I am placing in my blog the placement of the clergy for the Pastoral Year 2009/2010. This may help you to locate any priest working in the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi.
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NNEWI
PERSONNEL PLACEMENT 2009/2010
I. Diocesan Bishop: Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
II. Diocesan Curia: General Duties
1. Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia: Very Fr. Patrick Ezeobata
2. Episcopal Vicars for the Regions
i. Nnewi Region: Very Rev. Fr. Paul Onwughalu
ii. Ihiala Region: Very Rev. Fr. Hilary Muotoe
iii. Ozubulu Region: Very Rev. Fr. Felix Ibegbunam
iv. Amichi Region: Very Rev. Fr. Felix Nwagbo
3. Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy: Very Msgr. Gabriel Onuorah
4. Episcopal Vicar for the Religious: Very Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Edokwe, C.S.Sp
5. Chancellor and Diocesan Secretary: Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Ike
6. Associate Chancellor and Coordinator, Outreach Programmes: Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Ukatu
7. Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies: Fr. Celestine Okonkwor
8. Confidential Secretary: Sr. Linda Nwabueze, MC
9. Financial Administrator: Fr. Ugochukwu Onuorah
10. Accounts Officer: Sr. Julie Agbakoba, MC
11. Judicial Vicar: Fr. Titus Nnabugwu
12. Diocesan Tribunal Office, Nnewi: Fr. Donald Chukwudolue
13. Interdiocesan Tribunal Defender of the Bond: Fr. Donald Chukwudolue
14. Director, Health Services: Fr. Simon Adigwe
15. Director, Justice, Development, Peace and Caritas Committee: Fr. Patrick Orazulike :
16. Coordinator, Human Development: Rev. Fr. Andrew Ejeajuonye
17. Director, Pontifical Mission Societies: Sr. Loretto Okoli, DDL
18. Coordinator, PMS/YOMM: Sr. Theresa Anosikwa,DDL
19. Coordinator, Holy Childhood Association: Sr. Petronilla Ibeziako, DDL
20. Director, Social Communications and Editor-in-chief of THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK: Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor
21. Deputy Director, Social Communications and Administrative
Editor, THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK: Fr. Anselm Ughaerumba
22. Director, Evangelization and Catechetics: Fr. Fidelis Obiorah
23. Director of Vocations: Fr. George Oranekwu
24. Director, Educational Services: Fr. Peter Ezeani
25. Supervisors, Religious Education
(Secondary): Fr. Anselm Olua
(Primary): Sr. Endalene Mozie, IHM
26. Director, Lands and Building Matters: Msgr. Gabriel Onuorah
27. Deputy Director, Lands and Building Matters: Fr. Jude Chukwuneke
28. Director of Liturgy: Fr. Celestine Okonkwor
29. Director, Liturgical Music: Very Fr. Patrick Ezeobata
30. Deputy Director, Liturgical Music: Rev. Fr. Stanley Ojimba
31. Director, Marian Apostolate: Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Gusiorah
32. Director, Marriage and the Family: Fr. Ferdinand Odigbo
33. Coordinator, Marriage and the Family: Rev. Sr. Benedict Egbulem, DDL
34. Coordinator of Ecumenism: Fr. Jude Umeh
35. Coordinator of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Inculturation: Fr. Fidelis Obiorah
36. Power to Absolve from Censures: The Vicar General, the Episcopal Vicars of the Regions, the Cathedral Administrator, Msgr. Gabriel Onuorah, Fr. Matthew Udegbunam and Fr. Basil Agba, C.S.Sp.
37. Book Censors: Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe, Fr. Victor Ifeanyi, Fr. Patrick Ezeobata, Fr. Michael Onyekachukwu, Fr. Alphonsus Okonkwo, Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor, Fr. Damian Obi, Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Fr. George Oranekwu, Fr. Jude Umeh and Fr. Celestine Okonkwor.
38. Cultural Matters: Rev. Frs. Alfred Edokobi, (Chairman), Fr. Alphonsus Okonkwor, Basil Anunobi, Felix Ibegbunam, Paul Onwughalu, Peter Uzonna Ezeani, Fidelis Obiorah and Martin Onwudiwe.
39. Peace and Reconciliation Council: Msgr. Gabriel Onuorah, Frs. Paul Onwughalu, Peter Ezeani, Raphael Ezeogu and Peter Muojekwu.
40. Opus Securitatis Committee: Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke, Fr. Raphael Ebedeagu (Chairman), Rev. Fr. Godwin Orji (Secretary), Fr. Patrick Anichebe Ezeobata, Fr. Ugochukwu Onuorah, Fr. Augustine Ndukaji, Fr. Christopher Ezeimo, Fr. Felix Ibegbunam, and Fr. Martin Onwudiwe.
41. Legal Advisers: Dr. Joseph Ikenga-Metuh, Barrister Odimegwu and Fr. Maurice Izunwa
III. Chaplaincies
1. Chaplain, Laity Council: Fr. Hilary Muotoe
2. Chaplain, Catholic Men Organisation: Fr. Celestine Okonkwor
3. Chaplain, Catholic Women Organisation: Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor
4. Chaplain, Catholic Boys Organisation: Fr. Vincent Nnabude
5. Chaplain, Catholic Girls Organisation: Fr. Anthony Obele
6. Coordinating Chaplain, Catholic Youth Organisation: Fr. Peter Muojekwu
7. Associate Chaplains, Catholic Youth Organisation: Chaplains of Youth Organisations (CBO, CGO, MOD, YCS, CY Corpers)-
8. Regional Chaplains: Amichi Region, Fr. Linus Akuakor; Ihiala Region: Fr. Pius Ajuluchukwu, Nnewi Region: Fr. , Ozubulu Region: Fr. Gregory Ibeh
9. Chaplain, Holy Childhood Association: Fr. Stanislaus Ojimba
10. Chaplain, Young Catholic Students: Fr. Anselm Olua
11. Assistant Chaplain, Young Catholic Students: Fr. Cletus Chukwuemeka
12. Chaplain, Catholic Youth Corpers: Fr. Peter Ezeani
13. Chaplain, Catholic Charismatic Renewal: Fr. Jude Umeh
14. Chaplain, Bible Society: Fr. Jude Udemezue
15. Chaplain, Catholic Biblical Instructors Union: Fr. Fidelis Obiorah
14. Chaplain, MOD: Frs. Christopher Nwobi and Anselm Olua
16. Chaplain, Catholic Nurses’ Guild: Fr. Simon Adigwe
17. Chaplain, Apostleship of Prayer: Fr. Innocent Ejinkonye
18. Chaplain, Block Rosary Crusade: Fr. Innocent Ofiaeli
19. Chaplain, Legion of Mary: Fr. Felix-Mary Ndubisi
20. Chaplain, St. Anthony’s Guild: Fr. Anthony Mobi
21. Chaplain, St. Jude’s Society: Fr. Jude Ikeokwu
22. Chaplain, Blue Army: Fr. Aloysius Nzuko
23. Chaplain, Purgatorian Society: Fr. Alfred Edokobi
24. Chaplain, Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary: Rev. Fr. Anthony Ibe
25. Chaplain, Altar Knights Association: Fr. Remigius Ezeoke
26. Chaplain, Catholic Choirs Association: Very Fr. Patrick Ezeobata
27. Assistant Chaplain, Catholic Choirs Association: Fr. Stanislaus Ojimba
28. Chaplain, St. Stephen’s Society: Fr. Luke Ibeh
29. Chaplain, Mary League: Fr. Cyril Orazulume
30. Chaplain, Knights of St. Mulumba (Nnewi Sub-council): Fr. Paul Onwughalu
31. Associate Chaplain, Knights of St. Mulumba (Nnewi Sub-council): Fr. Basil Anunobi
32. Chaplain, Knights of St. Mulumba (Ihiala Sub-council): Fr. Simon Adigwe
33. Chaplain, Knights of St. Mulumba (Okija Sub Council ): Fr. Felix Mary Ndubisi
34. Chaplain, Knight of St. Mulumba (Ebonesie Sub-Council): Fr. Vincent Nnabude
35. Chaplain, Knights of St. John International (Nnewi Commandery): Fr. Michael Onyekachukwu
36. Chaplain, Knights of St. John International (Ihiala Commandery): Rev. Fr. Basil Agba, CSSp
37. Chaplain, Knights of St. John International (Okija Commandery): Fr. Christian Eze
38. Chaplain, Knights of St. John International (Ozubulu Commandery): Fr. Felix Ibegbunam
36. Chaplain, Association of Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart: Fr. Godwin Orji
37. Chaplain, Divine Mercy Apostolate: Fr. Cajetan Obodozie
38. Chaplain, Madonna Mercy Family: Fr. Christian Eze
39. Chaplain, Maria Consolata Society: Fr. Raphael Madukwe
40. Chaplain, St. Vincent de Paul’s Society: Fr. Vincent Nnabude
41. Chaplain, Tansi Solidarity: Fr. Ignatius Uzondu
42. Chaplains, Public Association of Holy Family Fathers and Brothers of the Youth: Frs. Denis Ononuju, C.S.Sp and Fr. Romanus Ochemba C.S.Sp.
43. Chaplain, Public Association of the Missionary Sisters of Divine Mercy: Fr. Samuel Odajiri
44. Chaplain, Immaculate Heart Sisters Regionalate, Nnewi: Rev. Fr. Celestine Okonkwor
45. Chaplain, St. Theresa’s Society: Fr. Anthony Obiamalu
46. Chaplain, Confraternity of the Miraculous Infant Jesus: Fr. Basil Umunnah
47. Chaplain, Apostleship of the Precious Blood: Fr. John Bosco Ofojua
48. Chaplain, Couples for Christ: Fr. Stanislaus Ojimba
49. Chaplains, Catholic Teachers Association: Frs. Peter Ezeani and Anselm Olua
50. Chaplain, Social Apostolate: Fr. Richard Mary Umeike
51. Chaplains, Secular Institute of Missionaries of the Gospel: Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Odigbo, and Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Onuorah
IV. Deans
1. Uruagu Deanery - Rev. Fr. Augustine Ndukaji
2. Otolo Deanery - Rev. Fr. Raphael Ebedeagu
3. Amichi Deanery - Rev. Fr. Peter Muojekwu
4. Osumenyi Deanery - Rev. Fr. Jude Okwuelu
5. Ukpor Deanery - Rev. Fr. Paulinus Adinnu
6. Ozubulu Deanery - Rev. Fr. Solomon Ugochukwu
7. Oraifite Deanery - Rev. Fr. Timothy Njoku, CM
8. Ihiala Deanery - Very Rev. Fr. Basil Agba, C.S.Sp
9. Okija Deanery - Rev. Fr. Felix-Mary Ndubisi
10. Orsumoghu Deanery - Rev. Fr. Godwin Orji
V. PARISHES
1. Akwaihedi: St. Mary Mother of God Parish, Akwaihedi
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Ernest Ebulue
2. Amichi: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Amichi
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Nwagbo
Parish Vicar: Fr. Virginus Udenna
3. Amichi: St. James Parish, Amichi
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obidile
Parish Vicar: Fr. Linus Akuakor
4. Amichi: St. Hyacinth Parish, Amichi
Parish Priest: Fr. Daniel Ileka
5. Azia: St. Andrew’s Parish, Azia
Parish Priest: Fr. Alexander Umenweke
6. Azia: Mary the Queen Parish, Azia
Parish Priest: Fr. Hyginus Epunam
7. Azigbo: St. David’s Parish, Azigbo
Parish Priest: Fr. Alphonsus Gusiorah
8. Ebenator: St. Matthew’s Parish, Ebenator
Parish Priest: Fr. Paschal Uzor
9. Ekwulumili: St Luke’s Parish, Box 64, Ekwulumili.
Parish Priest: Fr. Raphael Ezeogu
10. Ekwulumili: St. Mary’s Parish, Ekwulumili
Parish Priest: Fr. Remigius Ezeoke
11. Ezinifite: St. Michael’s Parish, Ezinifite, Box 1026, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. George Akanigwo, CSSp
Parish Vicar: Fr. Paul Nwaneri, C.S.Sp
12. Ezinifite: St. Thomas Parish, Ezinifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku
13. Ezinifite: Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish, Ezinifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Martin Onwudiwe
14. Ichi: St. Patrick’s Parish, Ichi
Parish Priest: Fr. Victor Ekwomadu, CMF
Parish Vicar: Fr. Christopher Ikem Ogugua, CMF
15. Ihembosi: St. Anthony’s Parish, Ihembosi
Parish Priest: Fr. Innocent Ezike
16. Ihembosi: Mary the Queen Parish, Ihembosi
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Obi
17. Ihiala: St. Martin of Tours, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Basil Agba, CSSp
Parish Vicar: Fr. Hyacinth Edokwe, CSSp
Parish Vicar: Fr. Callistus Offor, CSSp
Parish Vicar: Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna, CSSp
18. Ihiala: St. Gregory’s Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Hilary Muotoe
Parish Vicar: Fr. Pius Ajuluchukwu
19. Ihiala: Christ the King Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Cajetan Obodozie
20. Ihiala: St. Paul’s Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Christian Nwakile
Parish Vicar: Fr. Anthony Ibe
21. Ihiala: Directorate of Catechetics and Evangelisation
Director: Fr. Fidelis Gbamfuchi Obiorah
In Residence: Fr. Christian Eze
22. Ihiala: St. Joseph’s Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Innocent Ejinkonye
23. Ihiala: Immaculate Heart Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Cletus Chukwuemeka
In Residence: Fr. Simon Adigwe
24. Ihiala: St. Christopher’s Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Jude Ikeokwu
25. Ihiala: Mary the Queen Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Patrick Mbaebie
26. Ihiala: All Saints’ Parish, Ihiala
Parish Priest: Fr. Ignatius Uzondu
27. Isseke: St. Joseph’s Parish, Isseke
Parish Priest: Fr. Bartholomew Ifeanyi Okonkwo
Residence: Fr. Michael Ngobili
28. Lilu: St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Lilu
Parish Priest: Fr. Raphael Madukwe
29. Mbosi: St. Patrick’s Parish, Mbosi
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Umegboro
Parish Vicar: Fr. Innocent Ofiaeli
30. Nnewi: Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi
(a) Cathedral Parish
Parish Priest: Msgr. Gabriel Onuorah
Parish Vicar (Special Status): Fr. Jude Umeh
Parish Vicar: Fr. David Hangeior
Parish Vicar: Fr. Stanislaus Ojimba
In Residence: Fr. Andrew Ejeajuonye
(b)Bishop’s House:
i. Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
ii. Very Rev. Donatus Ike
iii.. Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor
iv. Very Rev. Fr. Celestine Okonkwor
iv. Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Onuorah
31. All Saints’ Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Cosmas Ike
32. St. Mary’s Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Christopher Ezimo
Parish Vicar: Fr. Jude Chukwuneke
In residence: Rev. Fr.Bonaventure Ukatu
33. Nnewi: St. John Cross Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Paul Onwughalu
Parish Vicar (Special Status): Fr. Michael Azike
Parish Vicar: Fr. Malachy Obumkaneme
Nnewi: St. John Cross Rectory, Nnewi
In Residence: Fr. Matthew Udegbunam (University/Hospital Chaplaincy)
34. Nnewi: St. Philip’s Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Peter Onwuka
35. Nnewi: St. Louis’ Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Eugene Ike
Parish Vicar: Fr. Francis Nnoruka
In Residence: Fr. Emeka Ibekwe
36. Nnewi: St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Otolo, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Alfred Edokobi
Parish Vicar: Fr. Cletus Ngadiukwu
Parish Vicar: Fr. John Nzewu
37. Nnewi: St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Nnewichi, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Augustine Ndukaji
Parish Vicar (Special Status): Fr. Anthony Izuorah
Parish Vicar: Fr. Callistus Onuma
38. Nnewi: St. Charles Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Anthony Obele
39. Nnewi: St. Michael’s Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Onyekachukwu
Parish Vicar (Special Status): Fr. Sylvester Ikwueke
Parish Vicar: Fr. Aloysius Nzukor
In Residence: Fr. Anselm Olua
40. Nnewi: St. Joseph’s Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Elosi, MSP
Parish Vicar: Fr. Cyriacus Offor, MSP
Parish Vicar: Fr. Godwin Nnadozie, MSP
In Residence: Fr. Festus Ejiofor, MSP
41. Nnewi: Holy Family Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Julius Ututor
Parish Vicar: Fr. Nathaniel Onwuekwe
42. Nnewi: St. Cletus Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Edmund Nwagbala
Parish Vicar (Special Status): Fr. George Arinze
In Residence: Fr. Peter Uzonna Ezeani
43. Nnewi: St. Felix Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Philip Nnadi
44. Nnewi: St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Raphael Ebedeagu
In Residence: Fr. Maurice Izunwa
45. Nnewi: Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Patrick Ezefunamba
Parish Vicar: Fr. Joachim Umeigwilo
46. Nnewi: St. Martin de Porres Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Cyprian Ohagwa
Parish Vicar: Fr. Sylvanus Okoye
In Residence: Fr. Anselm Ughaerumba
47. Nnewi: St. James Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Patrick Ezeobata
Parish Vicar: Fr. Ethelbert Ifenatuorah
In Residence: Fr. Michael Oruche
48. Nnewi: St. Monica’s Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Henry Ezeifedi
49. Nnewi: Holy Spirit Parish, Nnewi
Parish Priest: Fr. Bennet Onyeulo SVD
Parish Vicar: Fr. Magnus Ebere, SVD
Parish Vicar: Fr. Callistus Ekemezie, SVD
48 Nnewi: St. Luke’s Chaplaincy, University Teaching Hospital and College of Health Sciences, Nnewi
Chaplain: Fr. Matthew Udegbunam
Assistant Chaplain: Fr. Emeka Ibekwe
49. Ogwuaniocha: St. Paul’s Parish, Ogwuaniocha
Parish Priest: Fr. Christian Eze
50. Okija: St. Mary’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix-Mary Ndubisi
Parish Vicar : Fr. JohnDismus Obinegbo
In residence: Fr. Patrick Orazulike
51. Okija: St. Patrick’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Anthony Mobi
52. Okija: St. Paul’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Luke Nworah
53. Okija: St. Michael’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Jude Udemezue
54. Okija: St. Benedict’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Remigius Ndubisi, C.S.Sp
55. Okija: St. Anthony’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Luke Ibe
Parish Vicar: Fr. John Paul Ifechigha
56. Okija: St. Jude’s Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. James Onyalagu
57. Okija: Sacred Heart Parish, Okija
Parish Priest: Fr. Maurice Okeke
58. Oraifite: St. George’s Parish, Oraifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Timothy Njoku, CM
In Residence: Fr. Gabriel Okpala, CM (Superior)
59. Oraifite: St. Mary’s Parish, Oraifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Christopher Nwobi
60. Oraifite: All Saints Parish, Oraifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Basil Anunobi
61. Oraifite: St. John’s Parish, Oraifite
Parish Priest: Fr. Donald Chukwudolue
62. Orsumoghu: Immaculate Conception Parish, Orsumoghu
Parish Priest: Fr. Francis Orah
63. Orsumoghu: St. Theresa’s Parish, Orsumoghu
Parish Priest: Fr. Godwin Orji
64. Osumenyi: Holy Spirit Parish, Osumenyi
Parish Priest: Fr. Cyril Orazulume
65. Osumenyi: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Osumenyi
Parish Priest: Anselm Onwuegbuchulam
Parish Vicar (School Apostolate): Fr. Theodore Uzochukwu
66. Osumenyi: St. Lawrence Parish, Osumenyi
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. John Bosco Oforjua
67. Ozubulu: St. Michael’s Parish, Amakwa, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Ibegbunam
Parish Vicar: Fr. Gregory Ibe
68. Ozubulu: St. Michael’s Parish, Eziora, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Alphonsus Okonkwor
Parish Vicar : Fr. Stanislaus Nnakenyi
Parish Vicar: Fr. Bernadine Muoka (Also School Chaplain)
In Residence: Fr. Christopher Ifenatuorah
69. Ozubulu: St. Joseph’s Parish, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Solomon Ugochukwu
Parish Vicar: Fr. Kizito Anamene
70. Ozubulu: St. Kevin’s Parish, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Basil Ugwu
Parish Vicar: Fr. Romanus Muoma
71 Ozubulu: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Humphrey Anameje
72. Ozubulu: St. John the Baptist Parish, Ozubulu
Parish Priest: Fr. Vincent Nnabude
73. Ubuluisiuzor: St. John’s Parish, Ubuluisiuzor
Parish Priest: Fr. Cyril Onwuasoeze
74. Ukpor: St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish Ukpor (Centre)
Parish Priest: Fr. Paulinus Adinnu
Parish Vicar: Fr. Anthony Obiamalu
75. Ukpor: Holy Trinity Parish, Ukpor
Parish Priest: Fr. Alfred Umeh
76. Ukpor: St. Mary’s Parish, Umuohama, Ukpor
Parish Priest: Fr. Damian Obi.
77 Ukpor: St. Peter Claver’s Ukpor
Parish Priest: Fr. Christopher C. Okoye
Parish Vicar: Fr. Martin Unadike
78. Unubi: St. Patrick’s Parish, Unubi
Parish Priest: Fr. Peter Muojekwu
Parish Vicar: Fr. Vincent Ikelionwu
79. Utuh: St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Utuh
Parish Priest: Fr. Jude Okwuelu
Parish Vicar: Fr. Hyacinth Izuegbu
80. Utuh: St. Stephen’s Parish, Utuh
Parish Priest:Fr. Basil Umunna
VI. CHAPLAINCIES OF INSTITUTIONS
St. Luke’s Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital and College of Health Sciences: Fr. Matthew Udegbunam and Fr. Emeka Ibekwe
Madonna University Chaplaincy: Fr. Bernard Ngwoke
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala: Rev. Fr. Timothy Akubueze, CSSp
4. Military Chaplaincy (Air Force): Fr. Francis Ofordum
5. Military Chaplaincy (Army): Fr. Magnus Chukwu
6. Chaplain, Immaculate Heart Regional House, Nnewi: Fr. Bonaventure Ukatu
7. Chaplain, Maria Regina Comprehensive School, Nnewi: Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghaulor
8. Chaplain, Mercy Girls’ High School, Nnewi: Fr. Nathaniel Onwuekwe
9. Chaplain, St. Michael’s Secondary School, Ozubulu: Fr. Bernadine Muoka
VII. SEMINARIES AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
1. St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor
i. Fr. George Oranekwu (Rector)
ii. Fr. Ephraim Chukwuma (Vice Rector)
iii. Fr. Samuel Odajiri
iv. Fr. Lawrence Ezike (Spiritual Director)
v. Fr. Emmanuel-Garret Ifeakor
2. St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Year Seminary, Ozubulu
i. Fr. Ferdinand Odigbo Rector
ii. Fr. Benedict Okolo Vice Rector
iii. Fr. Peter Nwanekezie Bursar
vi. Fr. Charles Udegbunam
3. State Education Commission, Nnewi Zone
Supervisor (Special Duties): Fr. Anselm Olua
4. Education Office
Secondary Schools: Fr. Peter Ezeani (Education Secretary)
Primary Schools: (Religious Education): Sr. Endaline Mozie, IHM
5. Director, St. Paul’s School of Theological Studies: Rev. Fr. Jude Umeh
VIII. PRIESTS OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
1. Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha
i. Fr. Victor Ifeanyi (Rector)
ii.. Fr. Anselm Oruche
iii. Fr. Dominic Anaeto (Sabbatical)
iv. Fr. Ignatius Obinwa (Sabbatical)
2. Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu
Fr. Aloysius Obiwulu (Sabbatical)
3. Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Awka
Rev. Fr. Augustine Obiagbasogu
4. Onitsha Archdiocese
Fr. Titus Nnabugwu – Interdiocesan Tribunal, in Residence at St. Mary’s Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka - Lecturers
i. Fr. Michael Ifeagwazi (Lecturer)
ii. Fr. Hilary Achunike (Lecturer)
iii. Fr. Richard-Mary Umeike (Student)
6. University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt
Fr. Christopher I. Ejizu (Professor)
7. Anambra State University, Uli (Student)
Fr. Michael Ngobili
8. University of Benin, Benin City (Student)
Fr. Christopher Esotu
9. Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt
i. Fr. John Ohaegbu
ii. Fr. Emmanuel Anagwo
iii. Fr. Godfrey Okoli
iv. Fr. Ernest Simple Okoli
vi. Fr. George Ezukwo
10. Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria/PMS Abuja
Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe (National Director of PMS and Director of Department of Mission and Dialogue, CSN, Abuja Office)
11. Italy – Rome (Studies)
i. Fr. Anthony Ibegbunam
ii. Fr. Jude Ezike
iii. Fr. Anthony Akaeze
iv. Fr. Frederick Mbiere
v. Fr. Richmond Ibenezi
12. Italy- Sassari (Temporary Assignment)
Fr. Anselm Olisaeke (Archdiocese of Sassari)
13. United States of America
a. Under Various Titles
i. Fr. Anastasius Akpunonu
ii. Fr. Cyprian Iwuchukwu
iii. Fr. Emmanuel Okechukwu
iv. Fr. Livinus Uba
v. Fr. Pius Ilechukwu (Sabbatical)
vi. Fr. John Ejike
vii. Fr. Norbert Ezeh
viii. Fr. Edwin Nwabugwu
ix. Fr. Celestine Afugwobi
b. Students
i. Fr. Clement Okoye
ii. Fr. Theophilus Ebulueme
iii. Fr. Stephen Okeke
iv. Fr. Benjamin Uzuegbunam
v. Fr. Hyacinth Ikemelu
vi. Fr. Benedict Ezeoke
vii. Fr. Damian Umeokeke
viii. Fr. Christian Ohazulume
x. Fr. Joachim Adione
xi. Fr. Ernest Emeodi
xiii. Fr. Ambrose Udoji
xi . Fr. Titus Ibe
14. Germany
i. Fr. Alexander Uzor (Muenchen)
ii. Fr. Ignatius Obinwa
15. England
i. Fr. Geo-Ben Ezeani (Student)
ii. Fr. Livinus Ikwueke(Student)
iii. Fr. Cyriacus Okafor (Student)
16. Belgium (Students - University of Louvain)
i. Fr. Patrick Unaegbu
ii. Fr. Francis Oforka
17. Ireland (Temporary Assignment)
Fr. Peter Uzochukwu
18. Austria: Vienna
Fr. Ikenna Okafor (Student)
Austria-Linz
Fr. Moses Chukwujekwu (Temporary Assigment)
19. France – Paris
Fr. Vitalis Anehobi (Student)
18. Canada – Ottawa
Fr. Peter Nwanekezie (Student)
IX. PRIESTS ON MISSION
a. Canada:
i. Diocese of Victoria
Fr. Clement Nwankwo
ii. Archdiocese of Regina
Fr. Callistus Ibe
iii. Archdiocese of Toronto
Fr. Augustine Onyiloha
b. Scotland: Archdiocese of Glasgow
Fr. Linus Iloegesi
c. Sierra Leone: Diocese of Makeni
i. Fr. Michael Onuchukwu
ii. Fr. Ephraim Madu
d. Chad – Archdiocese of Ndjamena
i. Fr. Henry Chukwujekwu
ii. Fr. Benedict Anigbogu
X. PRIESTS ON SPECIAL APPOINTMENT (IN VIEW OF FURTHER STUDIES/OTHER ASSIGNMENTS)
1. Fr. Ernest Emeodi
2. Fr. Francis Nwosu
3. Fr. Benjamin Nwanonenyi
4. Fr. Benedict Enemuo
XI. PRIESTS OF OTHER DIOCESES
1. Archdiocese of Onitsha:
Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku
Fr. Henry Ezeifedi
2. Diocese of Nsukka
Fr. Bernard Ngwoke (Madonna University, Okija)
3. Diocese of Okigwe
Fr. Reginald Nnamdi (Madonna University, Okija)
4. Diocese of Ponce, Puerto Rico –
Fr. Alphonsus Gusiorah
5. Diocese of Awka
Fr. Donatus Ike
XII. PRIEST-MEMBERS OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES AND SOCIETIES OF APOSTOLIC LIFE
1. Congregation of the Holy Spirit
a. Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala
i. Fr. Fabian Adindu, C.S.Sp (Rector)
ii. Fr. Uche Hipolytus Iwuala, C.S.Sp (Vice Rector)
iii. Fr. Malachy Aguzuru C.S.Sp (Bursar)
iv. Fr. Anthony Emefu, C.S.Sp
v. Fr. Samuel Ekwokporo, CSSp (Spiritual Director)
vi. Fr. Oliver Ejike Ugwu, CSSp
b. St. Martin’s Parish, Ihiala
i. Fr. Basil Agba, C.S.Sp (Parish Priest)
ii. Fr. Hyacinth Edokwe, C.S.Sp (Parish Vicar)
iii. Fr. Callistus Offor, CSSp
iv. Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna, CSSp
v. Fr. Timothy Akubueze, CSSp (Chaplain, OLL Hospital, Ihiala)
vi. Fr. Maurice Ozor, CSSp (Spiritan Farm, Okija)
c. Spiritan Farm, Okija
i. Fr. Maurice Ozor,,C.S.Sp (Director)
ii. Fr. Edwin Ogbuchi, C.S.Sp
d. St. Benedict’s Parish, Okija
Fr. Remigius Ndubisi, CSSp
e. Okija (With the Holy Family Fathers and Brothers of the Youth in
formation)
i. Fr. Denis Ononuju, C.S.Sp
ii. Fr. Romanus Ochemba, C.S.Sp
f.. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chaplaincy, Ihiala
Fr. Timothy Akubueze, CSSp (Chaplain)
g. St. Michael’s Parish, Ezinifite
Fr. George Akanigwo, C.S.Sp (Parish Priest)
Fr. Paul Nwaneri, CSSp
2. Vincentian Fathers, Oraifite
a. St. George’s Parish, Oraifite
i. Fr. Timothy Njoku, CM (Parish Priest).
ii. Fr. Gabriel Okpala, CM, Superior of the Community, Supervising Principal, Mater Dei Secondary School and De Paul Boys College, Oraifite.
b. Vincentian Postulate, Oraifite
i. Fr. Jacob Ugwuoke, CM, Director of Postulancy
ii. Fr. Callistus Ajaero, CM, Manager of School for Deaf and Dumb
iii. Fr. John Adikwu, CM. Principal , De Paul College, Oraifite
3. Claretians, Ichi- St. Patrick’s Parish, Ichi
i. Fr. Victor Ekwomadu, CMF (Parish priest)
ii. Fr. Christopher Ikem Ogugua, CMF (Parish Vicar)
4. Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria –St. Joseph’s Parish, Nnewi
i. Fr. Felix Elosi, MSP (Parish Priest)
ii. Fr. Cyriacus Offor, MSP (Parish Vicar)
iii. Fr. Godwin Nnadozie, MSP (Parish Vicar)
iv. Fr. Festus Ejiofor MSP (Coordinator of Promotions)
5. Vocationist Fathers – Holy Spirit Parish, Nnewi
i. Fr. Bennet Onyeulo, SVD (Parish Priest)
ii. Fr. Magnus Ebere, SDV (Parish Vicar)
iii. Callistus Ekemezie, SVD (Parish Vicar)
6. Saviour Fathers and Brothers – Madonna University, Okija
Fr. Jude Nwokolo, SFB
XIII. IN MEMORIAM
Fr. Gabriel Anosike + 8th November 2003
Fr. Kizito Ojukwu + 4th May 2006
Rev. Anthony Nnabuife (Deacon) + 23rd June 2006
Rev. Fr. Festus Emenike +14th April 2009
Rev. Fr. Stanley Nonso Anaedo +14th September 2009
DIRECTIVES
Please note:
This personnel placement comes into effect on 5th October 2009. Changes and adjustments are still possible before the day. Movement to the new places of ministry/residence will begin on 5th October 2009 and end on 12th October 2009. Please be careful, diligent and conscientious with your handover and accounts. Copies of the Handover notes with properly detailed inventory, duly signed by both the outgoing parish priest and the incoming one, will be submitted to the Episcopal Vicar of the Region, Vicar General, Chancellor and to the Bishop’s Office.
+ Hilary Paul Odili Okeke Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Ike
Bishop of Nnewi Chancellor
Saturday, October 10, 2009
ACTIVITIES FOR 2010
I present to you my programme of activities for the year 2009. I will generally follow this programme unless something of higher order intervenes.
2010 PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES
JANUARY
1 Fri Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Mother of God Parish, Akwaihedi
2 Sat Silver Jubilee of Sr. Chinonye IHM at St. James, Nnewi
3 Sun Diamond Jubilee of Chief and Mrs Nzekwe at Utuh
Second Collection for Consecrated men and women
4 Mon Marriage of Chizoba at Amichi
12 Tue Meeting of Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province
13 Wed Meeting of Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province
Patronal Celebration of St. Hilary of Poitiers
(Request for remembrances at Masses and Prayers)
17 Sun Special Collection for St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor
21 Thu Celebration of Birthday for Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
(Request for Masses and Prayers)
24 Sun Patronal Celebration of St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor
25 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia (including all Episcopal
Vicars)
27 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
28 Thu Pastoral Visit to Maria Regina Girls Comprehensive College
30 Sat Diocesan Celebration of the Holy Childhood Association
Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew’s Parish, Azia
31 Sun Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew’s Parish Azia
PMS Special Collection for Pontifical Holy Childhood
FEBRUARY
2 Tue Day with Consecrated Men and Women
3 Wed Recollection for Priests of Nnewi Diocese
6-7 Pastoral Visit to Mary the Queen Parish, Azia
7-13 Cultural Week Celebrations (Activities to showcase African
Culture at various levels)
10 Wed 8th Anniversary of the Erection of our Diocese and Episcopal
Ordination and installation of Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
13 Sat Special Celebration of the 8th Anniversary at Our Lady of
Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi (All are to participate)
14 Sun Special Fund-raising in place of ACF
Pontifical Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral,
Nnewi
17 Wed Presbyteral Council (includes members of the College of consultors)
20 Sat 10th Anniversary of the death of Rev. Fr. Prof. Edmund
Emefie Ikenga-Metuh at St. Peter Claver’s Otolo-Nnewi
21-27 Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Meeting at
Abuja
27-28 Meeting with NCDC, Abuja
28 Sun Parish Project Collection
MARCH
3 Wed. Recollection for Priests of Nnewi Diocese
5 Fri Meeting of Diocesan Finance Committee
6 Sat Golden Jubilee of Marriage at Holy Trinity Parish, Ukpor
6-7 Pastoral Visit to Holy Trinity Parish, Ukpor.
13 Sat Meeting of Diocesan Pastoral Council
14 Sun Second Collection for the Catholic Bishops Conference of
Nigeria (CBCN)
Pastoral Visit to St. Jude’s Parish, Okija
17 Wed Special Celebration of St. Patrick at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church,
Mbosi (Year for Priests Event: All priests are to participate in the celebration of the great Missionary and Patron of Nigeria)
20 Sat Cathedraticum for Ihiala Region at St. Martin of Tours, Ihiala
20-21 Pastoral Visit to St. John’s Parish, Oraifite
21 Sun National Collection for the Poor (mandated by the CBCN)
27 Sat Cathedraticum for Nnewi Region at St. John Cross Church, Nnewi
28 Sun Mass for Palm Sunday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi
29 Mon Cathedraticum for Ozubulu Region at St. Michael’s Church, Amakwa
Ozubulu
30 Tue Cathedraticum for Amichi Region at Our Lady Queen of Heaven,
Amichi
APRIL;
1 Thu Holy Thursday - Chrism Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral
Nnewi
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Parish Collection for the Poor
2 Fri Good Friday – Collection for Holy Land
4 Sun Easter Sunday
5 Mon 80th Birthday Celebration for Mr. H. O. Ume at Holy Spirit, Osumenyi
6 Tue Former Amichi Parish Vocations Rally
8 Thu Celebration with DMMM Azia I
9 Fri First Profession of Missionary Sisters of Divine Mercy at Nnewi
11 Sun Day with the Youth at
12 Mon Canonical Examinations for Senior Seminarians
13-22 Break: Celebrations with NCDC London
20 Tue 36th Priestly Ordination of Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
24-25 Pastoral Visit to St. John Cross Parish, Nnewi
25 Sun Good Shepherd Sunday: Prayers for Vocations and Special PMS
Collections for Seminaries
25-26 Bigard Golden Jubilee Priests Association Celebration
26-30 Retreat for Bishops for the Year for Priests at Abuja
MAY
1-2 Pastoral Visit to St. Theresa’s Parish, Orsumoghu
5 Wed Recollection for all priests
8 Sat Special Celebration with Maria Consolata Society
8-9 Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph’s Parish, Ozubulu
9 Sun Parish Project Collections
11 Tue Meeting of Bishops and Formators at Awka
15-16 Pastoral Visit to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Nnewi
16 Sun World Communications Day and Collections for Social
Communications Apostolate
17 Mon Ongoing Formation for all Priests
19 Wed Theological Conference for all Priests
22-23 Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Parish, Nnewi
23 Sun Pentecost Day: Confirmation for candidates from all over the
Diocese at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi
24 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
29-30 Second Collection for Daughters of Divine Love (DDL)
JUNE
Parish Priests and other Priests can take their annual leave
1-30 Annual Leave of the Bishop
2 Wed Recollection for all Priests
11 Fri Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus –Celebration of the Year
For Priests in all Parishes
13 Sun Parish Project Collection
14 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia with the Moderator of the
Curia
16 Wed Meeting of all the Priests of the Diocese with the Vicar
General
19 Sat Closing of the Year for Priests in OLA Cathedral for the whole
Diocese (All priests, religious men and women and representatives
of the lay faithful from every parish to participate)
27 Sun Peter’s Pence –Special Collection for the Pope’s universal
Ministry
JULY
Annual Leave for only Parish Vicars and other non-parish priests only after retreat
1 Thu Return from Leave
3-4 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Nnewi
4-9 First Group Retreat for Priests at Spiritual Year, Ozubulu
10 Sat Diocesan Priestly Ordination
11 Sun Parish Project Collection
11-16 Second Group Retreat for Priests at Spiritual Year, Ozubulu
17-18 Pastoral Visit to St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Otolo – Nnewi
11-18 JDPC Week
18 Sun Second Collection for JDPC Work
19 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
21 Wed Meeting of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors
23 Fri Meeting of the Diocesan Finance Committee
24-25 Pastoral Visit to St. James Parish, Nnewi
25 Sun Second Collection for Holy Spirit Sisters (C.S.Sp)
31 Sat Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph’s Parish, Nnewi
AUGUST
Parish Priests are not to go on annual leave in August
1 Sun Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph Parish, Nnewi
4 Wed Recollection for all Priests
7-8 Pastoral Visit to St. Felix Parish, Nnewi
8 Sun Divine Stewardship Initiative (Fund-raising for Diocesan Projects)
15 Sun Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Eucharistic Celebration in the OLA Cathedral, Nnewi
16 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
18 Wed Meeting of the College of Consultors
21 Sat Diocesan August Meeting of the CWO
22 Sun Parish Projects Collection
23-27 Annual Reunion with Diocesan Major Seminarians
28-29 Pastoral Visit to St. Paul’s Parish, Okija
29 Sun Second Collection for Catholic Education
SEPTEMBER
Parish Priests are free to take their annual leave
1 Wed Recollection for all Priests
4-5 Pastoral Visit to St. Benedict’s Parish, Okija
5 Sun Second Collection for Diocesan Priests Association
12-18 Meeting of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)
18-19 Meeting with NCDC Lagos
19 Sun Special Fundraising in place of ACF
22 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
25-26 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Okija
OCTOBER
Parish Priests are free to take their annual leave if not affected by movement
1 Fri Feast of Our Lady of Nigeria –
2-3 Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Mother of the Church, Ukpor
3 Sun Special Collection for St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Year Seminary, Ozubulu
4-12 Movement after Postings
9-10 Pastoral Visit to St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Ukpor
16 Sat Special Founder’s Day at St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Year Seminary,
Ozubulu (Diocesan Event)
17 Sun Harvest and Bazaar of Nnewi Central Catholic Council
23-24 Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Assumed into Heaven Parish, Umuahama-
Ukpor
24 Sun Mission Sunday – Prayers and Special PMS Fundraising for World
Mission
30-31 Pastoral Visit to St. Luke’s Parish, Ekwulumili
NOVEMBER
Parish Priests are not to take their annual leave in November until after the Pastoral Council
1. Mon All Saints Day
2 Tue All Souls Day
3 Wed Recollection for all Priests
6 Sat Diocesan Pastoral Council
7 Sun Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar Sales at OLA Cathedral Parish,
Nnewi
Parish Projects Collection
13-14 Pastoral Visit to St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala
15-21 Break for the Bishop
22 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
24 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
27-28 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Ezinifite
28 Sun Second Collection for Minna Diocese
DECEMBER
1 Wed Recollection for all Priests
4 Sat Day with the Catholic Girls Organisation
5-12 Meeting of Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa
(RECOWA) at Yamassoukrou, Ivory Coast
12 Sun Parish Projects Collection
17 Fri Installations at 8-00 am at the OLA Cathedral
10.00 am – Meeting of the Diocesan Finance Committee
18-19 Pastoral Visit to St. Lawrence Parish, Osumenyi
19 Sun Parish Collection for Christmas for the Poor
22 Wed Christmas Party for Priests and Consecrated men and women
25 Sat Christmas Day
26 Sun Golden Jubilee of Marriage of Amaechi brothers at Ukpor
31 Fri End of the Year Meeting of the Bishop with Men and Women of the
Diocese.
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
2010 PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES
JANUARY
1 Fri Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Mother of God Parish, Akwaihedi
2 Sat Silver Jubilee of Sr. Chinonye IHM at St. James, Nnewi
3 Sun Diamond Jubilee of Chief and Mrs Nzekwe at Utuh
Second Collection for Consecrated men and women
4 Mon Marriage of Chizoba at Amichi
12 Tue Meeting of Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province
13 Wed Meeting of Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province
Patronal Celebration of St. Hilary of Poitiers
(Request for remembrances at Masses and Prayers)
17 Sun Special Collection for St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor
21 Thu Celebration of Birthday for Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
(Request for Masses and Prayers)
24 Sun Patronal Celebration of St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor
25 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia (including all Episcopal
Vicars)
27 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
28 Thu Pastoral Visit to Maria Regina Girls Comprehensive College
30 Sat Diocesan Celebration of the Holy Childhood Association
Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew’s Parish, Azia
31 Sun Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew’s Parish Azia
PMS Special Collection for Pontifical Holy Childhood
FEBRUARY
2 Tue Day with Consecrated Men and Women
3 Wed Recollection for Priests of Nnewi Diocese
6-7 Pastoral Visit to Mary the Queen Parish, Azia
7-13 Cultural Week Celebrations (Activities to showcase African
Culture at various levels)
10 Wed 8th Anniversary of the Erection of our Diocese and Episcopal
Ordination and installation of Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
13 Sat Special Celebration of the 8th Anniversary at Our Lady of
Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi (All are to participate)
14 Sun Special Fund-raising in place of ACF
Pontifical Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral,
Nnewi
17 Wed Presbyteral Council (includes members of the College of consultors)
20 Sat 10th Anniversary of the death of Rev. Fr. Prof. Edmund
Emefie Ikenga-Metuh at St. Peter Claver’s Otolo-Nnewi
21-27 Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Meeting at
Abuja
27-28 Meeting with NCDC, Abuja
28 Sun Parish Project Collection
MARCH
3 Wed. Recollection for Priests of Nnewi Diocese
5 Fri Meeting of Diocesan Finance Committee
6 Sat Golden Jubilee of Marriage at Holy Trinity Parish, Ukpor
6-7 Pastoral Visit to Holy Trinity Parish, Ukpor.
13 Sat Meeting of Diocesan Pastoral Council
14 Sun Second Collection for the Catholic Bishops Conference of
Nigeria (CBCN)
Pastoral Visit to St. Jude’s Parish, Okija
17 Wed Special Celebration of St. Patrick at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church,
Mbosi (Year for Priests Event: All priests are to participate in the celebration of the great Missionary and Patron of Nigeria)
20 Sat Cathedraticum for Ihiala Region at St. Martin of Tours, Ihiala
20-21 Pastoral Visit to St. John’s Parish, Oraifite
21 Sun National Collection for the Poor (mandated by the CBCN)
27 Sat Cathedraticum for Nnewi Region at St. John Cross Church, Nnewi
28 Sun Mass for Palm Sunday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi
29 Mon Cathedraticum for Ozubulu Region at St. Michael’s Church, Amakwa
Ozubulu
30 Tue Cathedraticum for Amichi Region at Our Lady Queen of Heaven,
Amichi
APRIL;
1 Thu Holy Thursday - Chrism Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral
Nnewi
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Parish Collection for the Poor
2 Fri Good Friday – Collection for Holy Land
4 Sun Easter Sunday
5 Mon 80th Birthday Celebration for Mr. H. O. Ume at Holy Spirit, Osumenyi
6 Tue Former Amichi Parish Vocations Rally
8 Thu Celebration with DMMM Azia I
9 Fri First Profession of Missionary Sisters of Divine Mercy at Nnewi
11 Sun Day with the Youth at
12 Mon Canonical Examinations for Senior Seminarians
13-22 Break: Celebrations with NCDC London
20 Tue 36th Priestly Ordination of Most Rev. Hilary P. O. Okeke
24-25 Pastoral Visit to St. John Cross Parish, Nnewi
25 Sun Good Shepherd Sunday: Prayers for Vocations and Special PMS
Collections for Seminaries
25-26 Bigard Golden Jubilee Priests Association Celebration
26-30 Retreat for Bishops for the Year for Priests at Abuja
MAY
1-2 Pastoral Visit to St. Theresa’s Parish, Orsumoghu
5 Wed Recollection for all priests
8 Sat Special Celebration with Maria Consolata Society
8-9 Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph’s Parish, Ozubulu
9 Sun Parish Project Collections
11 Tue Meeting of Bishops and Formators at Awka
15-16 Pastoral Visit to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Nnewi
16 Sun World Communications Day and Collections for Social
Communications Apostolate
17 Mon Ongoing Formation for all Priests
19 Wed Theological Conference for all Priests
22-23 Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Parish, Nnewi
23 Sun Pentecost Day: Confirmation for candidates from all over the
Diocese at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi
24 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
29-30 Second Collection for Daughters of Divine Love (DDL)
JUNE
Parish Priests and other Priests can take their annual leave
1-30 Annual Leave of the Bishop
2 Wed Recollection for all Priests
11 Fri Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus –Celebration of the Year
For Priests in all Parishes
13 Sun Parish Project Collection
14 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia with the Moderator of the
Curia
16 Wed Meeting of all the Priests of the Diocese with the Vicar
General
19 Sat Closing of the Year for Priests in OLA Cathedral for the whole
Diocese (All priests, religious men and women and representatives
of the lay faithful from every parish to participate)
27 Sun Peter’s Pence –Special Collection for the Pope’s universal
Ministry
JULY
Annual Leave for only Parish Vicars and other non-parish priests only after retreat
1 Thu Return from Leave
3-4 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Nnewi
4-9 First Group Retreat for Priests at Spiritual Year, Ozubulu
10 Sat Diocesan Priestly Ordination
11 Sun Parish Project Collection
11-16 Second Group Retreat for Priests at Spiritual Year, Ozubulu
17-18 Pastoral Visit to St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Otolo – Nnewi
11-18 JDPC Week
18 Sun Second Collection for JDPC Work
19 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
21 Wed Meeting of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors
23 Fri Meeting of the Diocesan Finance Committee
24-25 Pastoral Visit to St. James Parish, Nnewi
25 Sun Second Collection for Holy Spirit Sisters (C.S.Sp)
31 Sat Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph’s Parish, Nnewi
AUGUST
Parish Priests are not to go on annual leave in August
1 Sun Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph Parish, Nnewi
4 Wed Recollection for all Priests
7-8 Pastoral Visit to St. Felix Parish, Nnewi
8 Sun Divine Stewardship Initiative (Fund-raising for Diocesan Projects)
15 Sun Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Eucharistic Celebration in the OLA Cathedral, Nnewi
16 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
18 Wed Meeting of the College of Consultors
21 Sat Diocesan August Meeting of the CWO
22 Sun Parish Projects Collection
23-27 Annual Reunion with Diocesan Major Seminarians
28-29 Pastoral Visit to St. Paul’s Parish, Okija
29 Sun Second Collection for Catholic Education
SEPTEMBER
Parish Priests are free to take their annual leave
1 Wed Recollection for all Priests
4-5 Pastoral Visit to St. Benedict’s Parish, Okija
5 Sun Second Collection for Diocesan Priests Association
12-18 Meeting of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)
18-19 Meeting with NCDC Lagos
19 Sun Special Fundraising in place of ACF
22 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
25-26 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Okija
OCTOBER
Parish Priests are free to take their annual leave if not affected by movement
1 Fri Feast of Our Lady of Nigeria –
2-3 Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Mother of the Church, Ukpor
3 Sun Special Collection for St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Year Seminary, Ozubulu
4-12 Movement after Postings
9-10 Pastoral Visit to St. Peter Claver’s Parish, Ukpor
16 Sat Special Founder’s Day at St. Gabriel’s Spiritual Year Seminary,
Ozubulu (Diocesan Event)
17 Sun Harvest and Bazaar of Nnewi Central Catholic Council
23-24 Pastoral Visit to St. Mary Assumed into Heaven Parish, Umuahama-
Ukpor
24 Sun Mission Sunday – Prayers and Special PMS Fundraising for World
Mission
30-31 Pastoral Visit to St. Luke’s Parish, Ekwulumili
NOVEMBER
Parish Priests are not to take their annual leave in November until after the Pastoral Council
1. Mon All Saints Day
2 Tue All Souls Day
3 Wed Recollection for all Priests
6 Sat Diocesan Pastoral Council
7 Sun Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar Sales at OLA Cathedral Parish,
Nnewi
Parish Projects Collection
13-14 Pastoral Visit to St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala
15-21 Break for the Bishop
22 Mon Meeting of the Diocesan Curia
24 Wed Plenary Meeting of the Presbyterium
27-28 Pastoral Visit to St. Michael’s Parish, Ezinifite
28 Sun Second Collection for Minna Diocese
DECEMBER
1 Wed Recollection for all Priests
4 Sat Day with the Catholic Girls Organisation
5-12 Meeting of Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa
(RECOWA) at Yamassoukrou, Ivory Coast
12 Sun Parish Projects Collection
17 Fri Installations at 8-00 am at the OLA Cathedral
10.00 am – Meeting of the Diocesan Finance Committee
18-19 Pastoral Visit to St. Lawrence Parish, Osumenyi
19 Sun Parish Collection for Christmas for the Poor
22 Wed Christmas Party for Priests and Consecrated men and women
25 Sat Christmas Day
26 Sun Golden Jubilee of Marriage of Amaechi brothers at Ukpor
31 Fri End of the Year Meeting of the Bishop with Men and Women of the
Diocese.
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND SOLIDARITY
LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD
CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND SOLIDARITY
My dear People of God,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I wish to reflect with you on the implications of being members of the Catholic Church. I am doing so because I have experienced the disastrous consequences of lack of true communion and commitment that go to make a truly Catholic community. We need to reflect together on the characteristic notes of a true Catholic Christian community and see how we can become truly who and what we are: members of the Body of Christ, members of the household of the living God, members of the Family of God, members of the community of faith, hope and love, indeed, “ a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).
Our people believe strongly in the solidarity of the family. We say, “Ikwu ka na nne” (The bond of association is stronger among blood relatives). The membership in a given family, both nuclear and extended means a lot to the average Igbo person. He or she will do everything possible to maintain the membership of the family and to ensure his or her solidarity with the family. The importance of this family solidarity is expressed by Igbo people in their sayings and proverbs. Umunna bu ike (The extended family or clan is the strength of anyone). It is evident that the large or extended family has numbers. Gwuru gwuru bu ugwu eze (A large retinue shows the grandeur of the king). The sense and feeling of belonging and the efforts to express concretely that belonging ensure the solidarity of the clan or umunna.
The most painful punishment on anybody is ostracism, cutting off relationship of a person with other members of his or her clan. It is for the Igbo people a type of death. Igbo people aware of the need for kinship solidarity dread this punishment. They do all in their power to avoid ostracism. They say, “onye ya na umunna ya akwuro, o nwuo, o ga-eli onwe ya. O buru na olie onwe ya, aka ya ga-aputa”. The terrible spectre of a person who is not with the members of his extended family becomes real at death when the dead person might have to bury himself or herself with the telltale of the hand sticking out, something simply inconceivable. The result is often the tyranny of umunna. The members exploit the dread of ostracism to impose the collective will of the clan or extended family and lately, of the village or town on every member.
It is true that the family identity and solidarity function positively to ensure the safety and security of the members. They provide support in time of difficulties and need. Members of the family have a strong sense of the community and help one another. At bereavement, they come together to share out task and responsibilities, often contributing money and material to assist the persons directly affected. Assistance among members of the family or clan ensures social cohesion and provides the needed help to access education, learn trade or start off a business. People are available and indeed, their presence is required on the occasion of marriage and other events of rejoicing and feasting. This sense of belonging and solidarity is a concrete expression of what St. Paul urges: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another” (Rom 12:15-16).
Indeed, the Igbo family identity and solidarity provide a paradigm for our reflection on the Church in our place as the Family of God. It calls to mind the paradigm of the early Christian community in which the believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:42, 44). The unity and harmony among the members of the early Christian community were outstanding: “All believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). St. Paul made a passionate appeal for unity to the Christians in Philippi: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Phil 2:1-2). Unity and solidarity are the hallmarks of Christianity. This unity and solidarity flow from the Christian identity.
A Christian believer, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit has become incorporated into Christ and becomes one with other believers in Christ. He or she becomes a member of the Mystical Body of Christ. He or she becomes a member of a new clan, a clan of those who through baptism are new beings in Christ and are expected to live a new life (see Rom 6:4). The new state of the Christian flows from the transformation wrought by baptism, which is not only washing away of the dirt of the old being but also a regeneration of a new person configured in the image of Christ, the Son of God. This new situation is compared and contrasted with the identity and unity of the Igbo clan. Archbishop Albert K. Obiefuna at the First Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa made the resounding declaration that the water of baptism should be more powerful than the blood of natural family kinship. The Christian is incorporated into a strong network of relationship that is mystical and real. How real this identity and unity are to most Catholics is a matter of concern.
St. Paul even in prison for the faith urged Christians to live a life worthy of their calling: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:1, 3-6). The new reality is a body of which the believers are members. This analogy is given by St. Paul and urged strongly by him on all Christians: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given one Spirit to drink” (1 Cor 12:12-13). This unity is further stressed in his letter to the Galatians: “You are all sons [and daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ” (Gal 3:26-28).
The Christian understands himself or herself as a part of a universal brotherhood [and sisterhood] as people belonging to the family of God. The relationship in this family is supposed to be stronger than the bond that comes from blood relationship. The English proverb states that blood is thicker than water but it should not be thicker than the water of baptism. The water of baptism has been transformed by the Holy Spirit to be more potent than blood. Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:5-6). He continues in another place: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Christians call one another “brothers” and “sisters”, and this is real.
The teaching of St. Paul emphasises this family relationship. We are all members of God’s family. St. Paul was able to inculcate this lesson in the case of the runaway slave, Onesimus. This slave belonged to a Christian called Philemon. Onesimus had escaped from his master and became a believer in the meantime. In sending him back to the master, St. Paul was aware that the usual punishment for Onesimus was death. But he relied on the new relationship existing among them and sent him back to his master with this moving words, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord” (Philemon 15-16). The slave had become the brother of his master because they share one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (see Eph. 4:4-6).
One wonders why it is difficult for us to accept this relationship based on the water and Spirit of our baptism! Christians and Catholics at that still hang on the status which are based on traditional ideas. The strongest influences come from the traditional societal structures. For the majority of Catholics, blood is thicker than the water and Spirit of baptism, leading to very unchristian attitudes of discrimination and sometimes downright rejection of people who do not share blood relationship with the group even when they had lived together for centuries. Such people are regarded as strangers by the traditional society. But how can Christians call fellow Christians strangers and behave to them like strangers? We need to have that radical transformation to understand ourselves and one another in Christ. We must overcome the divisions and discriminations of the traditional society based on the narrow and localised concept of humanity and embrace the universalistic view of humanity given us by Christ. Consequently, we have to join the new humanity in which there are no foreigners and aliens, but all are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household (see Eph. 3:19).
Similarly, the unfortunate categorisations of people according to the practices derived from African Traditional Religion still exist and are blots on the Christian community. How can a Christian still discriminate against another Christian because his or her forefather consecrated himself to a deity or idol as its slave or osu. Christians do not recognise idols or deities and should not accept any categorisation based on any relationship with idols or deities. Unfortunately, the contrary is the case. This is one thing that challenges our adherence to Christ in whom there is no slave or freeborn. Any Christian who continues to accept and act on the osu or ohu social stigma is not a true Christian. Igbo Christians should put on Christ and live and act as people born to a new form of existence in which there is no discrimination or division based on race, ethnic origin, sex or social status. We Christians must realise our common identity.
This common identity calls for solidarity in all aspects of life. The believers in the early Christian community cared for one another such that there was no one in want among them (see Acts 4:34). Why is there no such solidarity among Christians, especially Catholics in our area? Not only do people not care for one another but they persecute one another, especially on their position towards traditional institutions that are tainted with idolatry or fetish practices. In some communities, Catholics join pagans and non-Catholics to ostracise fellow Catholics who refuse to have anything to do with ofo, or who refuse to participate in mmanwu ozoebune, who do not join in traditional cleansing or oath taking or similar aberrations. Such Catholics are only Catholics in name. They do a lot of damages in the Church, and to fellow Catholics who are struggling to live by the strict tenets of the Christian religion as taught by the Catholic Church. It is clear that the greatest enemies to the Catholic faith are Catholics who do not realise and cherish their Catholic identity. The umunna, village, town and other identities are more important to them and they are prepared to jettison their Catholic identity if this comes into conflict with their other identities.
It is also a sad fact that Catholics go to court against one another contrary to the wise counsel of St. Paul. It is a shame to the whole Catholic community that there cannot be found anybody in the Catholic community wise enough to judge disputes between believers. Rather Catholics will take their disputes to civil courts or to iba where people who do not share our beliefs and morals sit in judgement over saints. In some instances, swearing on juju or pagan idols is prescribed by umunna or the elders (Ndichie). For St. Paul and for any true believer in Christ it is unthinkable that one brother in Christ will go to law against another – and this in front of unbelievers (see 1 Cor 6:1-8). In the spirit of our common faith, we should be ready to submit our disputes to arbitration or adjudication before the Lord, either to our bishops, priests or Christian elders. Similarly, Catholics must be prepared to submit to wise counsels of the elders of the Church in politics and other matters. Nobody should be selfish or divisive in these matters.
Another area in which many Catholics fail to live up to the brotherhood which we share in Christ is in our relationship with one another with regards to material possessions. Some Catholics defraud one another. In the market and offices, some Catholics exploit others and do not consider that in doing that they are wronging their brothers and sisters. What of those Catholics who seize the property of the poor, or take advantage of widows and orphans, depriving them of their inheritance and property! True religion in the words of St. James is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). The early Christians cared for widows (see Acts 6:1; 1 Tim 5:3-16). God commands fundamental option for the poor, widows and orphans. They need our care as our weaker brothers and sisters.
We Catholics need to recognise our common identity as Catholics. O Catholics, acknowledge your identity! Recognise the power of the water with which you were born again by the Holy Spirit in the baptism of salvation! Rejoice in the fellowship which you have in the body and blood of Christ! St. Paul calls us to realise the deep and strong communion which we have in being members of the one Mystical Body of Christ and in sharing in the Eucharistic body and blood of Christ. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:16-17). Let us come to our senses. Let us learn from other Christian groups. They stand together on issues when we go each his or her way. They encourage and support one another, when we tear one another to pieces and fight against one another. The saddest thing is that we all go to Holy Communion but still continue in enmity, conflicts and divisions! Let us know who we are and recognise whom we receive in the Holy Communion and live the unity and solidarity required of believers in the one Lord Jesus Christ and of communicants in His Most Holy Sacrament of unity and love!
As the whole Church prepares for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa on the theme: The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace, ‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world (Matt 5:13, 14)”, we have to work on ourselves and our Catholic communities to bring about a renewed sense of identity and belonging flowing from our baptism and the word of God. We have to work assiduously for Catholic communities that are vibrant and united in heart and mind and devoted to the apostles’ teaching (unity of faith), to fellowship (unity and solidarity in love), to the breaking of bread (sacramental unity) and to prayer (unity of worship). May the light of Christ shine anew in the lives of all believers so that others can see in our lives and communities the radiance of love and unity through which Christ was recognised in the early Christian communities! Standing together both in joys and sorrows, especially under persecutions, Catholics should witness to the love of Christ in us and in our Church!
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14). Amen!
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND SOLIDARITY
My dear People of God,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I wish to reflect with you on the implications of being members of the Catholic Church. I am doing so because I have experienced the disastrous consequences of lack of true communion and commitment that go to make a truly Catholic community. We need to reflect together on the characteristic notes of a true Catholic Christian community and see how we can become truly who and what we are: members of the Body of Christ, members of the household of the living God, members of the Family of God, members of the community of faith, hope and love, indeed, “ a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).
Our people believe strongly in the solidarity of the family. We say, “Ikwu ka na nne” (The bond of association is stronger among blood relatives). The membership in a given family, both nuclear and extended means a lot to the average Igbo person. He or she will do everything possible to maintain the membership of the family and to ensure his or her solidarity with the family. The importance of this family solidarity is expressed by Igbo people in their sayings and proverbs. Umunna bu ike (The extended family or clan is the strength of anyone). It is evident that the large or extended family has numbers. Gwuru gwuru bu ugwu eze (A large retinue shows the grandeur of the king). The sense and feeling of belonging and the efforts to express concretely that belonging ensure the solidarity of the clan or umunna.
The most painful punishment on anybody is ostracism, cutting off relationship of a person with other members of his or her clan. It is for the Igbo people a type of death. Igbo people aware of the need for kinship solidarity dread this punishment. They do all in their power to avoid ostracism. They say, “onye ya na umunna ya akwuro, o nwuo, o ga-eli onwe ya. O buru na olie onwe ya, aka ya ga-aputa”. The terrible spectre of a person who is not with the members of his extended family becomes real at death when the dead person might have to bury himself or herself with the telltale of the hand sticking out, something simply inconceivable. The result is often the tyranny of umunna. The members exploit the dread of ostracism to impose the collective will of the clan or extended family and lately, of the village or town on every member.
It is true that the family identity and solidarity function positively to ensure the safety and security of the members. They provide support in time of difficulties and need. Members of the family have a strong sense of the community and help one another. At bereavement, they come together to share out task and responsibilities, often contributing money and material to assist the persons directly affected. Assistance among members of the family or clan ensures social cohesion and provides the needed help to access education, learn trade or start off a business. People are available and indeed, their presence is required on the occasion of marriage and other events of rejoicing and feasting. This sense of belonging and solidarity is a concrete expression of what St. Paul urges: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another” (Rom 12:15-16).
Indeed, the Igbo family identity and solidarity provide a paradigm for our reflection on the Church in our place as the Family of God. It calls to mind the paradigm of the early Christian community in which the believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:42, 44). The unity and harmony among the members of the early Christian community were outstanding: “All believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). St. Paul made a passionate appeal for unity to the Christians in Philippi: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Phil 2:1-2). Unity and solidarity are the hallmarks of Christianity. This unity and solidarity flow from the Christian identity.
A Christian believer, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit has become incorporated into Christ and becomes one with other believers in Christ. He or she becomes a member of the Mystical Body of Christ. He or she becomes a member of a new clan, a clan of those who through baptism are new beings in Christ and are expected to live a new life (see Rom 6:4). The new state of the Christian flows from the transformation wrought by baptism, which is not only washing away of the dirt of the old being but also a regeneration of a new person configured in the image of Christ, the Son of God. This new situation is compared and contrasted with the identity and unity of the Igbo clan. Archbishop Albert K. Obiefuna at the First Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa made the resounding declaration that the water of baptism should be more powerful than the blood of natural family kinship. The Christian is incorporated into a strong network of relationship that is mystical and real. How real this identity and unity are to most Catholics is a matter of concern.
St. Paul even in prison for the faith urged Christians to live a life worthy of their calling: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:1, 3-6). The new reality is a body of which the believers are members. This analogy is given by St. Paul and urged strongly by him on all Christians: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given one Spirit to drink” (1 Cor 12:12-13). This unity is further stressed in his letter to the Galatians: “You are all sons [and daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ” (Gal 3:26-28).
The Christian understands himself or herself as a part of a universal brotherhood [and sisterhood] as people belonging to the family of God. The relationship in this family is supposed to be stronger than the bond that comes from blood relationship. The English proverb states that blood is thicker than water but it should not be thicker than the water of baptism. The water of baptism has been transformed by the Holy Spirit to be more potent than blood. Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:5-6). He continues in another place: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Christians call one another “brothers” and “sisters”, and this is real.
The teaching of St. Paul emphasises this family relationship. We are all members of God’s family. St. Paul was able to inculcate this lesson in the case of the runaway slave, Onesimus. This slave belonged to a Christian called Philemon. Onesimus had escaped from his master and became a believer in the meantime. In sending him back to the master, St. Paul was aware that the usual punishment for Onesimus was death. But he relied on the new relationship existing among them and sent him back to his master with this moving words, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord” (Philemon 15-16). The slave had become the brother of his master because they share one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (see Eph. 4:4-6).
One wonders why it is difficult for us to accept this relationship based on the water and Spirit of our baptism! Christians and Catholics at that still hang on the status which are based on traditional ideas. The strongest influences come from the traditional societal structures. For the majority of Catholics, blood is thicker than the water and Spirit of baptism, leading to very unchristian attitudes of discrimination and sometimes downright rejection of people who do not share blood relationship with the group even when they had lived together for centuries. Such people are regarded as strangers by the traditional society. But how can Christians call fellow Christians strangers and behave to them like strangers? We need to have that radical transformation to understand ourselves and one another in Christ. We must overcome the divisions and discriminations of the traditional society based on the narrow and localised concept of humanity and embrace the universalistic view of humanity given us by Christ. Consequently, we have to join the new humanity in which there are no foreigners and aliens, but all are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household (see Eph. 3:19).
Similarly, the unfortunate categorisations of people according to the practices derived from African Traditional Religion still exist and are blots on the Christian community. How can a Christian still discriminate against another Christian because his or her forefather consecrated himself to a deity or idol as its slave or osu. Christians do not recognise idols or deities and should not accept any categorisation based on any relationship with idols or deities. Unfortunately, the contrary is the case. This is one thing that challenges our adherence to Christ in whom there is no slave or freeborn. Any Christian who continues to accept and act on the osu or ohu social stigma is not a true Christian. Igbo Christians should put on Christ and live and act as people born to a new form of existence in which there is no discrimination or division based on race, ethnic origin, sex or social status. We Christians must realise our common identity.
This common identity calls for solidarity in all aspects of life. The believers in the early Christian community cared for one another such that there was no one in want among them (see Acts 4:34). Why is there no such solidarity among Christians, especially Catholics in our area? Not only do people not care for one another but they persecute one another, especially on their position towards traditional institutions that are tainted with idolatry or fetish practices. In some communities, Catholics join pagans and non-Catholics to ostracise fellow Catholics who refuse to have anything to do with ofo, or who refuse to participate in mmanwu ozoebune, who do not join in traditional cleansing or oath taking or similar aberrations. Such Catholics are only Catholics in name. They do a lot of damages in the Church, and to fellow Catholics who are struggling to live by the strict tenets of the Christian religion as taught by the Catholic Church. It is clear that the greatest enemies to the Catholic faith are Catholics who do not realise and cherish their Catholic identity. The umunna, village, town and other identities are more important to them and they are prepared to jettison their Catholic identity if this comes into conflict with their other identities.
It is also a sad fact that Catholics go to court against one another contrary to the wise counsel of St. Paul. It is a shame to the whole Catholic community that there cannot be found anybody in the Catholic community wise enough to judge disputes between believers. Rather Catholics will take their disputes to civil courts or to iba where people who do not share our beliefs and morals sit in judgement over saints. In some instances, swearing on juju or pagan idols is prescribed by umunna or the elders (Ndichie). For St. Paul and for any true believer in Christ it is unthinkable that one brother in Christ will go to law against another – and this in front of unbelievers (see 1 Cor 6:1-8). In the spirit of our common faith, we should be ready to submit our disputes to arbitration or adjudication before the Lord, either to our bishops, priests or Christian elders. Similarly, Catholics must be prepared to submit to wise counsels of the elders of the Church in politics and other matters. Nobody should be selfish or divisive in these matters.
Another area in which many Catholics fail to live up to the brotherhood which we share in Christ is in our relationship with one another with regards to material possessions. Some Catholics defraud one another. In the market and offices, some Catholics exploit others and do not consider that in doing that they are wronging their brothers and sisters. What of those Catholics who seize the property of the poor, or take advantage of widows and orphans, depriving them of their inheritance and property! True religion in the words of St. James is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). The early Christians cared for widows (see Acts 6:1; 1 Tim 5:3-16). God commands fundamental option for the poor, widows and orphans. They need our care as our weaker brothers and sisters.
We Catholics need to recognise our common identity as Catholics. O Catholics, acknowledge your identity! Recognise the power of the water with which you were born again by the Holy Spirit in the baptism of salvation! Rejoice in the fellowship which you have in the body and blood of Christ! St. Paul calls us to realise the deep and strong communion which we have in being members of the one Mystical Body of Christ and in sharing in the Eucharistic body and blood of Christ. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:16-17). Let us come to our senses. Let us learn from other Christian groups. They stand together on issues when we go each his or her way. They encourage and support one another, when we tear one another to pieces and fight against one another. The saddest thing is that we all go to Holy Communion but still continue in enmity, conflicts and divisions! Let us know who we are and recognise whom we receive in the Holy Communion and live the unity and solidarity required of believers in the one Lord Jesus Christ and of communicants in His Most Holy Sacrament of unity and love!
As the whole Church prepares for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa on the theme: The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace, ‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world (Matt 5:13, 14)”, we have to work on ourselves and our Catholic communities to bring about a renewed sense of identity and belonging flowing from our baptism and the word of God. We have to work assiduously for Catholic communities that are vibrant and united in heart and mind and devoted to the apostles’ teaching (unity of faith), to fellowship (unity and solidarity in love), to the breaking of bread (sacramental unity) and to prayer (unity of worship). May the light of Christ shine anew in the lives of all believers so that others can see in our lives and communities the radiance of love and unity through which Christ was recognised in the early Christian communities! Standing together both in joys and sorrows, especially under persecutions, Catholics should witness to the love of Christ in us and in our Church!
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14). Amen!
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD SPECIAL EDITION
LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD
IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS
My dear People of God,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I write from my hospital bed in St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany. How did I get to this place? It is part of the grand design of the all-knowing and all-loving God. The story is short but I want to make it a bit longer.
The week before was the meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at Kafachan, Kaduna State. There, we were treated to a very grand reception by Bishop Joseph Bagobiri and the faithful of the Diocese. At the end of the meeting, I left for Kaduna to meet with the members of Nnewi Catholic Diocesan Community (NCDC), Kaduna. It was a wonderful get-together with the Catholics from Nnewi Diocese resident in Kaduna. On Sunday, 13th September 2009, I celebrated Mass for the community at Kaduna. The Gospel invited all to renounce self, take up the cross and follow the Lord. Preaching, I called on people to reflect seriously on the gospel in the light of the “new gospel of prosperity”. “Suffering is not my portion!” “Poverty is not my portion!” “Sickness is not my portion!” I asked: “Whose portion is it?” Ours is, let God’s will be done!
On Monday, 14th September 2009, Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we left Kaduna at 5.30 a.m. I was travelling with Rev. Fr. Stanley Nonso Anaedo, my Secretary who was holding brief for Rev. Fr. Celestine Okonkwo, the Coordinator for Outreach Programme. Rev. Sr. Julie Agbakoba, the Accounts Officer was also in the car with us, together with my driver, Mr. Gabriel Anyigbo. I had lined up activities for the day when I got to Nnewi. I had booked a lot of appointments for Tuesday, ending with a meeting with His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze. Wednesday would have been the meeting of the College of Consultors to finalise the posting for the 2009/2010 Pastoral Year that would have published on Wednesday, 30th September 2009. We finished the Rosary and Morning Prayers. We passed Abuja at 7.06 a.m. We passed Kwali uneventfully. Then without warning the unexpected happened!
Before you knew it, a Hiace bus pulled out suddenly from the long line of vehicles heading to Abuja in an attempt to overtake another vehicle. I was not sure if the vehicle the bus was trying to overtake was a trailer or a luxury bus. In that split second, my driver saw the bus rushing towards us and moved out of the road. At the same time, the other driver tried to move out of the road and hit our car, which became a stunt car, flying and landing until it settled down in the gutter on all fours. At the moment of impact, a white light exploded in my head. Somebody told me that such experience was called NDE (Near Death Experience). The next thing was opening my eyes to see the battered body of Fr. Nonso on me. I was pinned down and could not move. My chest was racked with stabbing pains. The driver and Sr. Julie got out. They came out almost without any visible injury from the short and bumpy flight. Fr. Nonso and I were pinned at the back. Vehicles going in both directions stopped and I was pulled out of the vehicle. Fr. Nonso too was brought out unconscious. A Good Samaritan drove us to St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Gwagwalada.
There, I saw efficiency at work. Speed of reaction and care met us at the Casualty. We were immediately checked and cross checked for injuries. X-ray was done and other investigations including ultra sound were carried out. All the time, I was asking for Fr. Nonso. All the time, I was assured that his condition was stable. My condition did not look bad- a cut in the head that was not deep, blood flowing from a shallow injury in my left nostril were the only external evidence of injury. But I had excruciating pains in the chest. I was determined to carry the cross of pains. I realised in concrete what it means to contribute my suffering to that of Christ for the Church. As I lay on the bed, I did all to accept whatever pain came my way in the course of the treatment. It was not easy. The pains did come in many ways – the internal pain in the chest, the pricks of the needle as the doctors and nurses searched for the vein through which to give me inject.nd infusions, the pains to get up from lying position to sitting position and vice versa. The suffering was much but the love around me was even much more. The Handmaids of the Child Jesus were very kind and attentive. Led by Sr. Dr. Helen Omari Oko, the Chief Medical Director, the Sisters went all out to provide anything and everything needed. May God bless and reward them.
The whole day I did not see the others, Fr. Nonso, Sr. Julie and Oga Gab. I was in personal agony over my own pains and uncertainty about the extent of the injuries. But I was in more agony because I did not see my fellow victims. I asked incessantly after them and received the same reply. They are in a stable condition. At night while I was sleeping, I was reflecting on what stable condition could mean. It dawned on me that stable condition could mean death especially for Fr. Nonso who was unconscious from the scene of the accident. What condition could be more stable than death? The following morning, 15th September 2009, the Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows would be the day for sorrowful news. Sr. Dr. Helen, Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe. And Fr. Flight Lt. Francis Ofordum were very early in the morning in my room. I asked for Nonso. I was told something by Sr. Helen and Msgr. Adigwe added that he had gone. Indeed, Nonso was clinically dead on arrival at the hospital. I cried manfully but episcopally! Then Sr. Julie came in and asked for Fr. Nonso, she was told and she cried Sisterly. Oga Gab came and was informed and he wept profusely. Then we went together to pray over the remains of our erstwhile travelling companion who had reached his final earthly destination with a lively hope that he would reach our eternal resting place. Nonso was a good priest, friendly, cheerful, generous, obedient, available, indeed, a priest who knew no guile. I miss him as I prayed over the bier and the ambulance turned into a morgue that would take him to Ihiala. In all things give thanks to God! (1 Thess 5:18)
God’s way is the way of providential love. All these events were linked to the mystery of Christ and his Church. We were prepared for the accident with the word of God of the Sunday liturgy. We participated in the cross of Christ through the accident. We, both the dead and the survivors joined in the exaltation of the cross of Christ through which we are saved. The cross will continue to be the sign of contradiction, a sign that will be rejected by people who claim to be Christians but live as enemies of the cross of Christ (see Phil 3:18). Earthly well-being and prosperity are all they desire and pursue but their end is damnation (see Phil 3:19). St. Paul really gave us the pedagogy of the cross: it is foolishness for those on the way to eternal damnation but for those on the way to heaven, it is God’s power to save (see 1 Cor 1:18). Set for heaven, the genuine Christian embraces the cross of Christ willingly and joyfully, looking expectantly to heaven from where our Saviour will come (see Phil 3:20). The Christian celebrates the exaltation of the Cross of Christ and does his best like St. Paul to rejoice in his suffering with which he completes in his flesh what is yet left to be suffered by Christ for His Body, the Church (see Col 1:24).
The sad news of the death of Fr. Nonso was broken on the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows! Our Mother who carried her dead Son was there to console us at the irreparable loss. I was able to plumb the depth of sorrow when I was told of the death of the ever faithful priest, Fr. Nonso. I realised the sorrow of all fathers and mothers at the death of their children. Our Mother Mary bore the sorrow of seeing her Son die a shameful death on the cross. Stabat Mater dolorosa! She bore her dead Son on her bosom. She is able to console all who are in sorrow over the loss of their dear ones. Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and God of all consolation who consoles us in all our sorrows so that we can console all those in sorrow with the same consolation with which we are consoled by God see (2 Cor 1:3-7). In my own sorrow and with the consolation from God and from our Blessed Mother, I send words of consolation to the parents of Fr. Nonso and to the countless friends and well-wishers who are deeply affected by the sudden death of this pearl of a priest. May Fr. Nonso rest in perfect peace!
The decision to leave St. Mary’s Hospital, Gwagwalada was a difficult one. The Hospital and its staff provided all I needed in terms of comfort, concern and care. Human and medical as well as technological attention is available. However, the pressure to go overseas for a second opinion was mounting. Immediately the news of the accident reached His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State, he dispatched the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Amobi Ilika to come to St. Mary’s Hospital, Gwagwalada to assess the situation. Prof. Martin Aghaji came also and gave very useful suggestions. When the decision to go overseas was taken, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi was personally involved and ensured that the preparation and journey to Germany were hitch-free. I cannot thank him adequately for personally accompanying me to St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany and facilitating everything. My thanks go to Archbishop Valerian M. Okeke who came all the way to Gwagwalada and offered much assistance. I cannot sufficiently thank Dr. ABC Ojiako and his wife Heni as well as Dr. Virgy Anohu for their support and encouragement. The Superior General of the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation, Mother Ifechukwu Udorah, DDL provided logistical support and offered Sr. Etuosuluchukwu Ezenwafor, DDL to accompany me to Germany. Sr. Etuosuluchukwu is St. Raphael to me. Her knowledge of German, her experience in Germany, her connections and the connections of the Daughters of Divine Love made the trip to Germany a pleasurable affair. And so, on Friday, 19th September 2009, I left for Germany in the company of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi and Rev. Sr. Etuosuluchukwu, arriving at Troisdorf to the cheering welcome of the Daughters of Divine Love working in St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf.
So far so good! The Lord is ever at work. In everything the Lord is working for the good of those who love Him (see Rom 8:28). I can experience His love in the events of these few days. I am convinced that the sufferings of this time is not to be compared to the weight of glory awaiting the Lord’s chosen ones (see Rom 8:18). I am already experiencing the glory as I lie on my hospital bed. The number of telephone calls and text messages from high and low in the Church and society would have pulled in millions of Naira into the coffers of the telephone companies. I will ask MTN, CELTEL and GLOBACOM to pay royalty to me for having had this accident. The visitors were innumerable. Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, Bishop of Minna, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, Mother Ifechukwu Udorah, Mother Mary Langley, HHCJ, Rev. Sr. Mary Paul Asoegwu,DDL, Rev. Sr. Jane Frances Chioke, DDL and Rev. Sr. Paracleta Egwuonwu, DMMMM were among eminent Church personnel who came to visit me at the hospital. Her Excellency, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Deputy Governor of Anambra State came in person. His Excellency, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State was there. Distinguished Senator Annie Okonkwo, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also came. I was particularly touched by the big delegation of NCDC Kaduna. I thank all who came. I experienced the love of all. May God bless all of you.
In all things let us give thanks to God. Even as we prepare to bury Fr. Stanley Nonso Anaedo and as I bear the excruciating pains of a broken rib, I run to God with supreme confidence. I listen attentively to St. Paul: Do not be worried about anything, but in everything let your prayers go to God with thanksgiving (see Phil 4:6). What is the source of my confidence? It is that in all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (see Rom 8:37). We suffer on buoyed by the expectant hope of glory in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With prayerful good wishes and gratitude for your love and concern!
Given on 21st September 2009, the Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist at St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS
My dear People of God,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I write from my hospital bed in St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany. How did I get to this place? It is part of the grand design of the all-knowing and all-loving God. The story is short but I want to make it a bit longer.
The week before was the meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at Kafachan, Kaduna State. There, we were treated to a very grand reception by Bishop Joseph Bagobiri and the faithful of the Diocese. At the end of the meeting, I left for Kaduna to meet with the members of Nnewi Catholic Diocesan Community (NCDC), Kaduna. It was a wonderful get-together with the Catholics from Nnewi Diocese resident in Kaduna. On Sunday, 13th September 2009, I celebrated Mass for the community at Kaduna. The Gospel invited all to renounce self, take up the cross and follow the Lord. Preaching, I called on people to reflect seriously on the gospel in the light of the “new gospel of prosperity”. “Suffering is not my portion!” “Poverty is not my portion!” “Sickness is not my portion!” I asked: “Whose portion is it?” Ours is, let God’s will be done!
On Monday, 14th September 2009, Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we left Kaduna at 5.30 a.m. I was travelling with Rev. Fr. Stanley Nonso Anaedo, my Secretary who was holding brief for Rev. Fr. Celestine Okonkwo, the Coordinator for Outreach Programme. Rev. Sr. Julie Agbakoba, the Accounts Officer was also in the car with us, together with my driver, Mr. Gabriel Anyigbo. I had lined up activities for the day when I got to Nnewi. I had booked a lot of appointments for Tuesday, ending with a meeting with His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze. Wednesday would have been the meeting of the College of Consultors to finalise the posting for the 2009/2010 Pastoral Year that would have published on Wednesday, 30th September 2009. We finished the Rosary and Morning Prayers. We passed Abuja at 7.06 a.m. We passed Kwali uneventfully. Then without warning the unexpected happened!
Before you knew it, a Hiace bus pulled out suddenly from the long line of vehicles heading to Abuja in an attempt to overtake another vehicle. I was not sure if the vehicle the bus was trying to overtake was a trailer or a luxury bus. In that split second, my driver saw the bus rushing towards us and moved out of the road. At the same time, the other driver tried to move out of the road and hit our car, which became a stunt car, flying and landing until it settled down in the gutter on all fours. At the moment of impact, a white light exploded in my head. Somebody told me that such experience was called NDE (Near Death Experience). The next thing was opening my eyes to see the battered body of Fr. Nonso on me. I was pinned down and could not move. My chest was racked with stabbing pains. The driver and Sr. Julie got out. They came out almost without any visible injury from the short and bumpy flight. Fr. Nonso and I were pinned at the back. Vehicles going in both directions stopped and I was pulled out of the vehicle. Fr. Nonso too was brought out unconscious. A Good Samaritan drove us to St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Gwagwalada.
There, I saw efficiency at work. Speed of reaction and care met us at the Casualty. We were immediately checked and cross checked for injuries. X-ray was done and other investigations including ultra sound were carried out. All the time, I was asking for Fr. Nonso. All the time, I was assured that his condition was stable. My condition did not look bad- a cut in the head that was not deep, blood flowing from a shallow injury in my left nostril were the only external evidence of injury. But I had excruciating pains in the chest. I was determined to carry the cross of pains. I realised in concrete what it means to contribute my suffering to that of Christ for the Church. As I lay on the bed, I did all to accept whatever pain came my way in the course of the treatment. It was not easy. The pains did come in many ways – the internal pain in the chest, the pricks of the needle as the doctors and nurses searched for the vein through which to give me inject.nd infusions, the pains to get up from lying position to sitting position and vice versa. The suffering was much but the love around me was even much more. The Handmaids of the Child Jesus were very kind and attentive. Led by Sr. Dr. Helen Omari Oko, the Chief Medical Director, the Sisters went all out to provide anything and everything needed. May God bless and reward them.
The whole day I did not see the others, Fr. Nonso, Sr. Julie and Oga Gab. I was in personal agony over my own pains and uncertainty about the extent of the injuries. But I was in more agony because I did not see my fellow victims. I asked incessantly after them and received the same reply. They are in a stable condition. At night while I was sleeping, I was reflecting on what stable condition could mean. It dawned on me that stable condition could mean death especially for Fr. Nonso who was unconscious from the scene of the accident. What condition could be more stable than death? The following morning, 15th September 2009, the Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows would be the day for sorrowful news. Sr. Dr. Helen, Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe. And Fr. Flight Lt. Francis Ofordum were very early in the morning in my room. I asked for Nonso. I was told something by Sr. Helen and Msgr. Adigwe added that he had gone. Indeed, Nonso was clinically dead on arrival at the hospital. I cried manfully but episcopally! Then Sr. Julie came in and asked for Fr. Nonso, she was told and she cried Sisterly. Oga Gab came and was informed and he wept profusely. Then we went together to pray over the remains of our erstwhile travelling companion who had reached his final earthly destination with a lively hope that he would reach our eternal resting place. Nonso was a good priest, friendly, cheerful, generous, obedient, available, indeed, a priest who knew no guile. I miss him as I prayed over the bier and the ambulance turned into a morgue that would take him to Ihiala. In all things give thanks to God! (1 Thess 5:18)
God’s way is the way of providential love. All these events were linked to the mystery of Christ and his Church. We were prepared for the accident with the word of God of the Sunday liturgy. We participated in the cross of Christ through the accident. We, both the dead and the survivors joined in the exaltation of the cross of Christ through which we are saved. The cross will continue to be the sign of contradiction, a sign that will be rejected by people who claim to be Christians but live as enemies of the cross of Christ (see Phil 3:18). Earthly well-being and prosperity are all they desire and pursue but their end is damnation (see Phil 3:19). St. Paul really gave us the pedagogy of the cross: it is foolishness for those on the way to eternal damnation but for those on the way to heaven, it is God’s power to save (see 1 Cor 1:18). Set for heaven, the genuine Christian embraces the cross of Christ willingly and joyfully, looking expectantly to heaven from where our Saviour will come (see Phil 3:20). The Christian celebrates the exaltation of the Cross of Christ and does his best like St. Paul to rejoice in his suffering with which he completes in his flesh what is yet left to be suffered by Christ for His Body, the Church (see Col 1:24).
The sad news of the death of Fr. Nonso was broken on the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows! Our Mother who carried her dead Son was there to console us at the irreparable loss. I was able to plumb the depth of sorrow when I was told of the death of the ever faithful priest, Fr. Nonso. I realised the sorrow of all fathers and mothers at the death of their children. Our Mother Mary bore the sorrow of seeing her Son die a shameful death on the cross. Stabat Mater dolorosa! She bore her dead Son on her bosom. She is able to console all who are in sorrow over the loss of their dear ones. Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and God of all consolation who consoles us in all our sorrows so that we can console all those in sorrow with the same consolation with which we are consoled by God see (2 Cor 1:3-7). In my own sorrow and with the consolation from God and from our Blessed Mother, I send words of consolation to the parents of Fr. Nonso and to the countless friends and well-wishers who are deeply affected by the sudden death of this pearl of a priest. May Fr. Nonso rest in perfect peace!
The decision to leave St. Mary’s Hospital, Gwagwalada was a difficult one. The Hospital and its staff provided all I needed in terms of comfort, concern and care. Human and medical as well as technological attention is available. However, the pressure to go overseas for a second opinion was mounting. Immediately the news of the accident reached His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State, he dispatched the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Amobi Ilika to come to St. Mary’s Hospital, Gwagwalada to assess the situation. Prof. Martin Aghaji came also and gave very useful suggestions. When the decision to go overseas was taken, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi was personally involved and ensured that the preparation and journey to Germany were hitch-free. I cannot thank him adequately for personally accompanying me to St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany and facilitating everything. My thanks go to Archbishop Valerian M. Okeke who came all the way to Gwagwalada and offered much assistance. I cannot sufficiently thank Dr. ABC Ojiako and his wife Heni as well as Dr. Virgy Anohu for their support and encouragement. The Superior General of the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation, Mother Ifechukwu Udorah, DDL provided logistical support and offered Sr. Etuosuluchukwu Ezenwafor, DDL to accompany me to Germany. Sr. Etuosuluchukwu is St. Raphael to me. Her knowledge of German, her experience in Germany, her connections and the connections of the Daughters of Divine Love made the trip to Germany a pleasurable affair. And so, on Friday, 19th September 2009, I left for Germany in the company of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi and Rev. Sr. Etuosuluchukwu, arriving at Troisdorf to the cheering welcome of the Daughters of Divine Love working in St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf.
So far so good! The Lord is ever at work. In everything the Lord is working for the good of those who love Him (see Rom 8:28). I can experience His love in the events of these few days. I am convinced that the sufferings of this time is not to be compared to the weight of glory awaiting the Lord’s chosen ones (see Rom 8:18). I am already experiencing the glory as I lie on my hospital bed. The number of telephone calls and text messages from high and low in the Church and society would have pulled in millions of Naira into the coffers of the telephone companies. I will ask MTN, CELTEL and GLOBACOM to pay royalty to me for having had this accident. The visitors were innumerable. Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, Bishop of Minna, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, Mother Ifechukwu Udorah, Mother Mary Langley, HHCJ, Rev. Sr. Mary Paul Asoegwu,DDL, Rev. Sr. Jane Frances Chioke, DDL and Rev. Sr. Paracleta Egwuonwu, DMMMM were among eminent Church personnel who came to visit me at the hospital. Her Excellency, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Deputy Governor of Anambra State came in person. His Excellency, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State was there. Distinguished Senator Annie Okonkwo, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also came. I was particularly touched by the big delegation of NCDC Kaduna. I thank all who came. I experienced the love of all. May God bless all of you.
In all things let us give thanks to God. Even as we prepare to bury Fr. Stanley Nonso Anaedo and as I bear the excruciating pains of a broken rib, I run to God with supreme confidence. I listen attentively to St. Paul: Do not be worried about anything, but in everything let your prayers go to God with thanksgiving (see Phil 4:6). What is the source of my confidence? It is that in all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (see Rom 8:37). We suffer on buoyed by the expectant hope of glory in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With prayerful good wishes and gratitude for your love and concern!
Given on 21st September 2009, the Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist at St. Josef-Hospital Troisdorf, Germany
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Bishop of Nnewi
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