Written By: Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike

History is being made today, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia in Aguata as Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke, the Emeritus Bishop of Ahiara Diocese is installed the first bishop of the new Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese by the Pontiff, Pope Francis through his delegates. The event today anchors the fulfillment of two landmark announcements of March 5, 2020, where Pope Francis created, erected and constituted a new Diocese called Ekwulobia from Awka Diocese, and immediately appointed Most Rev. Peter Okpaleke as her first bishop.

These are the words of Pope Francis announcing the creation of the long sought Ekwulobia Diocese: “Aware of the favourable progress in the spreading of the Gospel, having heard the opinion of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People, and the weighty opinion of those concerned having been sought, after careful examination, we humbly resolve and willingly decree that the requests, strongly presented to us for the salvation of souls, be granted.

Consequently, with the fullness of our Apostolic authority, the designated territory in the boundaries of the civil region known as Anambra state, from the three districts commonly called Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South, we decided that they be separated from Awka diocese and so from the dismembered territory, we erect and constitute a new diocese called Ekwulobia.

We decree that the seat of this new diocese be fixed in the same city known as Ekwulobia, and we elevate the parochial church existing there, dedicated to St. Joseph the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to the rank and dignity of a Cathedral church. In addition, we constitute this new diocese of Ekwulobia a suffragan of Metropolitan Church of Onitsha” the Pope’s decree read.

The Pope’s decree also highlighted the mandate given to the Amesi-born Bishop Okpaleke, as well as the Bishop’s edifying qualities thus: “Pope Francis, Servant of the Servants of God, to Venerable Brother Peter Ebere Okpaleke, until now the Emeritus Bishop of Ahiara, appointed the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Ekwulobia, greetings and Apostolic Blessing. While showing mercy and compassion towards everyone, you must assist us in spreading the teachings of Christ that we may grow in charity of Jesus and His Word may be the light that illumines the way of all that trust in Him. Moreover, we turn to you Venerable Brother, who, in your work as Bishop, you manifested good disposition of heart and adequate intelligence, and appear to us suitable for directing the flock entrusted to your care”. End of quote

All around the world, especially in Anambra state, the jubilation that greeted these announcements is yet to wane. In fact, the fulfillment of the creation news by the installation today, came at a particularly good time as God’s soothing balm to Ndi Anambra amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The installation today is a testimony of God’s special love to Ndi Anambra as a whole. It is also a testimony that the people of God in Awka diocese, led by Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor and his Auxiliary, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye, are united in the onerous quest for the realization of this new Ekwulobia diocese. All through the process, the Clergy, Religious, Laity, political and traditional classes in Awka diocese and Anambra, as well as the Academia, kept far from one another the spirit of rancor.

As the installation bell rings from the new diocese today, may the blessings of God to Church and Ndi Anambra continue to touch all and sundry. Congratulations Most Rev Peter Okpaleke at your installation!

Congratulations Ekwulobia Diocese.

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