Enough of Hotels, Please! – Catholic Bishop tells Imo millionaires

The plethora of hotels that are literally springing up in every corner of our streets, especially in the main cities of Imo State – Owerri in particular have become disconcerting for many in the State. Worried by the increasing number of unemployed in Imo State, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma has appealed to Imo millionaires to have mercy on this army of unemployed youths and invest in manufacturing industry instead of hotels. Speaking during the funeral of an industrialist, Sir Godwin Okwara at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Amaifeke Orlu recently, Bishop Ukwuoma observed that hotels have taken grip of major cities in Imo State, while the state is bereft of…

Ahiara Diocese loses Msgr Don Okoro

-  To be buried on Oct. 10 The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara has regretfully announced the passing on to eternal glory of one of her septuagenarian priest, Very Rev. Msgr Donald Okoro. The death occurred on Friday September 20, 2013, after a brief illness. Very Msgr Don Okoro was one of the Pioneer Priest of the Ahiara Diocese who were instrumental to the declaration of Ahiara Diocese, November 18, 1987 and its inauguration, January 6th 1988, with His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Victor Adike Chikwe as the Pioneer Catholic Bishop. He was born in 1938 and lived for 75 years of fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord before his passing on. He was…

Upholding the Sacredness of Human life in Imo State

During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, he offered a pardon to a man who was completely rehabilitated after committing a serious crime. But the man refused the pardon and insisted on staying in prison.  He said that even if he was rehabilitated, he owed a great debt to society.  Nothing Jackson, or anyone else said could convince him to accept the pardon. Many people in our time and particularly our state are like this man who refused to accept pardon because of the very many obnoxious crimes he committed against the sacredness of human life. Our Lord Jesus gave us the fifth Commandment “Thou Shall not Kill” (Ex 20:13).  By this fifth injunction of the…

Priests for Life Begins New Lawsuit Against Contraception Mandate

Protest Providing Coverage for ‘Very Things’ Ministry Seeks to Combat Priests for Life is back in court to fight for religious freedom. On behalf of the national pro-life ministry, the American Freedom Law Center filed a lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the mandate that Priests for Life insurance plans must provide contraception, abortifacients and sterilization services to its employees. Today, Priests for Life will welcome Representative Michele Bachmann for a religious freedom Web cast to discuss the case and talk about how people can help to safeguard the right to freedom of religion and the even more fundamental right to life itself. Priests for Life was the fourth…

Bishop Ukwuoma visits St. Barnabas Parish

The Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, has admonished those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation recently to abstain from evil deeds, shun social vices and anything capable of destroying their lives, family or negatively impacting on their Christian faith. The bishop was speaking during a recent visit to St. Barnabas Parish, Akokwa Ideato North Local government Area of Imo State.  One hundred and seventy five people were confirmed during the visit. He also warned Catholics to stop jumping from one church to another.  Instead, they should pray and seek God in whatever they do. Delivering his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma explained that his pastoral visit was part…

Be persistent in prayer – Fr. Eke, as Zone 2 Youth celebrates Youth Day

Christians have been advised to be persistent in their prayers to God for He is the only one that can solve their problems.  This advice was given by the Episcopal Vicar, Zone 2, Rev. Fr. Christian Eke in St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Mbutu Okohia, Ngor-Okpala LGA as the youths of Zone celebrated their annual youth day on July 28, 2013. Fr. Eke stressed that Christians should pray without relenting for God is always waiting for us to call upon Him in prayer.  He mentioned people like Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Elijah, Paul and Silas in the Bible who prayed persistently and had their payers answered.  He advised against putting up ungodly pictures in their homes for…

CBSN ends annual seminar in Ngugo

Members of the Catholic Bible Society of Nigeria (CBSN) Owerri Archdiocese were on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Ngugo ended their 30-day annual seminar with the promise to continue carrying out the spiritual exercise for renewal of their love for the word of God and the church. The spiritual revival grand finale, which took place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Ngugo Ikeduru LGA, Imo State was well attended by members of the Bible Society from various parishes in Owerri Archdiocese. During his homily at the Mass, which commenced the event, Rev. Fr. Anthony Agugo (CMF) charged CBSN members to march the word of God which they study and preach with proactive adherence.  The clergyman reminded…

St. Mulumba Parish marks feast day

It was an atmosphere of joy on July 7, 2013 as parishioners and friends of St. Mulumba Catholic Parish Owerri, gathered to celebrate the feast of their Patron Saint, St. Mulumba, who until martyrdom was known as Mathias Kalembe. During the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Justin Okoro, assisted by Rev. Fr. Francis Metu in his introductory prayer, thanked God for the privilege to celebrate the feast day and prayed for God’s blessings and strong faith like St. Mulumba on Christians. In his sermon, Fr. Justin Okoro declared that the day was that of practical faith and divine peace.  According to him peace connotes serenity of which when found in a household gives…

KSM, Nsu Sub-Council invests 2nd Degree members

Six Knights and Ladies of Nsu Sub-Council, Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria were on Sunday, July 21, invested with Second Degree regalia. The Grand Knight of the Sub-Council, Bro. Virgilus Okechukwu presided over the investiture ceremony held at St. Columba’s Catholic Parish, Agbaghara Nsu. Very Rev. Fr. Dr. S. Okeke, Resident Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Jerry Ofoegbu and Very Rev. Fr. S. Anyanwu, the Chaplain celebrated the Mass. The day also featured the 29th year ordination anniversary of the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Jery Ofoegbu and the graduation of Fr. Howel Nursery/Primary School. In his homily at the Mass preceding the investiture, graduation and anniversary, the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. S. Anyanwu states that…

18 ordained priests in Aba diocese

It was bumper harvest, Saturday, July 13 at SS Peter and Paul Parish, Mbutu Ngwa in Isiala Ngwa South LGA in Abia State as His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Fortunatus Nwchukwu, Titular Archbishop of Aquaviva and Apostolic Nuncio in Nicaagua, ordained 18 deacons as priests. The new priests are for the Catholic Diocese of Aba and Christ the Emmanuel Congregation. Delivering the homily, Archbishop Nwachukwu urged the newly ordained to see their call to the priesthood as a service to God and humanity.  He enjoined them to always be generous since according to him, priests are products of generosity.  Continuing, Nwachukwu encouraged the deacons to imbibe the principal and fundamental virtue of love, giving analogy…

Assumpta Sub-Council Invests second Degree Knights

The newly invested Knights of St. Mulumba, Assumpta Sub-Council have been enjoined to strive for holiness as it is the bedrock of the Christian doctrine. The Chaplain of the Sub-Council, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Edochie gave the charge during the investiture of 10 members of the Sub-Council who were recently promoted to Second Degree of the Order after meeting the necessary requirements, including a written examination. In a homily at the Mass preceding the investiture, Fr. Edochie said that knights as soldiers of Christ must strive to live life of holiness and show exemplary Christian faith to the rest of the world.  He charged them to use their various professions to serve God and humanity especially…

Bishop Amatu visits St. Ita’s Parish Ibeme-Mbano -Confirms 164

Christians have been cautioned to refrain from those tendencies capable of destroying them and the larger Christian community.  The Bishop of Okigwe diocese, Most Rev. S.A. Amatu gave the warning, Sunday, June 30, 2013 at St. Ita’s Parish Ibeme-Mbano, during pastoral visit there. The remarks were contained in the bishop’s homily during the Holy Mass of the visit which featured the confirmation of 164 faithful of the parish.  His Lordship decried the spate of bitter criticism, self-indulgence, vindication, impatience and intolerance among Christians and observed that these negative traits were capable of weakening the body of Christ as they expunge mutual love, tolerance and replace them with a holier-than-thou attitude which he said makes one…

Security Beefed Up In Churches …As robbers launch serial attacks on Catholic parishes in Imo

The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has strengthened security in parishes following series of robbery incidents in parishes and church institutions in the archdiocese. Priests  have been on alert as men of the underworld seemed to have sworn to make the rectory their primary target.  Within the past three months, robbers have attacked not less than six parishes in the Archdiocese. Just last week, a car belonging to one of the newly ordained priests was snatched at gun point.  Investigations however revealed that the serial robbery attacks have been targeted mostly at the clergy working in Mbaitoli zone of the Archdiocese.  Apart from Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku,  Immaculate Heart Akwakuma, St. Joseph’s Ulakwo and St. Anthony’s…

Our Blessed Mother Mary and Our Christian Witnessing

Introduction The person and role of Mary in the church is a very significant feature of Catholic life. The tradition of asking for her intercession and honouring her in countless ways are part of our tradition that goes back to the first centuries of the Church. We have to acknowledge that in the recent times the place of Mary in theology and in the Church and devotion to her has become somewhat ambiguous. Older people nostalgically remember colourful processions, May crowing of statues of the Madonna, novenas and sodalities in her honour and the daily recitation of the family rosary often deplore the seeming lack of interest or lack of understanding of her person and…

Claretians get three new priests, five deacons – Bishop harps on discipline, obedience

It was jubilation galore at the Claret House, World Bank Estate, New Owerri as friends, relations and well-wishers besieged the new Claret Chapel to witness the ordination of three priests and five deacons, Saturday, July 6. The Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma presided over the ordination ceremonies. In his sermon, Bishop Ukwuoma reminded the candidates that God has a purpose for choosing them to be instrument in His service, stressing that they are no longer the same persons they were before as they are now alter Christus, another Christ. He reminded them that a priest has no private life as his life has become public.  Similarly, some of his rights have…

Infant Jesus Confraternity ends 2nd National Conference in Owerri

A three-day Second Annual National Delegates Conference of the Confraternity of the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague has ended in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The conference which was attended by delegates from 12 Catholic dioceses in Nigeria, took place from June 7-9, 2013 at the Maria Assumpta Pastoral Centre, Owerri The highlights of the activity-packed conference were: fund raising and the delegates meeting.  These were preceded by a talk delivered by the Owerri Archdiocesan Chaplain of the confraternity, Rev. Fr. Henry Opara, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Umuawuka, Emii on the second day of the event.  Its title was: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Phil 3:10)….

KSM: Mgbidi Sub-Council promotes six to 2nd Degree

The Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria (KSM), Mater Ecclesiae Sub-Council Mgbidi, Orlu diocese has raised six brothers to the Second Degree.  The wives of the knights whom they call Sisters were similarly promoted. The investiture ceremony which took place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Mgbidi on June 30, 2013 started with a concelebrated Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Ray Alaneme of Orlu diocese, assisted by the Parish Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Dike, his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ilozurike and the Sub-Council Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Francis Amadi. In his sermon during the Mass, Fr. Alaneme reflected on the readings of the day and the just concluded retreat in the parish and called on the…

St. Augustine’s Deanery Ezinihitte inaugurates Two Hearts of Love: Jesus and Mary

The association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary has become solidly founded in St. Augustine’s Deanery Ezinihitte through its inauguration ceremony at the deanery centre, St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Itu Ezinihitte, Saturday, June 8, 2013.  The exercise attracted members and invitees from 21 parishes in the deanery who appeared in their full uniform. Among the people were 28 persons who were inaugurated Matrons and Patrons while 62 new members were consecrated including an infant of 11 month old, Esther Adibe from Queen of Peace Parish Oboama Ezinihitte. In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Chris Akuchie, Deanery Representative, the Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Onwumere…

Bishop Ukwuoma commissions retired priests’ home, media complex – Marks 5th Episcopal ordination

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…

Prof. Celestine Onwuliri; A demise that would continue to live in our minds – Msgr Theo Nwalo

- As family commissions academic block for Major Seminary Activities slated to mark the one-year remembrance of Prof. Celestine Onwuliri who died in Lagos in the ill-fated Dana air crash which occurred on June 3rd, 2012 have been concluded with a memorial Mass at St. Jude’s Catholic Parish Amuzi Mbaise and the commissioning of a Philosophy Block built in memory of Prof. C. Onwuliri at the Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary Ariam, Abia State on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June respectively. The Mass which witnessed a mammoth crowd of people who came from all walks of life had Msgr. Theo Nwalo, the Catholic Administrator of Ahiara diocese as the chief celebrant and assisted by…