“My dear people of God, today, history is made. I met Ahiara Diocese as a ‘sede vacante’, I am leaving it as a ‘sede occupata’. As I bow out as the Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara today, I say to you my beloved brother, Most Rev. Simeon Nwobi, cmf: Behold the faithful of Ahiara Diocese, which the Holy Spirit is putting under your charge. Shepherd them with love, zeal and dedication. To my dear faithful of Ahiara Diocese, I say to you: Behold your Bishop! Love him, cooperate with him and support him in his Episcopal Ministry. As the Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, I shall remain ever with you, and assure you of my love, prayers and spiritual closeness. May God bless you all.”
– Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji. Parting words of disengagement as the Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese between 2018 and 2024.
Background
The Episcopal crisis in Ahiara diocese which started in 2010 had persisted for five years, leading to aggravated tension, animosity and division. By 2017, the Holy Father, specially reached out to his children with love, paving the path to reconciliation and healing.
Challenges and Path to Reconciliation
Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Umuahia Diocese was tasked with the challenging mission of midwifing this onerous process of reconciliation and restoration. Like the biblical Prophet Isaiah, he was expected to be a messenger of peace and reconciliation. The path to healing involved addressing deep-seated issues and fostering unity among the clergy and laity, and restoring hope.
A New Beginning: Bishop Ugorji’s Inaugural Mass in Ahiara Diocese
The appointment of Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the Apostolic Administrator marked a turning point. On February 18, 2018, Bishop Ugorji assumed this weighty responsibility, charged with the task of healing wounds, fostering reconciliation, and restoring faith in the hearts of the faithful. The inaugural Mass, held on March 10, 2018, was a momentous occasion. The Cathedral overflowed with worshippers—a sight unseen since the crisis began. The palpable yearning for peace and restoration underscored the faith and resilience of the Ahiara community. As true Christians, sin was but a temporary blemish on the soul, not its defining essence.
Their cherished faith needed renewal, and Bishop Ugorji stood as the beacon of hope. As the sun streamed through stained glass windows of the magnificent Cathedral of the Mater Ecclesiae, the assembly—comprising clergy, religious, and lay faithful— gathered in anticipation. Bishop Ugorji, like St. Peter on Pentecost, was filled with the Holy Spirit. His gracious words resonated with clarity and purpose. He addressed the people of God newly entrusted to his care, urging them to embark on the path of peace and reconciliation. In his characteristic nature, the action plans were meticulously outlined: unity, dialogue, forgiveness and progress.
Many listened intently, their hearts open to change. Some believed immediately, while others pondered. But collectively, they acknowledged the urgency of healing the wounds that had festered for years. Bishop Ugorji’s message echoed through the hallowed halls, igniting a spark of hope beyond the chambers of the ecclesial household to all markets, parks, shops, homes and shrines that make up Ahiara diocese. It was a promise that reconciliation was possible. In the days that followed, the faithful rallied behind their new shepherd, though obviously very temporal. Committees formed, dialogues ensued, and bridges were built. The road to restoration was long, but the collective will of the people propelled them forward. As Bishop Ugorji continued to shepherd his flock, the Cathedral and other Churches in the diocese became sanctuary not only for prayers but also for reconciliation—a testament to the resilience of faith and the power of forgiveness.
A Shepherd’s Journey: Bishop Ugorji’s Reconciliation Efforts
In the footsteps of the biblical Prophet Joel, Bishop Ugorji initiated a Day of Reconciliation—a sacred occasion marked by prayer and spiritual renewal. On this day, priests and lay faithful across Ahiara Diocese gathered to bring their pains before the Lord; as well as acknowledging the wounds they had inflicted upon one another. Hearts opened, and the path to healing began. But Bishop Ugorji’s mission extended beyond that pivotal day. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a remarkable journey—a pilgrimage of parish pastoral visits. Picture this: an already over burdened bishop of a vibrant diocese, now as an Apostolic Administrator of another huge diocese, traversing 75 parishes within a two years and six months.
In those very busy months, his footsteps echoed in humble chapels, grand parish churches, and remote villages alike. To this huge responsibility was much more added, when he was elevated from being the bishop of Umuahia to become the Archbishop of Owerri, the Metropolitan of the ecclesiastical province as well as the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. True indeed, the reward for good work is more work. It is common saying that the best person to give a task to is one who is already very busy. In spite of the huge assignments newly added, Archbishop Ugorji was not relieved of the burden. Though tough, he did not despair. During these visits, he listened to stories of struggle, whispered prayers, and tearful confessions.
He met with priests, catechists, and parishioners, bridging divides and fostering unity. His presence was a testament to commitment—a living embodiment of the Church’s call to reconciliation. And there’s more: Archbishop Ugorji’s vision extended beyond existing parishes. Though it seemed like a period of famine, the Church still thrived because nothing can stop the power and grace of God. Thus, with visionary zeal, he created 13 additional parishes, ensuring that the faithful had local spiritual homes closer to them. But his impact didn’t stop there. The sacrament of Confirmation—an affirmation of faith—was administered to an astounding 31,856 candidates. Each anointed forehead carried a promise of renewal, a sign that hope persisted even in challenging times.
Integration of Structures and Personnel
Bishop Ugorji recognized that spiritual revival alone would not suffice. Actively engaging with the people, he fostered unity and cooperation. Doors were opened to all men and women of goodwill, transcending divisions. Diocesan structures were reconnected with national and international ecclesial bodies, reinforcing Ahiara’s place within the universal Church. This integration breathed new life and confidence into the local faith community. In ensuring the Church’s future, the provision of pastoral agents was crucial. Archbishop Ugorji paid close attention to qualified seminarians and deacons awaiting ministry or sacred orders, ensuring their timely ordination. This commitment bore fruit, adding 87 priests to the Ahiara Presbyterium. These fresh missionary disciples would carry forward the Church’s mission, bridging generational gaps and sustaining the faith.
Restoration of Physical Structures and Progress
Driven by conviction, Archbishop Ugorji focused on the physical structures of the diocese. The Cathedral received a much-needed facelift, with the dilapidated ceiling restored. Embracing sustainable energy solutions, solar panels were installed. The Bishop’s house and diocesan secretariat underwent total rehabilitation. Additionally, Archbishop Ugorji initiated the construction of the Bishop Chikwe Memorial Multi-purpose Hall—a symbol of hope and unity. St. Mulumba Spiritual Year and Holy Rosary College of Nursing also benefited from new structures, fostering education, healing, and spiritual growth. Mater Media Village in Aboh Mbaise stood as a beacon of communication and evangelization, bridging modern media with timeless faith. All these endeavors were driven by his unwavering conviction in leading the people forward.
Final notes
As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Ugorji’s tenure in Ahiara exemplified a holistic approach, revitalizing both the spiritual and physical aspects of the diocese. Beyond tending to the souls of the faithful, he recognized the importance of integrating internal and external elements for lasting progress.
… Tells CSN Management to draw pastoral actions from ACTA of Pastoral Congress
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, held a special meeting with the Management of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) on June 26, 2024. The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, and his team for their tireless efforts in keeping the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church in Nigeria functional and effective.
Archbishop Ugorji encouraged the Management, in planning their activities and policies, to draw from the Acts of the 3rd Pastoral Congress held in Benin in 2022, the recommendations of SECAM, and the directives from the Holy See. He emphasized the need for the CSN’s pastoral activities to align with these guidelines in order to transform the Church into a truly synodal entity, as envisioned by the Holy Father. “It is desirable that the pastoral activities of CSN draw from these, in order to transform our Church to be truly synodal as the Holy Father expects.”
The Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, thanked the Archbishop for the meeting and for creating opportunities for the various departments and units to concretely express and implement their plans in targeted ecclesial institutions. The meeting included the Secretary General, directors of departments and the directorate of social communications, and secretaries of various CSN units.
