidelity to God’s will above every earthly attachment.
He explained that following Christ requires believers to stand firmly for the truth, even
when it demands personal sacrifice or conflicts with family expectations. “God must
remain the standard by which we judge our actions,” he said, urging the faithful to resist
disordered desires and live according to the Gospel.
Drawing from the day’s Gospel, the bishop encouraged the faithful to embrace their
crosses with faith and perseverance.
“Everyone has a cross to bear,” he said. “For some, it is sickness; for others, family
challenges, marriage, or the burden of raising children. Do not despair or complain
against God. Rather, take your burdens to Him in prayer, for these crosses, borne with
faith, will win for us the crown of unfading glory.”
He also highlighted the hospitality of the Shunammite woman in the First Reading,
urging the faithful to cultivate generosity, support the work of the Church, and show
respect and care for God’s ministers.
Following the homily, the bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the 119
candidates who had successfully completed the Church’s required preparation.
After the Prayer after Communion, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Livinus Igbodekwe,
expressed the gratitude of the parish community for the bishop’s pastoral visit. He
thanked him for his fatherly care and prayed for God’s protection as he continued his
pastoral ministry throughout the diocese.
Speaking on behalf of the parishioners, the parish secretary welcomed the bishop and
described his visit as a source of encouragement, spiritual renewal, and hope for the
community. He also gave a brief account of the history of the parish, highlighting its
journey, challenges, and steady growth over the years.
He further commended the leadership of the parish priest, noting that under his
administration the church had been reroofed, a Marian Grotto constructed, and the
parish nursery and primary school renovated, among other developmental projects.
In his response, Bishop Ukwuoma commended the parishioners for their commitment to
the growth of the parish since its establishment. He praised Rev. Fr. Livinus Igbodekwe
for his dedication and encouraged the faithful to continue supporting their parish priest,
especially as they work towards the dedication of the church.
The bishop also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and
prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the parish community and their families
before imparting his final blessing.
