The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria has marked its fifty years of canonical erection as a diocese.
The Abakaliki Catholic diocese was created out of the old Ogoja Diocese in present day Cross River State, South South Nigeria, on 1st March 1973.
A Thanksgiving Mass to mark the grand finale of the golden jubilee celebration activities, which held at the St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki, had the President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of Nigeria, and Archbishop of Owerri Arch Diocese, Most Reverend Lucious Ugorji, several other Bishops from various Diocese across Nigeria, as well as the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru in attendance.
The host Bishop, Most Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu in a homily, describes the act of thanksgiving as an important practice in christian spiritual, noting that the 50th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the historical journey of the Abakaliki Diocese.
Bishop Chukwu points out that the Abakaliki diocese is the only Diocese in Ebonyi State, thus making a case for the creation of another Diocese in the State.
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“Abakaliki Diocese is the only one state diocese in the whole of South East, I want to say it before the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, we need help. If we’ve additional diocese, it would bring the church closer to the people.”
There are other intentions in uplifting the spiritual growth of the Catholic youth’s in Ebonyi State as the church intends to establish a Catholic University, while commending the State government for approving the return of missionary schools taken by then military era to it’s original owners, calls on assistance in creating enabling health care services especially in the rural areas.
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru describes priesthood as a position held at very high esteem, while encouraging the Catholic faithful to devout to building their parishes.
The Governor assures of his commitment to work for the good of the people of the state.
The President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Reverend Lucious Ugorji in a goodwill message urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their trust in the resurrected Jesus Christ, not minding the current earthly challenges and tribulations.
Editor: Ken Eseni
