By Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The week-long Third Edition of the Amaohuru Peace Mission came to a grace-filled conclusion on Sunday, August 16, 2026, leaving the community spiritually renewed and united in prayer for the sanctification and restoration of their homeland.
Conceived by the indigenous priests and religious of Amaohuru and convened by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ukaegbu, the annual spiritual programme opened on Saturday, August 8, under the theme, “God, Restore and Sanctify Our Land.”
Over the nine-day spiritual exercise, the community engaged in an intensive programme of prayer and spiritual renewal across its various quarters. Activities included Holy Masses celebrated across the different kindreds, praise and worship, Divine Mercy devotions, Stations of the Cross, preaching and catechesis, intercessory prayers, as well as the formal blessing of the land and its people.
Saturday, August 15, featured an open-air Mass at the church field, followed by a colourful programme of cultural and youth activities. A major highlight was the competitive March Past among the Block Rosary centres of the five kindreds, with Queen of Peace Block Rosary Centre, Umuaham Egbu, emerging as champion.
The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) also held a March Past competition, which was won by the women of Ofor na Akali community.
Other highlights included welcome performances by the CWO and Block Rosary children, an Akuko Ugha bu Eziokwu drama presentation, cultural dance competitions and choral performances.
The Peace Mission reached its culmination on Sunday, August 16, with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by the convener, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ukaegbu.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Sergius Paul Chukwu urged the faithful to uphold righteousness and reject evil as the sure path to God’s promises. He encouraged the people of Amaohuru to embrace lives of virtue, foster genuine love and work diligently for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
The Parish Priest of St. Andrew’s Parish, Amaohuru, Rev. Fr. Antoninus, CMF, commended the indigenous priests and religious for their vision and dedication, praying that their spiritual labour would yield lasting fruits of peace for the community.
Speaking on behalf of the association of indigenous priests and religious, Fr. Emmanuel Ukaegbu reminded the faithful that true peace requires personal commitment. He urged the people to realise their Christian vocation by loving one another, cultivating a fraternal spirit and upholding the sanctity and dignity of human life.
He further called on the community to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who alone can heal and restore their land, while encouraging every member to take personal responsibility for sustaining the peace for which they had prayed. He also urged the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a guide in their journey of faith.
The programme concluded with a solemn Eucharistic procession to Aladimma Amaohuru Square for benediction and blessing, leaving the faithful with renewed hope and a firm commitment to becoming agents of peace in their families, community and society.
