The Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma has commissioned the Diocesan Retired Priests’ Home and the Archangel Gabriel Media Complex.

The events were part of the activities marking the 5th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.

The occasion, which took place at the Orlu Diocesan Human Development Centre, where the two projects were situated, attracted personalities, friends and well wishers who came from far and near to witness the ceremony.

Delivering a homily at the Mass Bishop Ukwuoma described the event as a thanksgiving to God for the gift of the diocese.  He recalled when the diocese was part of the old Owerri diocese before it was carved out on November 29, 1980 and inaugurated in 1981.  He enjoined Christians to always give thanks to God in any condition they found themselves.

The prelate commended those who worked tirelessly to ensure that the dream of Orlu diocese was realized especially the early missionaries who brought Christianity to the area.  He appreciated those who died while carrying the work of evangelization to various places within the diocese and prayed God to grant them eternal rest.

Bishop Ukwuoma further urged priests, religious and the lay faithful of the diocese to keep the light of the evangelization shining since it is now in their hand.  Continuing, the prelate enjoined Christians to be enthusiastic about the church and called on the lay faithful of the diocese to help and pray for the retired priests and the sick ones who have worked for God and the church especially now they are weak.

He regretted how some senior citizens who served the country and the state are being treated, especially delay in payment of their pensions and implored government to ensure that the senior citizens receive their pensions as at when due.

In an address presented by the Chairman of the Pastoral Council, Prof. Anthony Uzoma on behalf of Orlu Catholic Community, they congratulated Bishop Ukwuoma on his 5th Episcopal anniversary and commended him for his great achievements since he was installed the second bishop of the diocese which included the renovation of the diocesan secretariat, the erection of Archangel Gabriel Media complex, the old priests house among others.  He expressed the unalloyed support of the council to the bishop at all times.

The highpoints of the occasion were the commissioning of the Retired Priests’ House, Caritas University Liaison Office and the Media Complex.

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