Inaugurates Bridget University Mbaise
It was an epoch-making celebration as family, friends, and well-wishers from different parts of the world convened at St. Christopher’s Parish, Akpim, Ekwerazu Ahiazu Mbaise, to join Rev. Fr. Barr. Leonard Okechukwu Okonkwo in the celebration of the first Thanksgiving Mass of his priestly ordination and the inauguration of Bridget’s University Mbaise, the first of its kind in Mbaise, on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The first Thanksgiving Mass witnessed the presence of His Lordship, Most Rev. Hilary Dachelem CMF, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, who was also the ordaining prelate during the ordination of Fr. Okonkwo. Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh, CMF, thanked God for the gift of the special day and opined that the ecclesiastical celebration of the day, which was the epiphany of our Lord Jesus, which aligned with the manifestation of Rev. Fr. Leo Okonkwo to the Catholic community, is a divine coincidence. Fr. Edeh said that there are many Herods today who make an effort to bar the way of good but urged all to be promoters of good deeds. Speaking to the celebrant, Fr. Edeh admonished him to strongly uphold his divine identity, which his ordination as a priest has merited him. He exhorted him to be prayerful, not to be lukewarm, and to be a minister of forgiveness. He equally encouraged him to always be on the side of Christ, just as the Magi did. “Obedience to your superiors is paramount and germane. Believe, obey, and follow,” the homilist equally added.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anselm Onuoha, welcomed the Bishop and all present and congratulated the celebrant.
The prelate expressed joy at being in the midst of the Mbaise people to celebrate with them. He thanked them for the gift of their son to the church and urged them to continue to support him in any way they could.
Fr. Okonkwo was overjoyed as he welcomed his guests and assured them of his continuous prayers.
The reception trailing the Eucharistic celebration took place at Bridget’s University, Mbaise, where the university was officially inaugurated, and Rev. Fr. Leonard Okonkwo was greatly thanked for erecting such a great edifice.
