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Awka Diocesan Seminarians Convene for 2026 Reunion with Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor and Mass of CandidacyThe Awka Diocesan...
21/08/2026

Awka Diocesan Seminarians Convene for 2026 Reunion with Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor and Mass of Candidacy

The Awka Diocesan Seminarians had their reunion with the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, at the Resurrection Hall of Archbishop AK Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Center, Okpuno.

The event featured the presentation of an address by the Diocesan Bishop; the presentation of an address by the seminarians to the Diocesan Bishop; an interactive session with the Bishop; and the Mass of Admission for Candidacy.
The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is a prerequisite for ordination. After each seminarian is called by name, the ritual proceeds with a series of questions, such as: “In response to the Lord’s call, are you resolved to complete your preparation so that in due time you will be ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church?”

All things being equal, Candidacy is the final step before ordination to the transitional diaconate.
The Mass of Candidacy was celebrated for the following five seminarians:

Ezeoba Emmanuel
Ezeife Barnabas
Obiefuna Peter Albert
Mmuo Fidelis
Okonkwo Stanley

Until their Diaconate Ordination, we congratulate them and continue to pray for them.

Come See Yams 2026: Catholic Priest Breaks Record, Harvests Largest Tuber of Yam Weighing 100.65 KG In Akpo..Marks 10 Ye...
16/08/2026

Come See Yams 2026: Catholic Priest Breaks Record, Harvests Largest Tuber of Yam Weighing 100.65 KG In Akpo
..Marks 10 Years As Farmer, Says He Forsees Awesome Harvest In 2027

History was made today at Holy Family Catholic Church, Akpo, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State as the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Philip Uche Okoye, otherwise known as Philoco, broke every available record in yam cultivation and harvest by producing the largest tuber of yam weighing 100.65 kg.

Reverend Father Philip Okoye, who celebrated the 9th edition of his Annual Come See Yams ceremony, stated that he is also celebrating the 10th Year Anniversary of him venturing into yam farming as a Catholic Priest.

The yams exhibition attracted people from all walks of life, including the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Aguata Federal Constituency, Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike , Igwe of Akpo, Igwe Arc. Jonathan Okpalaezecha, parishioners of Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Fr. Philip's former parish), Obeledu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, indigenes of Igboukwu (Fr. Philip's kinsmen and women), among others.

The event started with the Eucharistic Celebration and was presided over by the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia - CADEK, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, represented by the Chancellor of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo. Full details in the next edition of Fides Newspaper

Keep Justice, Do Righteousness All Time, for Your Salvation - Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor Exhorts Holy Family Catholic Fai...
16/08/2026

Keep Justice, Do Righteousness All Time, for Your Salvation - Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor Exhorts Holy Family Catholic Faithfuls in Agulu
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‎The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, has admonished the parishioners of Holy Family Church, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, to always be just and righteous in all they do, for their personal salvation. ‎The Catholic Bishop gave the admonition while delivering a homily during his episcopal visit to the Church, on Sunday August 16.
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‎The Bishop, who further urged the faithful to pray with strong faith, humility, patience and perseverance, administered Sacrament of Confirmation to 61 young faithfuls in the Church, during the event which came after 10 years of its kind in the Church.
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‎He thanked them and their Priest, Rev Fr Hyacinth Anaekee, for their service and contributions to the growth and development of the Church. ‎The Chancellor of the the Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; Bishop Ezeokafor's Secretary, Rev Fr Evaristus Ifeanacho; the Diocesan Bursar, Rev Fr Nicodemus Izuchukwu; a former Chief Chaplain, Catholic Women's Organization, CWO, of the Diocese, Rev Fr Jonas Unegbu, among others, graced the epoch-making event.
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‎The joint choir of the Church and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu; the CWO Ugodie cultural music and the CYON Akunechenyi cultural music dance performances added glamour to the event.
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‎The details will be published in the next edition of the Fides Newspaper

15/08/2026

DEDICATION OF OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, AWKA

13/08/2026

Burial for the Late Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze

Focus on Christ, for Your Salvation - Bishop Ezeokafor Urges St Mary's Eucharistic Catholics in Nri‎‎Nri in Anaocha Loca...
09/08/2026

Focus on Christ, for Your Salvation - Bishop Ezeokafor Urges St Mary's Eucharistic Catholics in Nri
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‎Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, was agog with joy and celebration as the parishioners of St Mary's Eucharistic Parish, and the entire people of the community, trooped out en masse, to receive the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, on a pastoral visit, described as the coming of Jesus Christ, by the parishioners.
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‎The event, which took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, featured administration of Sacrament of Confirmation to 142 candidates, and blessing of a newly built station of cross in the Church, attracted the presence of the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; the Education Secretary of the Diocese, Rev Fr Maximus Okonkwo, among other priests, religious men and women as well as creme de la creme of Nri who included the President General of the community, Sir Romanus Okafor.
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‎Speaking in a homily during the Pontifical Mass concluding the epoch-making event, Bishop Ezeokafor charged the parishioners of St Mary's Eucharistic Church, and the entire Nri community, to focus on Jesus Christ, for their salvation.
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‎The Bishop, who described Christ as a solution to every problem facing mankind, also admonished the Nri people to have faith in God, follow Christ patiently, and avoid like plague, paganism and all ungodly practices capable of distracting them from making heaven.
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‎Briefing them on the outcomes of his interactions with the stakeholders of the Church, on Saturday August 8, the Chief Shepherd of Awka, expressed satisfaction with the level of both spiritual and material growths of the Church after his last visit to the Church in the year 2020.
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‎He thanked the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Martin Anyabolu, and the entire parishioners, for their service and contributions respectively, praying God to reward them, and through the pastoral visit, bless the land and the people of Nri community.
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‎Details of the event, which also featured a grand reception for the Bishop, chaired by Prince Johnphilip Tabansi, will be published in the next edition of the Fides Newspaper.

FR. PROF. WALTER IHEJIRIKA EMERGES SIGNIS WORLD PRESIDENTRev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika has emerged as the ne...
07/08/2026

FR. PROF. WALTER IHEJIRIKA EMERGES SIGNIS WORLD PRESIDENT

Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika has emerged as the new President of SIGNIS World, the World Catholic Association for Communication, following his election at the conclusion of the SIGNIS World Congress held in Kigali, Rwanda, on 7 August 2026. His emergence comes after his remarkable tenure as President of SIGNIS Africa, where he provided dynamic leadership in promoting Catholic communication, strengthening media apostolate, and encouraging communication professionals across Africa to use the media as an instrument of evangelization, peace, and human development. His election to lead SIGNIS globally is a recognition of his years of dedicated service, expertise, and commitment to the mission of the Church in the communication field.

Born into the Catholic tradition and ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Imo State, Nigeria, Fr. Ihejirika has distinguished himself as a priest, scholar, researcher, and communication expert. He is a Professor of Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he has contributed immensely to the growth of communication studies and research. He holds a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Social Communication from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, obtained in 2003, and also earned a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and Communication from the Salesian University, Rome. His academic research focuses on the intersection of media, religion, culture, development communication, digital technology, and social transformation.
Over the years, Fr. Ihejirika has served the academic and ecclesial communities in various capacities, including as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt and as an Associate Fellow of the Centre for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology at DePaul University, Chicago, USA. Through his writings, teaching, and pastoral engagements, he has trained communication professionals and promoted the responsible use of media for the proclamation of the Gospel and the promotion of human dignity.

Joining Fr. Ihejirika on the newly elected SIGNIS World Board of Directors are Pamela Aleman (SIGNIS USA–Canada) and Magimai Pragasam (India) as Vice Presidents, while Adriana Racasan (SIGNIS Europe) was elected Treasurer. The new leadership team is expected to advance SIGNIS’ global mission of empowering Catholic communicators to become witnesses of truth, hope, and love in an increasingly digital world. Fr. Ihejirika’s election represents a significant moment for Africa and the universal Church, highlighting the continent’s growing contribution to the global communication apostolate.

Credit: Catholic Diocese of Oyo

Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor Confirms 190 Young Catholics of St Francis' Church, Enugwu-Ukwu ‎‎... Tasks Parishioners on Gi...
02/08/2026

Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor Confirms 190 Young Catholics of St Francis' Church, Enugwu-Ukwu
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‎... Tasks Parishioners on Giving, for More Blessing of God
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‎History has been made at St Francis' Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, as the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, paid a visit to the Church, to have a fatherly one-on-one interactions with the parishioners on issues of religious importance affecting them as catholics in the area.
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‎The historic event, which came after seven years of its kind at the Church, took place on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
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‎The dignitaries that graced the epoch-making event, included the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; the Education Secretary of the Diocese, Rev Fr Maximus Okonkwo; the Dean, Enugwu-Ukwu Deanery and Chief Chaplain, Catholic Women's Organization of the Diocese, Rev Fr Evaristus Okafor; the Director, Holy Family Spiritual Year Seminary, Okpuno, Rev Fr Paul Mary Chukwukebe; the Bursar of the Diocese, Rev Fr Nicodemus Izuchukwu, an illustrious sons of the Enugwu-Ukwu community, Hon Dr Dozie Nwankwo represented by his Aide, Hon Martin D**e, among others.
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‎Speaking in a homily during the Holy Mass concluding the event, Bishop Ezeokafor, who confirmed 190 young catholics of St Francis' Church during the event, emphasized the importance of giving in the life of every Christian. ‎The Bishop urged the St Francis' parishioners to use their possession to help the needy around them, for more blessings of God.
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‎He recounted the story of Jesus Christ's feeding of 5,000 people with five loafs of bread and two fish as well as that of Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephat, stressing that a giver can never lack. ‎The Prelate, who further admonished the St Francis' parishioners to be contented with their possession, and hope on God, for better life, among others, expressed satisfaction with the development in the Church.
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‎He thanked the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Val Uzozie; and his Vicar, Rev Fr Paschal Omaga, for their services, as well as the parishioners, for their contributions. ‎The Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese who further described the huge number of the newly confirmed young St Francis' parishioners as a sign of brighter future for the Church, prayed that his visit to the Church will be fruitful and bring forth blessing upon the Church.
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‎In a grand reception organized for the Bishop, the parishioners thanked him, for his fatherly care for their Church, and counted one by one the developmental milestones, both spiritually and physically, the Church had witnessed in a recent time under the leadership of Fr Uzozie and his Vicar, Fr Omaga.
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‎Details of the event, chaired by an illustrious son of the Enugwu-Ukwu community, Sir Charles Omalu, will be published in the next edition of the Fides newspapers.
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Eulogies in Ifitedunu as Fr Nwafor Buries Mother Amid Throngs of Priests‎‎The atmosphere of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local...
31/07/2026

Eulogies in Ifitedunu as Fr Nwafor Buries Mother Amid Throngs of Priests
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‎The atmosphere of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, was on Friday July 31, solemn, as the remains of Mrs Theresa Nwabude Nwafor, the mother of the Administrator, St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka, Rev Fr Anthony Nwafor, were laid to rest.
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‎The burial ceremony, which began with a Holy Mass, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, at St Gabriel's Church, Ifitedunu, attracted the presence of the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev Fr Peter Chidi Akaenyi, throngs of priests, religious men and women too numerous to count, parishes, and prominent personalities in the state who included the Senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Sir Victor Umeh; a former lawmaker represented Anaocha Dunukofia Njikoka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Dozie Nwankwo; a former Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Fidelis Okafor, among others.
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‎Speaking in a homily during the burial Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor admonished the congregation that filled the gigantic St Gabriel's Church building to brim, to endeavour to imitate God by doing good, to make heaven.
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‎The Bishop, who reminded the congregation that their lifestyles here on earth must be an evidence that they desire heaven, extolled the life of Mrs Nwafor.
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‎'Our mother that brought us here showed through her lifestyle that she desired heaven.
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‎'She showed herself as a committed teacher. She had discipline, moral and academic excellence.
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‎'In a religious life, she was a good and committed catholic, being a member of the choir, member of St Anthony, member of the Knights of St Mulumba, among others.
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‎'These are the signs that she was a true Christian,' Bishop Ezeokafor said, and thanked God, for Mama Theresa's life, praying Him to grant her soul eternal rest in Paradise.
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‎He consoled her children, urging them to solace on the fact that she lived and died as a good Christian at the ripe age of 77.
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‎In a remark, one of the Mama Theresa's sons, Fr Anthony, thanked the Bishop, the associates, friends and well-wishers of the Nwafor family, for identifying with the family.
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‎Internment, and condolence visits by the Nwafors' in-laws, their associates, friends and well-wishers, at the family's compound, climaxed the burial ceremony. ‎Details of the event will soon be published in the Fides Newspaper.

The second batch of priests of the Catholic Diocese of Awka has successfully concluded their annual retreat at the Archb...
31/07/2026

The second batch of priests of the Catholic Diocese of Awka has successfully concluded their annual retreat at the Archbishop Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno.

The retreat was directed by Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Mbonu of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, whose reflections and spiritual guidance led the participants through a profound period of prayer, renewal, and recommitment to their priestly vocation.

As part of the retreat programme, the priests also participated in a mental health awareness seminar themed "Sustaining the Shepherd," facilitated by Dr. Anthonia Bisola Otunla of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry of Nigeria.

As these priests return to their various pastoral assignments, may the fruits of the retreat continue to deepen their communion with Christ, renew their pastoral zeal, and strengthen them for the faithful service of God's people.

Address

27 Archbishop A. K Obiefuna Retreat And Pastoral Centre Road, Okpuno
Okpuno Awka
420109

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