By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
St. Matthew’s Parish, Umuawada Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise, came alive with joy and spiritual fervor as the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, paid his maiden pastoral visit to the parish from February 7 to 8, 2026.
The visit, marked by prayer, dialogue, and sacramental celebration, offered the faithful an opportunity to interact closely with their chief shepherd while deepening their spiritual commitment.
The Bishop was warmly received by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Fabian Njoku, members of the Parish Council, and the entire parish community. For many parishioners, it was not only an administrative visit but also a deeply pastoral moment—a father visiting his children in faith.
As part of the visit, Bishop Nwobi met with parish leaders and faithful, engaging in discussions aimed at strengthening the life and growth of the parish and the diocese at large. He also conducted preparatory sessions with the candidates for Confirmation, ensuring they were properly instructed and spiritually disposed to receive the Sacrament.
The highlight of the visit was the Sunday Eucharistic celebration on February 8, presided over by the Bishop and concelebrated by priests of the Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Nwobi challenged the faithful to embrace authentic Christian living, emphasizing charity as a pathway to divine favor.
“For God to answer your prayers, help those in need,” he said, urging Christians to become instruments of compassion in society.
He cautioned against the abuse of leadership positions, particularly among Christians, stressing that one cannot persist in wrongdoing while expecting God’s intervention. According to him, integrity and charity must define Christian leadership.
Drawing from Scripture, the Bishop reminded the congregation that Christians are called to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth.” He explained that, as salt, believers are meant to preserve moral values and add meaning to society through peace, justice, truth, and harmony. As light, they are called to illuminate a darkened world through holy living.
“When Christians bring holiness from wherever they find themselves, the world will be illuminated,” he stated.
He lamented what he described as a spiritual “blackout” in the lives of some believers, noting that the weakening of Christian witness has contributed to the moral crises confronting society. He urged the faithful to rekindle their spiritual fervor and allow their light to shine brightly.
“As a baptized Christian, your light should shine in such a way that darkness cannot withstand it,” he said.
Addressing the confirmands directly, Bishop Nwobi warned against the negative influences prevalent on social media. While acknowledging the power of digital platforms, he encouraged young people to become positive influencers rooted in Christian values.
He also spoke strongly against indecent dressing, internet fraud, and the unhealthy pursuit of wealth, describing them as destructive trends eroding the moral fabric of society. He urged the candidates to remain steadfast in the Gospel message of repentance, love, peace, and forgiveness, especially as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
More than 70 candidates were subsequently confirmed during the Mass, receiving the Oil of Chrism in a solemn and reverent ceremony witnessed by their families and the parish community.
The celebration featured a welcome address by Mrs. Ijeoma Ajaegbu, Secretary of the Parish Council, as well as musical renditions by the parish choir and presentation of gifts to the Bishop.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Nwobi expressed satisfaction with the growth of faith in the parish and commended the parish priest and his collaborators for their dedication. He assured the faithful of his continued support and pledged to give due consideration to the needs presented to him.
The pastoral visit concluded with a reception at the church premises, highlighted by a cultural dance performance by the Catholic Women’s Organization and light refreshments.
