By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
On Monday, February 2, 2026, after the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the faithful of St. Peter’s Parish, Amano Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise, organized a pilgrimage for the young parishioners who received their First Holy Communion in January 2026. This spiritual journey aimed to help the children understand that holiness is possible, even at a young age, and that a life of virtue, purity, and steadfast faith is attainable.
Their first stop was at the Vivian Centre, where Vivian Uchechi Ogu, now Servant of God, is laid to rest. Upon arrival at the Centre, Rev. Fr. Augustine Onuoha, the Director, warmly welcomed them and spoke to the children about the holy life and witness of Vivian Uchechi Ogu. He encouraged them to live responsibly, to cultivate good moral virtues, and to remain steadfast in their faith at home, in the Church, and in society. After the teaching, all gathered around Vivian’s tomb to pray for the parish, St. Peter’s Parish Amano Obohia, for the parishioners at home and abroad, for the fathers and mothers, and for divine open doors. The visit to the Vivian Centre ended with the celebration of the Holy Mass, during which the entire parish was remembered.
After Mass, they proceeded to the Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral in Ahiara, where they first visited the priests’ cemetery. The children were taken round the graves of the departed priests and offered prayers for their happy repose. Rev. Fr. Peter Uche Onuoha, the Assistant Priest, blessed the graves, and the children were especially joyful to see the grave of their elder brother, Msgr. Donald Okoro.
Further, their attention was moved to the tomb of the late Bishop Victor Adibe Chikwe, the premier Bishop of Ahiara Diocese. At the tomb, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ukawuba taught the children why bishops are buried in the cathedral while priests are buried in the priests’ cemetery. He explained the significance of the cathedral and the foresight of Bishop Chikwe in laying a strong foundation for the diocese. The children prayed for the happy repose of Bishop Chikwe, after which Fr. Augustine Ukawuba gave the blessing.
The children were also taken round the cathedral gallery, where they were shown around. They were made to know the Cathedra (Bishop’s chair) and were taught its significance. From the cathedral, they went to the Diocesan Secretariat, where the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Mbata, warmly received the children in his office. He spoke to them on the importance of pilgrimage in the Christian life and blessed them.
After the spiritual activities, the children were treated to refreshments and returned home visibly happy and spiritually enriched.
