08/10/2025
๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ก๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ
In the spirit of brotherhood and strengthening the bond of the ministry, retired Catholic priests of Umuahia diocese, led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Njoku (Director, Pastor Bonus Villa - Priests' Retirement Home Umuahia diocese), on Wednesday 8 October, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev Augustine Ndubueze Echema.
Upon arrival, there was an interaction with the Bishop which was followed by a visit to the Diocesan Priests' Cemetery. There, these retired priests, with nostalgia, viewed one by one the resting places of their pals and old associates in the Ministry and prayed for their continued eternal repose while contemplating the reality that awaits us all. After the visit to the Cemetery, they all joined up to celebrate the 12pm Mass at the Cathedral with the Bishop as the president of the assembly. During the homiliy, the bishop drew his teachings from the scriptural texts of the day and exhorted the people to repentance and good life while appreciating the presence of his beloved visitors.
After the Post Communion Prayer, the Cathedral Administrator, Rev Fr Casmir Uzosike welcomed the visitors and all other priests from the diocese present on the sanctuary who came to add colour to the visit of the elderly priests. Rev Fr Joseph Njoku who led the team was called up to introduce the elderly priests in his care. They are;
โข Msgr Nicholas Nwagwu
โข Msgr Michael Kalu
โข Msgr John Lloyd Ukaegbu
โข Msgr Ikedife Peter
โข Rev Fr Sylvester Obioma Anyanwu
โข Rev Fr Nwabekee Aloysius
โข Rev Fr Donatus Okpokpo
โข Msgr Austin N. Kanu
โข Rev Fr Dr Wilfred Okorochukwu
โข Msgr James Abosike
He also recognized the presence of Rev. Fr. Petermary Onuzuruike his assistant who also came with them.
After the introduction, the Cathedral Council in a spirit of generosity appreciated our visitors with a generous token for their upkeep and care. This was followed up by an overwhelming generous donations from the priests and laity present at Mass. It was indeed a show of love and solidarity to the grace of old age bestowed upon these priests of the most high God. The Bishop in response expressed gratitude to the people and especially for the beautiful heart of generosity extended to the elderly priests. He wished all well and prayed for good health of mind and body upon all present. After the Mass, the Bishop treated his august visitors to a sumptuos meal in his refectory where they relived memories and told old stories. It was indeed a beautiful spectacle to behold men who have bled water, blood, strength, energy and intelligence in this ministerial priesthood of Christ. They too were happy coming to Aba diocese and remarked that the Bishop's hospitality was second to none. They prayed as well for the Bishop and wished him God's grace in his episcopacy.
