By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, in his bid to ensure that the faithful in Ahiara Diocese do not lack in pastoral concerns, has begun his visit to the various parishes in Ahiara Diocese for the year 2026. Steeped with undiluted exhilaration, the parish priest, members of the parish pastoral council, and the entire Catholic community of Immaculate Conception Parish Okwu Nguru gladly welcomed the Bishop to their parish on his maiden pastoral visit to them on Sunday, January 18, 2026, since his installation as the Bishop of the Diocese and also for them being the first parish he visited in the year.
As he does, the prelate embarked on this visit on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in which he had a father-children interactive session with the parish officials and equally had preparatory instructions with the confirmands.
The Mass for the confirmation was presided over by the bishop with other concelebrating priests. Delivering the homily, the prelate opined that Christ is the lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world, as St. John emphatically acclaimed in the scriptures. He stated that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and has laid down his life for us; thus, he urged the faithful to listen and follow the lead of Christ. Bishop Nwobi went further to tell the faithful that Christ is the center of all they do as Christians and admonished them to place Christ at the center of all they do. He encouraged the faithful to behold and follow the lamb of God who has called them, especially as the year is still in its infancy.
Speaking to the confirmands, he advised them to take seriously the sacrament they have received and pray to God for the grace to make them willing to keep the faith solid and strong. The prelate told them to fix their gaze on the lamb of God, who should be the number one in all they do.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Vitus Tochi Umeyor, welcomed the Bishop, the priests present, and all who came to join them.
Sir Michael Ugoh, the Parish Council Secretary, delivered the welcome address on behalf of the parishioners, expressing their boundless joy at having the Bishop in their midst.
The prelate, in the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the parishioners for the good works they are doing in the parish. He equally acknowledged the efforts of the priests working in the parish and urged them all to keep up with the faith.
Following the Mass was a cultural dance display by the CWO of the parish.
