23/08/2026
APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR VISITS OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH, EZZAMA
The Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, today, Sunday, 23 August 2026, paid a pastoral visit to Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Ezzama, where he celebrated Holy Mass and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 322 parishioners.
In his homily, the Apostolic Administrator reminded the newly confirmed that the Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and makes them soldiers of Christ, called to courageously defend and bear witness to the Catholic Faith. He urged them to remain steadfast in their faith and to live as authentic witnesses of Christ in their families, communities and society.
Reflecting on the Christian vocation, the Bishop charged the faithful to learn to recognise Christ in one another and within the worshipping community. He encouraged them to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world, living out the Gospel in such a way that Christ may be encountered through their words, actions and relationships.
The Apostolic Administrator further recalled that the Church was founded by Christ upon the rock of St. Peter the Apostle and called on the faithful to remain united in faith and communion with the Church.
Following the celebration of Holy Mass, Most Rev. Dr. Obodo blessed the newly completed Chapel of Perpetual Adoration and formally opened it for public use. He also installed the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, commissioning the chapel as a sacred place where the faithful can come before the Eucharistic Lord in prayer and adoration.
The Bishop equally blessed the site designated for the construction of a Multipurpose Hall, which will serve the pastoral and communal needs of the parish.
During the occasion, the Apostolic Administrator commended the outgone Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Maurice Okoye, for his commitment and sacrifice, particularly for completing the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration. He appreciated his contribution to the growth and development of the parish.
He subsequently encouraged the substantive Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Igwe Aloh, to build upon the good foundations and legacies established by his predecessors and to continue working for the spiritual and pastoral growth of the parish.
The pastoral visit concluded with the Apostolic Administrator imparting his episcopal blessing upon the parishioners and the entire Ezzama community, praying that God would continue to strengthen them in faith, unity and love.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki expresses gratitude to God for the fruitful pastoral visit and prays that the newly blessed Chapel of Perpetual Adoration will become a lasting source of grace, renewal and deeper Eucharistic devotion for the people of Ezzama and beyond.
