Archbishop Ugorji to Visit St. Columba’s Parish, Amaimo, in Historic Pastoral and Canonical Engagement

ThankGod Emeh…

Joy, anticipation, and spiritual excitement have continued to envelop the people of Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, particularly the leadership and members of St. Columba’s Catholic Parish, following the announcement of a scheduled Pastoral and Canonical Visit by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.

His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.

The historic visit, slated for Sunday, February 8, 2026, will also feature the presence of the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, alongside other canonical representatives of the Archdiocese, marking a significant moment in the spiritual life of the parish and the wider Amaimo community.

Most Rev. Moses Chikwe.

According to a press release issued by the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Chief Christopher Akaraonye, the Archbishop will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to qualified candidates during a high-powered liturgical celebration.

The visit will further provide an opportunity for the Archbishop to engage directly with parishioners and address pressing pastoral, administrative, and moral issues affecting the parish and the broader Christian community.

Chief Akaraonye

Chief Akaraonye disclosed that His Grace is also expected to visit and inspect the Holy Rosary Primary and Secondary Schools owned and managed by St. Columba’s Catholic Parish to ensure commitment to quality Catholic education.

Emphasizing the importance of the visit, the Pastoral Council Chairman noted that the Archbishop’s presence goes beyond a ceremonial engagement, describing it as a moment of grace and renewal for both the Church and the host community.

“Wherever the Archbishop is, there the entire Church is present,” Chief Akaraonye remarked, while calling on parishioners and well-wishers to turn out en masse to accord the Archbishop a warm and befitting welcome.

In his preparatory remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Otuonye, PhD, stated that the forthcoming pastoral visit will be the first since his assumption of office as Parish Priest of St. Columba’s Catholic Parish, Amaimo as he described the visit as a rare opportunity for spiritual growth, evaluation, and renewed commitment to Christian values.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Otuonye

Rev. Fr. Otuonye further urged parishioners, friends of the parish, and the entire Amaimo Catholic faithful to rally together in prayers, cooperation, and material support to ensure a successful and spiritually enriching programme.

It is noteworthy that the Catholic Church in Amaimo holds a special historical significance, as it hosted the first Bishop of Owerri diocese, Bishop Wellan during the civil war in Nigeria, a legacy that continues to strengthen the bond between the Archdiocese and the Amaimo community.

Bishop Joseph Brendan Whelan, C.S.Sp

As preparations intensify, expectations remain high that the pastoral and canonical visit will usher in renewed faith, unity, and development for St. Columba’s Catholic Parish and its environs.