Catholic Diocese of Nnewi

28/07/2026

The 2026 Priestly Ordination Full Video

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27/07/2026

BISHOP JONAS BENSON OKOYE’S PASTORAL VISIT TO IMMACULATE HEART PARISH, IHIALA

On Sunday, 26th July 2026, His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, paid a pastoral visit to Immaculate Heart Parish, Ihiala. It was the parish’s first pastoral visit since 2020, making the occasion one of great joy and thanksgiving for the entire parish community.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, during which the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 137 candidates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to become courageous witnesses of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In his homily, the Bishop urged the faithful to remain unwavering in their commitment to Christ despite the many challenges confronting the Church and society. He reminded them that throughout history the Church has endured trials and persecutions, yet it continues to flourish through the faith of her members. He emphasized that it is men and women of genuine faith who will stand against evil, boldly calling evil by its name and remaining faithful to the truth of the Gospel.

Following the Holy Mass, the Bishop received a warm and joyful welcome from the parishioners. The celebration continued with colourful presentations by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), the Parish Choir, and the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), all expressing their gratitude for his fatherly visit and pastoral care.

His Lordship expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the parish for their generous hospitality and warm reception. He also acknowledged and thanked the Onuoha of Ihiala; HRH Igwe Sir Thomas Ikenna Amuta Obidiegwu, the traditional leader of the community, for his presence throughout the celebration, as well as Bar. Vin Ezeaka the Chairman of Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, for honouring the occasion with his attendance.

The memorable day concluded in an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving, as the faithful returned home spiritually renewed and grateful for the blessings received.

To God alone be all the glory, now and forever. Amen.

26/07/2026

BISHOP JONAS BENSON OKOYE’S PASTORAL VISIT TO JESUS INTERNATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, ORAIFITE

On Saturday, 25th July 2026, His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, paid a pastoral visit to Jesus International Secondary School, Oraifite, in which the school took an opportunity to celebrate their past students and to encourage the present students to continue to work tirelessly to keep up the hard work their seniors left them.

The day’s celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, during which the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 37 candidates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to become courageous witnesses of Christ wherever they find themselves.

Before the Holy Mass, the Bishop toured the school premises, including the Jesus Home for Abandoned, Less Privileged, and Children with Disabilities, where he witnessed firsthand the conditions in which the children are cared for. Deeply moved by what he saw, His Lordship assured the management and the children of the Diocese’s renewed commitment to their welfare, promising greater involvement and support for both the school and the home.

During the celebration, the Bishop officially introduced the new Manager and Principal, Rev. Fr. Jude Ubuka, who succeeds Rev. Fr. Valentine Ifiorah, thanking the outgoing administrator for his dedicated service since the Diocese assumed responsibility for the school.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the school’s maiden magazine, which explored the theme of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on contemporary society, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The cultural and entertainment segment showcased the remarkable talents of the students. In recognition of their outstanding presentations, two students who confidently delivered the welcome address and the Bishop’s biography from memory were awarded full educational scholarships by Hon. Obiora Obi and Family, covering their school fees as well as their JAMB, WAEC, and NECO examination fees for the coming academic year. His Lordship applauded this generous gesture and further encouraged the families of the award recipients with financial gifts in appreciation of the values they have instilled in their children.

The Bishop also visited the Home Economics exhibition, where students displayed products they had produced through practical training. Demonstrating his unwavering support for vocational education and entrepreneurship, he generously purchased a large number of the students’ products, encouraging them to continue developing their skills with confidence and creativity.

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed hope, with heartfelt gratitude to God for a memorable day of worship, learning, encouragement, and service.

To God be all the glory, now and forever. Amen.

14/07/2026

FIRST PASTORAL VISIT TO ST. PATRICK’S PARISH, ICHI

On 12th July 2026, His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, paid his First Pastoral Visit to St. Patrick’s Parish, Ichi, since his installation as the Bishop of the Diocese.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, during which the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 100 candidates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them as authentic witnesses of Christ.

Following the Mass, His Lordship blessed and officially commissioned the Parish Jubilee Hall, a lasting memorial to the late Sir Ezenwa Robert Onwukwe, who initiated the project before his passing. The hall was later completed through the collective efforts of the parish and named in his honour.

The Bishop also blessed the newly constructed Calvary Garden, generously built by the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), as well as the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, single-handedly built and donated to the parish by Mr. & Mrs. Onyebuchi Ifeanyichukwu Okoye (Hisbreath Int. Ltd.), a remarkable gift that will foster deeper Eucharistic devotion among the faithful.

The occasion was further graced by the presence of renowned Nollywood actor and Ozubulu-born movie star, Zubby Michael, who attended in solidarity as a friend of Mr. Onyebuchi Okoye.

The day’s celebration concluded with colourful cultural displays and entertainment presented by the Parish Choir, the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), the Youth, Altar Servers, the Block Rosary Crusade, and students of St. Patrick’s International Secondary School, Ichi.

In appreciation of their outstanding performances and warm reception, the Bishop presented gifts to the various groups and thanked the parishioners for their love, generosity, and vibrant faith. He assured them of his continued prayers and humbly requested that they also remember him in their prayers, asking God to strengthen him in his episcopal ministry.

May the Lord continue to bless the faithful of St. Patrick’s Parish, Ichi, and grant lasting fruits to all who contributed to the success of this memorable pastoral visit.

To God be the eternal glory. Amen.

12/07/2026

2026 PRIESTLY ORDINATION AND THE PRESENTATION OF 18 CARS TO THE NEWLY ORDAINED 18 PRIESTS OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NNEWI BY HIS LORDSHIP MOST REV. JONAS BENSON OKOYE THE CATHOLIC BISHOP OF NNEWI DIOCESE.

03/07/2026

50 Years of Grace and Service to God and Humanity

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi joined family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating the 50th birthday of Mrs. Ada Agbarakwe (née Mgbemena) at Saints Sebastian & Pancras Church, Kingsbury, London, on 21st June 2026.

The celebration began with Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, who described the occasion as a celebration of “50 years of grace and service to God and humanity.” He commended Mrs. Agbarakwe for her exemplary Catholic faith, generosity, devotion to the Church, and dedicated service to both God and humanity.

In recognition of her inspiring witness of faith, the Bishop presented her with a Papal Blessing signed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi congratulates Mrs. Ada Agbarakwe on this remarkable milestone and prays that Almighty God will continue to bless her with good health, abundant grace, and many more fruitful years of faithful service.

Happy Golden Jubilee! Ad Multos Annos!

03/07/2026

PRAYING FOR GOOD PRIESTS

As the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi prayerfully prepares for the Priestly Ordination of twenty-two Deacons on 11th July 2026, we invite all the faithful to join in earnest prayer for these candidates and for all priests throughout the world.

The priesthood is one of God’s greatest gifts to His Church. Through the ministry of priests, Christ continues to teach, sanctify, and shepherd His people. They celebrate the Holy Eucharist, administer the Sacraments, proclaim the Gospel, and accompany the faithful in moments of joy, sorrow, and hope.

In a world yearning for truth, peace, and authentic witness, the Church needs holy, humble, courageous, and faithful priests—men who will seek not their own glory but the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Let us pray that the twenty-two Deacons to be ordained may become priests after the Heart of Christ: steadfast in faith, generous in charity, faithful in prayer, obedient to the Church, compassionate toward the suffering, and unwavering in their commitment to the Gospel. May they always celebrate the Sacred Mysteries with reverence, preach the truth with courage, and lead God’s people with humility and love.

We also remember all priests of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and throughout the universal Church. May the Lord strengthen them in moments of difficulty, renew their zeal in ministry, preserve them in holiness, and grant them the grace to persevere faithfully until the end.

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, bless Your Church with holy priests. Keep those You have called faithful to their vocation, strengthen those preparing for ordination, and raise many more labourers for Your harvest. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them always. Amen.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

01/07/2026

As we begin this new month, we remember in a special way our brothers and sisters across Nigeria, especially those who are passing through hardship, insecurity, economic difficulties, sickness, grief, and every form of trial. May the Lord, who never abandons His children, strengthen your hearts, provide for your needs, and fill your homes with His peace and hope.

We pray that this new month will bring renewed courage, open doors of divine favour, healing for the afflicted, comfort for the sorrowful, and abundant blessings for every family. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our nation, inspire our leaders with wisdom, and unite us in love, justice, and peace.

As the Family of God on Mission, let us continue to stand together in faith, support one another in charity, and never cease to trust in God’s unfailing providence. No matter the challenges we face, Christ remains our hope, our strength, and our victory.

May this month of July be filled with God’s protection, mercy, and abundant grace for you and your loved ones.

Happy New Month, and may God bless Nigeria!

30/06/2026

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi continues to live out her identity as the Family of God on Mission, extending the Gospel beyond geographical boundaries as the world increasingly becomes the field of our apostolic labour.

From 16th to 18th June 2026, His Lordship, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, embarked on a pastoral visit to Scotland, where he strengthened the bonds of faith, fraternity, and missionary collaboration with priests and religious serving in the diaspora.

As part of the visit, the Bishop visited the Benedictine Monastery in Largs, where he presided over liturgical celebrations and participated in the monastic community’s rhythm of prayer, worship, and fraternal life. The Benedictine community, together with their chaplain, Fr. Ferdinand Mmaduabuchi Onwuka, described the Bishop’s visit as spiritually enriching, deeply encouraging, and profoundly fraternal.

His Lordship also held a cordial meeting with priests of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi serving in pastoral ministry across Scotland, including Fr. Gabriel Emeasoba of the Diocese of Dunkeld and Fr. Michael Ngobili of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. During the gathering, the Bishop encouraged them to remain steadfast in their priestly vocation, to continue proclaiming the Gospel with zeal, and to strengthen the bonds of pastoral fraternity among themselves as ambassadors of the Diocese in the diaspora.

He further urged them to persevere in prayer for one another, for the people entrusted to their pastoral care, and for their home Diocese of Nnewi reminding them that distance should never diminish their communion with the local Church from which they were sent.

The pastoral visit also took the Bishop to the Diocese of Galloway, where he was warmly received on behalf of the Most Rev. Frank Dougan by Very Rev. Fr. Canon Matthew McManus and Very Rev. Fr. Duncan McVicar. Their warm reception reflected the spirit of ecclesial communion and collaboration that unites the universal Church in its shared mission of evangelization.