Bishop Nwobi Solicits Greater Support
By: Tim Etoh
Full construction work will soon commence at the burial site of Vivian Ogu, Servant of God and global exemplar of faith.
This optimism was expressed by His Lordship, the Bishop of Ahiara, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, during a fundraising event for the development of Vivian Centre, including the chapel and other supporting facilities, held on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at the burial site in Umuelem, Enyiogugu, Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State, Nigeria.
While giving thanks to God for the gift of Vivian, “our own,” described as second in line for sainthood after Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi, the prelate reminded the faithful that the path towards the cause of sainthood requires substantial material and spiritual investment. He nevertheless expressed confidence that, with determination and a shared vision, the goal can be achieved.
He also conveyed gratitude to generous donors at the previous fundraising event and earnestly urged those with outstanding pledges to redeem them so that the project may proceed without delay.
By way of update, he revealed that a significant portion of the land has already been acquired, the architectural plans have been approved, and fencing of the site has commenced. He appealed for further generous contributions to enable full construction work to begin in earnest.
The Catholic community in Ahiara Mbaise, through the Vivian Uchechi Ogu Organization (Vivian Organization), intends to transform the burial site of the Servant of God into a fitting place of prayer for local faithful and pilgrims.
Funds raised will be used to construct a 750-seat chapel, a pastoral and youth center, and other faith-based facilities, according to the Vivian Organization.
Given the generous disposition of donors at the event and the evident enthusiasm and commitment of the faithful towards the cause of Vivian Ogu’s sainthood, the vision of a world-class center appears increasingly within reach.
The Easter Monday fundraising event, organized under the distinguished chairmanship of High Chief Jude Chima Akalezi, began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Nwobi, assisted by several priests, including Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Ihejirika, Rev. Fr. Laserian Iwu, and Rev. Fr. Augustine Ukawuba.
Rev. Fr. Augustine Onuoha, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish, which has oversight of the Vivian Centre, delivered the address of welcome to the Bishop and his entourage of clergy, religious, lay faithful, and guests.
Rev. Fr. Walter Ihejirika, Director of SIGNIS Africa, delivered the homily titled *Going to Galilee*, referencing Mark 16:7 and describing Galilee as a symbol of transformation. He explained that Galilee is the place where believers encounter Christ anew, moving from weakness to strength, as exemplified by Peter and the other apostles. He further reflected that Vivian, in her humble origins in Mbaise, encountered Christ in this same transformative “Galilee,” becoming a witness whose influence now reaches beyond her locality.
He urged all present to commit themselves to the transformation of the Vivian Centre into a dignified sanctuary of worship for pilgrims from within and beyond the Christian world. He described Vivian Ogu as a catalyst for spiritual renewal and transformation.
It should be noted that since assuming pastoral responsibility in Ahiara, Bishop Nwobi has galvanized the faithful and their well-wishers towards the noble cause of advancing the sainthood process of Vivian Uchechi Ogu. He has repeatedly observed that, by the grace of God, the Servant of God stands second in line for sainthood after Tansi, and therefore the faithful must persevere with renewed zeal in bringing the vision to fulfillment.
