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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
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN![]()
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The Catholic Diocese of Orlu recently honored the memory of her priests who have passed on, marking the first anniversary of their earthly departure. The Eucharistic celebration, led by His Lordship Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, was attended by the clergy, laity, and the biological families of the departed priests.![]()
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During the homily, Fr. Martin Kingsley Umelo reflected on the Scriptural injunction to weep only a little for the dead, as they are now at peace. He emphasized that remembering them is a form of prayer, cherishing the memories and times shared with them. The priests labored for the message of the gospel, and their legacy lives on through the people of God.![]()
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Fr. Umelo noted that while we may not know the experience of death, we are indebted to praying for them. We strive to imitate their selflessness by praying for others, working for others, and giving ourselves for others. This, he said, is how our memorial of them becomes meaningful.![]()
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After the Mass, a procession led to the Priests' cemetery, where the remains of the brothers were blessed and committed into God's hands. The tombstones with inscriptions were unveiled, and with the official removal of mourning clothes, the attendees departed prayerfully, firm in their belief in the resurrection of the dead.![]()
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+ May the souls of Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikeme, Msgr. Vincent Mbah, Rev. Fr. Zephyrus Uzoma, Rev. Fr. Romanus Ogu, and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace through the mercy of God. Amen.
One year death anniversary of our Priests: 29/10/2025![]()
Rev. Msgr. Vincent Mbah, ![]()
Rev. Fr. Romanus Ogu, ![]()
Rev. Fr. Zephrinus Uzoma![]()
Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikeme![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,![]()
Today, we gather not in sorrow, but in sacred remembrance. One year has passed since our beloved priests were called home to the Lord. Though their physical presence is no longer with us, their spirit, their labor, and their love remain etched in our hearts.![]()
Scripture gently reminds us: “Weep not for the dead, for they are at peace.” And so, while our hearts may ache, we do not mourn as those without hope. We remember them not with despair, but with gratitude—for the life he lived, the Gospel he preached, and the sacrifices he made for the people of God.![]()
they gave themselves fully, even unto death, for the mission entrusted to them. ![]()
their lives were living homily—one of service, prayer, and unwavering faith. And now, our remembrance becomes our prayer. We pray for their soul, yes, but we also pray that we may carry forward the torch they bore so faithfully.![]()
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Though we have not tasted death, we have witnessed its mystery. And in that mystery, we find a calling: ![]()
To live as he lived. ![]()
To pray as they prayed.![]()
To serve as they served. ![]()
To love as he loved.![]()
Let this memorial not be a mere ritual, but a renewal of purpose. May we imitate their examples, offer ourselves for others, and become living witnesses of Christ’s love. In doing so, our remembrance will bear fruit—not only in heaven, but here on earth.![]()
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. ![]()
May he rest in peace. Amen![]()
(Homily By Very Rev. Fr. Martin-Kingsley Umelo)
**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.
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