Brief History of the Diocese
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
The Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong is the current Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu. The diocese celebrated her Golden Jubilee in the year 2008
Date of Creation: June 23,1958.
Area of land: 2,460.40km2.
The first station and year of creation: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bende, 1921.
The first parish and year of establishment: St. Theresa’s Catholic parish Umuahia,1928.
The first Missionary: Rev Fr. Herbert Whytte, C.S.Sp
The Present Catholic population: 200,153.
Priest of the Diocese 200.
Junior seminarians 446.
|
Year |
Population
|
Catholics
|
Priests
|
Brothers
|
Sisters
|
|
1958 |
1,1190,457
|
127,000
|
9
|
10
|
3
|
|
1960 |
1,500,000
|
175,610
|
11
|
12
|
6
|
|
1965 |
1,719,945
|
241,490
|
19
|
14
|
10
|
|
1970 |
|
327,032
|
19
|
14
|
10
|
|
1975 |
1,720,000 |
422,499 |
49 |
45 |
73 |
|
1980 |
2,376,000 |
530,099 |
61 |
50 |
72 |
|
|
Divided |
24th |
January |
1981 |
(Okigwe) |
|
1985 |
1,582,000 |
263,182 |
75 |
24 |
212 |
|
|
Divided |
2nd |
April |
1990 |
(Aba) |
|
1990 |
881,817
|
92,517 |
38 |
37 |
310 |
|
1995 |
882,000
|
99,57684 |
84 |
4 |
84 |
|
2000 |
884,209 |
122,000 |
103 |
4 |
150 |
|
2005 |
900,000 |
200,153 |
118 |
6 |
138 |
Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15
From The Chancery Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation. Rev Henry Maduka
The Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.
