The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Most. Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi has undertaken his first pastoral visit to St Gregory’s Parish, Umuhu Okwuato, in what became both a moment of encounter and a concrete expression of episcopal presence among the faithful.
The two-day visit, from March 21 to 22, combined pastoral dialogue with sacramental preparation. The Bishop met with parish leadership on matters affecting the growth of the community and personally guided candidates preparing for Confirmation.
The highlight came on Sunday with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, during which over 180 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In his homily, Bishop Nwobi spoke with urgency on what he described as a prevailing culture of death, contrasting it with the life that Christ offers, drawing from the raising of Lazarus as a sign that divine life continues to break through the weight of sin and despair. He reminded the faithful that sin diminishes life, while openness to the Holy Spirit restores it.
Addressing the confirmands, he called for seriousness of purpose, encouraging them to live as committed witnesses, grounded in faith and guided by conscience.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Albert Madu, welcomed the Bishop, priests, and religious present and expressed the gratitude of the community, while the Parish Councilors, in a welcome address, presented, among other things, areas requiring diocesan attention. The Bishop, in response, commended the commitment of both the priests working in the parish and the laity and assured them of continued pastoral support.
The visit concluded with a grand reception organised by the Catholic Women’s Organisation, a fitting expression of a community strengthened in faith and gathered around its shepherd.
