News & Events
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.
Ikwuano deanery Day celebration took place on Saturday 23rd, 2025. It was well attended by the Parishes and Chaplaincies within the deanery. Very Rev. Fr. Jude Ogbuanu the Dean presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Leonard Ehiemere during the sermon reminded the faithful how much God blessed Ikwuano deanery and he encouraged them to be united in love and service to the church and humanity.... Read More
THOSE CAMPAIGNING TO TAKEOVER FROM OTTI IN 2027 ARE WASTING THEIR TIME - CATHOLIC BISHOP OF UMUAHIA, UKPONG, SAYS IMPOSSIBLE THINGS BEFORE HAVE BECOME POSSIBLE UNDER GOV. OTTI.
The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael kalu Ukpong says that those campaigning to takeover from Governor Alex Otti, OFR, in 2027 are wasting their time, saying that the Governor's good works in just two years have done the campaign for him.
Bishop Ukpong stated this on Sunday, 17th August, when he hosted the Governor to a lunch at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, to ce... Read More
The official opening ceremony of Madonna Hospital Accident and Emergency extension took place on Wednesday 13th August, 2025 by 4pm. His Lordship Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong blesed the magnificient edifice. He was accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. Chukwudi Anya (The Vicar General), Very Rev. Fr. Henry Maduka (Diocesan Chancellor), Fr. Emmanuel Nji ( The Hospital Administrator), host of priests, religious, hospital staffs, friends and well wishers.
In his address, Fr. Emma Nji thanked the good Lord for the copletion of the hospital extention which was started in 2019 by Fr. Christian Anokwuru, the administrator then. He said that Madonna hospital is growing and is counted as one o... Read More
The entire members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, were so happy to welcome his Lordship, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong to their chaplaincy for his maiden Pastoral Visit on Sunday 27th July, 2025. Eighteen candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Eucharistic celebration.
In his sermon his lordship encouraged the chaplaincy faithful to remain steadfast on the way of righteousness and to avoid the way of life that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah lived. He encouraged the young students always to dress decently when they come before the Lord. "There should be a difference between how people dress while ... Read More
HOLY ROSARY UGBA NA NKATA PARISH was dedicated on 1st of November 2024 as the 23rd Church to be deicated in the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia.
St. Anthony's Uzuakoli was dedicated on the 23rd of November 2024 as the 24th Church to be dedicated in the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia.
St. Patricks Amuzukwu was dedicated on the 30th of November 2024 as the 25th Church to be dedicated in the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia
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THE CATHOLIC BISHOP OF UMUAHIA HIS LORDSHIP MOST REV MICHEAL KALU UKPONG, LEADING JDPC DIRECTOR REV. FR DAVID AGUNERI AND THE ENTIRE JDPC CREW PERFORMING THE EPOCH MAKING TREE PLANTING EXERCISE TODAY AUGUST 17TH, 2023 AT THE BISHOP'S HOUSE.... Read More
With heart filled with gratitude we wish to join His Lordship, Most Rev Michael Kalu Ukpog, Bishop of Umuahia diocese as he celebrate his 30th anniversary of priestly Ordination.
May God continually give you the grace as you keep up with the good work in His vineyard, keeping his flocks and leading souls to the kingdom. May He continually bless you with the spirit of discernment just like in ( 1 Corinthians 12:10).
Through this Celebration, may the good Lord renew your energy and give you the power and zeal to continue with the work which He has bestowed on you.
Happy priestly Anniversary His Lordship... Read More
His Lordship, Bishop Michael Kalu Ukpong held his first priestly ordination on Saturday 15th July 2023 at Mater dei cathedral Umuahia.... Read More
Communication week, coming up from the 14th of may till Sunday the 21st of May 2023
Theme: Speaking with the Heart, the Truth in Love (Eph 4:15)... Read More
Pope Francis appoints Msgr. Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as new Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
By Vatican News staff writer
The Holy Father has appointed Msgr. Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Until now, Msgr. Ekpo has served as an official at the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.
Msgr. Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo was born on 24 September 1981 in Umudike, Nigeria. He was ordained a priest on 30 July 2011 for the Diocese of Umuahia. After receiving a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Australian Catholic University in 2013... Read More
This is a platform that provides highly interactive engagement between Young people and the catholic bishop of Umuahia Diocese. The initiative is to promote youth leadership formation and full participation of young people in the life of the church in our Diocese ... Read More
**COAT OF ARMS OF MOST REV. MICHAEL KALU UKPONG, BISHOP OF UMUAHIA**
The Coat of Arms is made up of a T broad-brimmed hat called galero( from the latin word galerum) with tessellated strings. It was a hat worn by Catholic clergy in the past, though few still wear it occasionally in our days. Scarlet galero was restricted to the use of cardinals. In fact, when creating a cardinal, the pope used to place a scarlet galero on the head of the new cardinal in consistory, which gave the ceremony the name “receiving the red hat”. The official or formal giving of the galero in consistory was abolished in 1969 by the Papal decree ‘Utsive sollicite’. Ar... Read More
Maiden Speech Presented by Most Rev. Dr. Michael Kalu Ukpong after his installation as the 3rd Bishop of Umuahia on February 2, 2023.
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Protocols:
Your Grace, Most Rev. Antonio Filipazzi, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Your Eminencies …..
Your Gracies, My Lord Bishops, Monsignori, Rev Fathers, Religious Men and Women. Your Excellencies, ….. and their entourage,
Scio cui Credidi, is my episcopal motto, meaning “I know whom I believe” namely: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, he is never Yes-and-No, He is the Yes to all God has promised (2Cor 1:19). I thank him for his faithfuln... Read More
Arrival of the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Anthonio Filipazzi, joined by some Archbishops and Bishops for Vespers at Mater Dei Cathedral preceding the installation of the 3rd Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong.... Read More
2023 REUNION WITH THE BISHOP, PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN UMUAHIA DIOCESE
The new Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev.Michael Kalu Ukpong has used the occasion of the 2023 Reunion of Priests and Religious working in the Diocese which took place on the 6th of January 2023 at Mater dei Cathedral Umuahia to pay glowing tributes to them for their sacrifices and outstanding work.
The annual event which began with eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Michael Ukpong had in attendance, heads of various Religious Congregations working in the Diocese.
#2023reunion... Read More
ON THE BURIAL OF A POPE.
√The Pope must be Buried within?
The Pope must be buried within the 4th-6th day after his death. For example, Pope Benedict XVI died on 31st December 2022, and his burial is January 5th, six days after his death.
Usually, in the first three to five days, the body of the Pope is kept inside the Clementine chapel inside the St. Peter’s Basilica for people to view.
On the 4th-6th days, the Papal funeral takes place at the main altar or outside the St Peter’s square. Before the mass, the Pope's body is placed inside three consecutive coffins: CYPRESS COFFIN, L... Read More.jpeg)
Former Pope Benedict XVI has died, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.
He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he passed away at 09:34 (08:34 GMT) on Saturday.
His successor Pope Francis will lead the funeral on 5 January.
The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter's Basilica from 2 January for "the greeting of the faithful".
... Read More
BREAKING...
APPOINTMENT OF THE BISHOP OF UMUAHIA (NIGERIA)
The Holy Father has appointed His Excellency Msgr. Michael Kalu Ukpong the bishop of Umuahia Diocese
Curriculum vitae
S.E. Mons. Michael Kalu Ukpong è nato il 15 dicembre 1964 ad Amaekpu Ohafia, nella Diocesi di Umuahia. Ha frequentato il Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary a Owerri e il St. Joseph Major Seminary a Ikot Ekpene.
È stato ordinato sacerdote il 7 agosto 1993 per il clero della Diocesi di Umuahia.
Ha svolto i seguenti ministeri: Vicario parrocchiale della St. Finbarr’s a Umuahia (1993-1994); Segretario del Vescovo di Umuahia (1994-1996);... Read More
The Congregation of Daughters Of Mary, Mother of Mercy (DMMM) Celebrates Their Silver and Golden Jubilee of first Religious Profession of Vows of the 1972/1997 sets of DMMM Sisters at Mater Dei cathedral, umuahia, Abia state .... Read More
Cutting of cake by the
Denary 2 Dean who was representing the Bishop in the person of very Rev Fr Elias Ibedu
Cathedral Administrator; Rev Fr David Aguneri
Maria shrine chaplain; Rev fr Oche Henry
Director of social Communications: Rev fr Leonard Ehiemere
Cwo representative
Legion of Mary Representative
Get video clip of the event on our Facebook page @Directotate of social Communications catholic diocese of umuahia and on our YouTube channel @ DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS UMUAHIA... Read More
Rev. Fr. Leonard Ehiemere giving talk on the
Topic "Mary's Universal mediation" During the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary at Maria shrine Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia.
He made us to understand that our Blessed mother Mary is our mediator here on earth and no one who runs to her for help is left unaided, she's always ready to intercede for Every one of us whether rich, poor, dark skinned or light skinned. She is our Universal Mediator.
Happy birthday once more to our mother, blessed virgin Mary.
We celebrate you mama maria
Get video clip of the event on our Facebook page @directorate of social Communications cath... Read More
The Eucharist congress which took place at mater dei cathedral umuahia, Lead by the Diocesan Administrator, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, the faithful who despite the rain converged at the Cathedral for a holy mass to commence the celebration, later processed to the Marian Shrine to conclude with rosary and benediction.
In his homily, the Diocesan Administrator stressed the need for people to live out what they profess.
Bishop Ukpong who spoke on the theme, " Becoming the eucharist we celebrate" challenged all to live the life of peace, love and thanksgiving; showing good examples to people rather than bearing grudges and hate.
... Read More
The diocesan Eucharistic congress which took place at Mater dei cathedral umuahia on the 13th ... Read More
The Bishops of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province during their Second Plenary session for the year 2022, and they issued a Communique titled "AVERTING THE GATHERING STORM" on August 10, 2022 @ Domus Sancti Augustini, Christ the King Cathedral Aba, Abia state.... Read More
𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙃𝘽𝙄𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙋 𝙇𝙐𝘾𝙄𝙐𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙄𝙐𝙈!
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji was invested with the Pallium as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province by Papal Nuncio at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri.
This wonderful event took place yesterday the 11th day of August 2022
Let us pray and request for Mother Mary's intercession so that She may continue to direct His grace as he pilots the affairs of both Owerri Archdiocese and Owerri Ecclesiastical province at large.
... Read More.jpeg)
Peace is a 'duty' that concerns all say bishops of Japan
As the Church in Japan holds its annual Ten Days of Prayer for Peace event the Japanese bishops reiterate that peace is everybody’s responsibility. In their message for the occasion, signed by the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan (CBCJ), Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, the prelates reflect on Pope Francis’ words in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
"Peace is possible; peace is a duty”. The Japanese bishops have reiterated this call in their reflections for the Ten Days of Prayer for Peace event. The prayer initiative is held every year by the Church in Japan fr... Read More
His Grace, arch bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Today after his investiture with the pallium... Read More
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re celebrates the funeral Mass for the late Cardinal Jozef Tomko, and recalls the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples’ faithful and fruitful service to the Church and the pope.
Pope Francis, on Thursday morning, participated privately at the funeral Mass of the late Cardinal Jozef Tomko, celebrated at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. He presided over the funeral rites of Commendatio and Valedictio for the late Slovakian Cardinal.
Cardinal Jozef Tomko died on 8 August in his apartment in Rome at the age of 98. He was created a Cardinal in 1985 ... Read More
AVERTING THE GATHERING STORM
Communiqué issued by the catholic Bishops of the owerri Ecclesiastical Province 10 August 2022._
PREAMBLE
We, the Catholic Bishops of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, met at the Domus Sancti Augustini, Aba, from Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 August, 2022. Having prayerfully deliberated on many issues of great concern to our people, we issue the following Communiqué.
SUFFERING IN THE LAND
1: Great m... Read More.jpeg)
Pope Francis has recalled the great wisdom and long fruitful service of cardinal Jozef Tomko , perfect emeritus of the congregation for the evangelization of peoples. He died on August 8 at the age of 98.
In remembering this esteemed and wise brother who sustained by deep faith and a far sighted gaze, humbly and self sacrificing served the Gospel and the church.
Cardinal Joseph Tomko was instrumental to the building of the Owerri Provincial Major Seminary " SEAT OF WISDOM SEMINARY OWERRI". It was during his tenure as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People's that the Seminary was built. One of the hostels bears his name, Cardinal Joseph Tomko Hoste... Read More
Fr Leo Ehiemere giving his welcome address during the Comweek celebration which took place at Banquet Hall, BANPAC, Umuahia.... Read More
The Catholic Diocese of Umuahia celebrates the investiture ceremony of her newly 16 appointed awardees by His Holiness Pope Francis. Four Mosignori and Eight Papal Knights, and Four Dames. There names are:
A. Monsignori
1. Rev. Msgr. James Abosike
2. Rev. Msgr. Austin Kanu
3. Rev. Msgr. Francis Nwaiwu
4. Rev. Msgr. Leo Amafili
B. Knighthood of the Order of St. Sylvester the Pope
1. Sir. Kevin Nnanyere Amugo
2. Sir. Gabriel O. C. Okenwa
3. Sir. Ikechukwu G. Ijeomah
C. Dames of the Order of St. Sylvester the Pope
1. Lady Evelyn Ada Echefu
2. Lady Chine... Read More
Today marks the 30th Episcopal Ordination of His Lordship Most Rev. L. I Ugorji (July 1, 1990 - July 1, 2020. My Lord, may the good Lord continue to bless you with good health of mind and body as you continue to shepherd the flock of the Lord in Umuahia Diocese, Ahiara Diocese and as the Vice President of CBCN. Also today will be the Priestly Ordination of our diocesan Deacons who are due for ordination.... Read More
Today marks the 30th Episcopal Ordination of His Lordship Most Rev. L. I Ugorji (July 1, 1990 - July 1, 2020. My Lord, may the good Lord continue to bless you with good health of mind and body as you continue to shepherd the flock of the Lord in Umuahia Diocese, Ahiara Diocese and as the Vice President of CBCN. Also today will be the Priestly Ordination of our diocesan Deacons who are due for ordination.... Read MoreThe 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.
Chrism mass at Mater dei cathedral Umuahia.
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