Afrigather The Orlu Catholic Diocese welcomed a brand new Auxiliary Bishop, Monsignor Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, in a ceremony that holds significance for the group and for Obiatuegwu, who left non secular service within the US Navy to take up non secular duties as a priest in Orlu, Imo state.
In January, Pope Francis appointed him to his new function, and because the Auxiliary Bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Obiatuegwu will help Bishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, 70, who has led the Nigerian Diocese, accommodating 1.2 million Catholics, since June 2008.
Youth and training
Bishop Obiatuegwu was born on January 1, 1966, in Umuaku Uli, Anambra State. He attended the Minor Seminary in Umuowa and Saint Joseph’s Main Seminary Ikot-Ekpene, and subsequently on the Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu.
He additional pursued greater training, acquiring a Grasp’s Diploma in Philosophy from the Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and a Grasp’s Diploma in Public Administration and Coverage from Indiana College in america of America.
Ordination and repair
Obiatuegwu was ordained a Catholic Priest on August 26, 1995, and has since established himself as a non secular nomad, serving in numerous places of work in Nigeria and abroad.
From 1995 to 1997, he served because the Chaplain of the hospital of Amaigbo, Ebonyi and within the three years after, was the Parish Priest of Saint Theresa’s in Amauju, Isunjaba, Imo. In 2004, he moved to america and served because the Parish Vicar of Saint Patrick’s in Kokoma, Indiana, United States of America from till 2010.
In that 12 months, Obiatuegwu joined the U.S. army. He served within the Corps of Military Chaplains till 2017 changing into a U.S. Military 1st Lieutenant.
Coming again to Nigeria in 2017, he turned the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary in Orlu till 2018 and Parish Priest of Saint Michael’s in Urualla till 2023. In that very same interval, he was the Dean of the Saint Michael Pastoral Area, and since 2023, was the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s in Umuna, Orlu.
A unifying function
Locals view Obiatuegwu’s appointment as an indication of “God’s curiosity in Uli Neighborhood.” as his new place assigns him the titular See of Horrea Cœlia.
“The Holy Father is sending me to you in whole obedience to him and with none reservation. Right here I’m, keen and able to serve similar to Jesus, who got here to not be served however to serve,” Bishop Ifeanyichukwu mentioned throughout his ordination.
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state expressed delight at Obiatuegwu’s appointment contemplating it a ahead step in unifying Anambra, his place of origin and Imo, the place his diocese is located.
“This momentous event, is fostering larger unity between the sister States of Imo and Anambra, with out neglecting the significance of our respective roles every play within the progress and sustainability of peace in our area,” he mentioned.
“I used to be propelled by this unity to emphasise the importance of collaboration between the Church and Authorities, stressing their complementary nature in addressing societal challenges, notably the prevalent insecurity points,” he added.
Uzodinma is optimistic concerning the potential of this collaboration to create a brighter future for the communities concerned.
Obiatuegwu acknowledges his path to the pulpit and embraces collaboration, looking for assist from all Bishops, members of the Clergy, and all Catholics.
“I solicit your steady prayers and mentorship on be an excellent and holy Bishop,” he mentioned.
