Bishop

Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma

Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma hails from Ndiohiaowerre Duruewuru Amucha in Njaba Local Government Area. He was born on August 29, 1953, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Polycarp Ukwuoma, both of blessed memory. He was baptized at Holy Trinity Parish, Orlu, on October 11, 1953, by the late Bishop Nwedo, who was then the parish priest.

His Lordship began his primary education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Umuna, and later proceeded to St. Peter Claver’s Minor Seminary, Okpala, in 1969. On October 16, 1975, he was sent to Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, by the late Bishop Mark Unegbu of the then Diocese of Owerri to begin his philosophical studies. He later relocated to Bigard Memorial Seminary Philosophy Campus, Ikot-Ekpene, at its inception in 1976, as one of its pioneer students.

In October 1979, Bishop Ukwuoma was sent to Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, for theological studies by the same Bishop Mark Unegbu. His dexterity and leadership qualities earned him the privilege of serving his fellow seminarians as the First Auxiliary at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu.

His Lordship was ordained a deacon on December 18, 1982. He was ordained a priest on July 30, 1983, by His Lordship, Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha, at St. Patrick’s Parish, Amucha, less than a year after the inauguration of the parish.

Priestly Ministry and Further Studies

Rev. Fr. Augustine Ukwuoma began his priestly ministry at St. Gregory’s Parish, Amaigbo. He was later posted to St. Thomas Parish, Nkwerre, where he served from 1983 to 1992. He also served briefly as Administrator of Holy Trinity Cathedral before traveling to the United States for further studies in clinical mental health counseling and psychology.

While in the United States, he studied at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, and the University of Akron, Ohio. He also served in various pastoral and chaplaincy capacities, including Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Parish, Los Angeles, California, from 1992 to 1995; Priest in Residence at Annunciation Parish, Akron, Ohio, from 1995 to 1999; and Hospital Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Savannah, Georgia, from 1999 to 2002. He obtained his doctorate degree in Clinical Mental Health Psychology in May 1999.

On his return to Nigeria in 2002, he was posted to St. Theresa’s Parish, Uli, where he served as rector until his appointment by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, as the Bishop of Orlu. He also served as a member of the Faculty Examination Board from 2004 to 2008, Lecturer in Psychological Science at Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, from 2002 to 2008, Chairman of the Silver Jubilee Souvenir Committee of the Diocese of Orlu from 2005 to 2006, and President of the Association of Priests and Religious of Isu Clan from 2004 to 2008.

Episcopal Ministry

His Lordship was consecrated Bishop of Orlu on June 21, 2008, by His Grace, Most Rev. Renzo Fratini, the Papal Delegate to Nigeria. His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, and His Lordship, Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha, served as principal co-consecrators.

Since his consecration as bishop and his entrance into the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Bishop Ukwuoma has held several responsibilities. He has served as Episcopal Chairman of the Committee in charge of Clergy, as well as the committee responsible for seminaries. He currently serves as Episcopal Chairman of the Committee in charge of Inculturation and Translations. At the provincial level, he serves as Secretary of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Provincial Bishops’ Conference.

To Love as Christ Loved

The mission and vision of His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, are summarized in his episcopal motto, engraved on his coat of arms: “Diligere sicut dilexit Christus”—“To love as Christ loved.”

This motto expresses the continuation of the mission of Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His coat of arms features a chalice bearing the sacred bread, representing the priesthood. Beside it is the green vegetation of palm trees, symbolizing the fertile lands of Southeastern Nigeria, where the Diocese of Orlu is geographically located. Beneath these symbols is an open Bible, representing the Gospel.