St. Columba’s Parish, Amaimo Set to Welcome Archbishop Ugorji on Pastoral, Canonical Visit

ThankGod Emeh…

Joy and spiritual anticipation fill St. Columba’s Parish as parishioners prepare to host the Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Ugorji on a Pastoral and Canonical Visit on Sunday, February 8, 2026, an event described as both a blessing and a moment of renewal for the church and the wider community.

His Grace

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Otuonye emphasized that it is the Archbishop’s exclusive pastoral responsibility to visit the flock entrusted to him from time to time.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Otuonye

“He assigns priests to parishes. So if he has assigned us to any place, once in a while he should come to visit the flock to know how they are faring. It is part of the shepherding responsibility of a bishop to move around—to visit all the parishes and all the places where he has people appointed to look after his flock,” Rev Otuonye explained.

Expressing deep happiness over the timing of the visit, Rev. Fr. Otuonye discribed it as a new-year gift, noting that the parish is privileged to host the Archbishop within the first two months of the year.

“It’s a big blessing to us. We feel that this visit will enrich us spiritually. About 265 of our people will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and everyone is in high spirits, eagerly waiting to see their shepherd, their Archbishop. It is a thing of joy. It is always good when our Father comes to visit us,” he said.

The Parish Priest added that the excitement cuts across all ages and groups within the parish hence he further encouraged parishioners and members of the host community to actively participate in the programme, stressing that the visit goes beyond the church alone.

“Men, women, and children—everybody is anticipating that day.

“We ask the people to come out en masse to welcome the Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Owerri. The Archbishop himself is very happy to come here. This visit is not just for the church; it is for the entire community. The Church is universal, and the Church blesses everybody”, he noted.

The Planning Committee Chairman, Ezinna Francis Iheanyichukwu Ugoji in his remarks, described the visit as a moment that will “open new horizons” for both the parish and the surrounding community, noting that it has been about five years since the last episcopal visit for confirmation took place in our parish.

“Now that the new Archbishop is coming, our people are happy. They want to see him, and they are responding very positively. His coming will assist us greatly,” he said.

Ezinna Iheanyichukwu assured that all logistical and ceremonial arrangements have been concluded for a grand reception, including statewide announcements.

“The Archbishop will arrive by 9:00 a.m. He will be received at the church gate, then move briefly to the Father’s house to rest for few minutes before returning to the church. Holy Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. After the Gospel, the Confirmation will take place, followed by other social aspects of the programme.”

The Pastoral Council Chairman of the Parish, Chief Chris Akaraonye while praying God for His grace and protection during the visit, thanked the parish priest, pastoral council members, the planning committee and thel entire parishioners for their roles in making the bishop’s visit a memorable one.

With hearts full of expectation and preparations in top gear, St. Columba’s Parish stands ready to receive the Archbishop celebrating not just a visit, but a moment of spiritual upliftment, unity, and communal blessing.