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Welcome to the official website of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria. You will find necessary information about our diocese and her apostolates as a Local Church. The Primary Menu above provides you with different links to different functions and locations.Learn More
Pastoral Visit Schedules
Most weekends of the year, the bishop travels to parishes and institutions to oversee the people of God under his pastoral care. It is a wonderful time to have a one-on-one interaction with the bishop and be inspired in the mutual work of bearing witness to Christ.Learn More 
Health Services
Orlu diocese is actively involved in providing affordable health care services to our population. There are a number of hospitals across the different regions of the diocese where you will receive a good medical attention that is affordable.Learn More
Diocesan News and Updates
**A Day of Prayer and Reparation**![]()
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Reparation involves actions—whether words or deeds—undertaken to amend wrongdoings, serving as a form of restitution for offenses committed. In the context of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, this encompasses both corporal and spiritual works of mercy, accompanied by prayers to God for mercy, grace, and forgiveness for the entire world, as well as for ourselves. The theme for this year’s reparation program is: **"Faith Without Good Works Is Dead."**![]()
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The event drew a large congregation of priests and laity from across the Diocese, all dressed in their respective regalia, as they gathered at the Sacred Heart Pastoral Center, Orlu, specifically at the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace, where the full rosary procession commenced. United in voice, mind, and heart, the procession led to the Cathedral, where prayers of penitence, sacramental confessions, reparatory prayer, and the Holy Mass culminated the day's proceedings.![]()
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**Spiritual Reflection**![]()
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During the spiritual talk, based on the letter of Saint James (James 2:17), Fr. Dr. Chibuike Ukeh provided a clear and insightful explanation of the interconnectedness of faith, good works, and human life’s finiteness. He emphasized that when our faith fails to motivate us into good works, that faith is considered dead—and a dead faith equates to spiritually lifeless. Fr. Ukeh further illustrated this point with the reference to Matthew 25:40 and subsequent verses, highlighting that acts of charity and care for others are ultimately performed for God. Consequently, engaging in good works is an essential condition for entering Heaven. ![]()
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He also pointed out that Luke 16:19 and following reinforce that the rich man was condemned not because of his wrongful actions, but for neglecting to do good during his lifetime. This omission of good deeds can lead to eternal separation from God.![]()
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To encourage active participation in this spiritual mission, the Diocese of Orlu has instituted a measure whereby parishioners are encouraged to allocate 5% of their resources to assist the less privileged. Fr. Ukeh reminded attendees that such charitable acts—covering a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8)—are vital expressions of faith. ![]()
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He also emphasized the importance of the Lay Apostolate, recalling Christ’s command in Matthew 28:18 and following, which calls all believers to evangelize and make disciples of all nations. This mission is realized through various charisms and groups such as the Sacred Heart Society, Legion of Mary, Divine Mercy, and others, each fulfilling a unique role.![]()
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Furthermore, drawing from Ezekiel 47, he illustrated the powerful image of water flowing from the altar during Mass, symbolizing the life-giving fruits of our communion with Christ. After receiving Holy Communion, the faithful are called to evangelize through both outward actions and internal commitments, demonstrating the true essence of faith in daily life.![]()
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In conclusion, Fr. Ukeh urged everyone to actively embody their faith through tangible actions—being compassionate, forgiving, and charitable—rather than merely professing belief in words alone. He reminded all present that faith must be complemented by good works, illustrating that our actions are a reflection of our genuine relationship with Christ. Only through such authentic devotion and active service can we fulfill our spiritual calling and contribute meaningfully to the church and society.![]()
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The day’s activities served as a powerful reminder that faith without good works is indeed dead, and that each believer is called to be a living testament of God’s love through concrete actions rooted in prayer and charity.
OFFICIAL INAUGURATION OF THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC YEAR![]()
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Today, the 17th day of October 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Orlu officially inaugurates the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The event took two phases: The Mass and the Interactive session with the bishop. ![]()
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THE MASS![]()
On behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma and on behalf of the Overseer of Education in the diocese, Most Rev. Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, the chairman Education Commission Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Bernard Ukwuegbu officiated the Holy Mass in the presence of the Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Obasi and a host of other priest - principals and school managers. ![]()
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Mass servers: Bishop Shanahan College (BSC) Orlu![]()
Choir: Anthonio Secondary School, Atta![]()
The first reading: BSC Orlu![]()
Prayer of the faithful, St. Theresa Secondary School, Mbato![]()
Offertory dance: St. Mary Nursery/Pri. Sch., Umuowa![]()
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Fr. Dr. Chidubem Ohaeri, the Principal of BSC, Orlu during the homily, highlighted the menace of hypocrisy and throwing caution to the winds when no one is watching. Reiterating the words of Jesus in the Gospel of the day, "there's nothing hidden that will not be made known." Jesus himself knew he will be hated for such transparency and went ahead to encourage us to uphold the truth against all fears. A lot happen these days in education system and for fear of losing candidates, we do the unthinkable. ![]()
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He stressed therefore, that despite the trend of time, we teachers and school managers should always be sincere with the students for whatever we do now, will have serious impact on us all in the future. Our good works benefit is, though may not be seen now. It is better to live a righteous life than a hypocritical life. ![]()
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Ignatius of Antioch whose feast is celebrated today, to his credit, is remembered with the many letters he wrote to churches of his time. Therein he urged believer to be faithful to the Apostolic teachings and support the bishop. He was strongly opposed to false teachings. It is better to tell the truth always than to tell lies as dishonesty and lies go in chains. ![]()
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The truth shall set us free. Let us be truthful to our students, parents, teachers and principals. Let us open up to each other as co-formators of our children, to what happens in the school so as to proffer honest solutions where need be. If we make this honest effort as a theme, we will improve. Make effort to study, the benefits will surely come. ![]()
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The Education Secretary, Fr. Dr. Obasi at the close of the Mass, appreciated all present, on behalf of the Education Commission. ![]()
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AT THE HALL![]()
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In the opening remarks the chairman said a meeting has been held where certain titbits for the new academic year has been discussed. Therefore, the day's gathering is to commend the year specially into the hands of God. There upon, a minute silence was observed in honor of our fallen colleagues, Fr. Dr. Donsteve Nnagha and Mr. Duru. ![]()
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In his address, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev Dr. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma appreciated all who contribute various degrees of effort in the training of our younger ones. He related the efforts of the teachers to the following of the footsteps of Christ who is the teacher per excellence. Furthermore, he encouraged teachers to love the children, teach them, discipline them in love and develop a relationship with the children, and just working as a hireling. He also encouraged the students to eschew all forms of troubles and nonchalance so as to imbibe the training inculcated in them. He nailed this point with a familiar story of a disobedient student of his days who ripped what he sowed later in life. ![]()
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He thus encouraged school managers to follow the directives of the commission and participate fully in the activities of the commission throughout the course of each year. He thus impacted his Apostolic Blessings on all School Managers, Principals, Head teachers, Class teachers and the students to lead them throughout the course of the academic year. There upon, he officially inaugurated the academic year and declared it OPEN. ![]()
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Towards the close of the events awards were presented to schools who have distinguished themselves in academics and sports in the competitions organized within the Diocese and beyond. ![]()
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A. DEBATE COMPETITION ![]()
Primary schools![]()
First position: Holy Trinity Nur./Pri. Sch., Omuma![]()
Second position: St. Theresa’ Nur./Pri. Sch., Uli![]()
Third position: St. Monica’s Int’l Nur./Pri. Sch., Nkwerre![]()
Secondary schools![]()
First position: St. Savior’s Secondary Sch., Umuaka![]()
Second position: Sancta Maria Secondary, Sch., Umuaka![]()
Third position: Father Courtney Memorial Secondary Sch., Ihioma![]()
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B. JDPC BIBLICAL QUIZ COMPETITION![]()
First Position: Pax Christi College, Uli![]()
Second position: St. John’s Secondary Sch., Urualla![]()
Third position: Holy Ghost Secondary Sch., Ihitenansa![]()
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C. NNPC & SEPLAT ENERGY, OWERRI COMPETITION![]()
Urban Secondary School, Umuna – 4th position (Quiz competition)![]()
Urban Secondary School, Umuna – 1st position (Science & Arts – built a moveable remote-controlled 'Tesla' car and a functional ATM machine)![]()
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D. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRENCH LANGUAGE TEACHERS![]()
Urban Secondary School, Umuna – 2nd Position (French drama and essay competitions)![]()
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E. IMO STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, OWERRI – IMO STATE![]()
St. Savior’s Secondary School, Umuaka – 1st Position
Find out more news from around the Catholic Diocese of Orlu through our official Newspaper, Forum
Support Our Mission
As the Holy Father Pope Francis has called on the Church to go out in the peripheries, bearing witness to Christ in everyday life, the Local Church of Orlu is committed to this primary task of the Church in the world. We do this through various pastoral initiatives and apostolates. There are equally numerous projects through which we impact lives and society where we live. Your prayers and donations could help us in carrying out the mission. Donate