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Mbaka shuts Adoration Ministry, proceeds on private prayer

By Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
12 May 2021   |   3:47 am
The controversy surrounding the recent disappearance and reappearance of controversial Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has taken another dimension with the shutting down of his Adoration Ministry of Nigeria (AMEN).

Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka

The controversy surrounding the recent disappearance and reappearance of controversial Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has taken another dimension with the shutting down of his Adoration Ministry of Nigeria (AMEN).

The cleric stated that the organisation would remain shut for the next one month, as he embarks on “personal prayer retreat.” It was gathered that the development may not be unconnected with an earlier directive of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Callistus Onaga, after inviting the priest for a meeting last week.

During the meeting that held at the Bishop’s Court, Igboeze Street, Independence Layout in the capital with other leaders of the church in attendance, it was resolved that Mbaka should take one month off his duties to “any place of choice for a retreat” following an alleged brewing conflict between him and the Federal Government over his comments on the state of the nation.

He suddenly went “missing” after the parley, leading to angry reaction by AMEN members.

The protesting group thereafter attacked the residence of the bishop and the Holy Ghost Cathedral Church, destroying properties in the guise of demanding for Mbaka’s release.

The church had, after the attack, declared seven days of prayers of atonement and reparation over what it termed the “desecration” of the holy temple by Mbaka and his followers.

On Sunday, however, the clergy, during a mass at the Adoration ground in Emene, Enugu, apologised for the action of his members and begged the bishop and the Catholic movement to forgive him and his followers.

He had also expressed the willingness of his members to join in the prayers declared by the diocese.

In a statement communicating the closure and signed by its spokesperson, Maximum Ugwuoke, AMEN stated that no further activities “shall be held at the Adoration ground for the next one month”, adding that Mbaka was proceeding on a one-month private prayer retreat.

It read: “Our Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Mbaka wishes to inform his beloved adorers that he has embarked on a private prayer retreat that will end on June 10, 2021.

“Consequently, no ministry activities shall be held in the ministry ground pending his return.

“He directs that members of the ministry are to observe this period of his retreat as they used to do during the usual January breaks of the ministry, by praying at their homes, being charitable and fasting according to their ability. Adoration! Holy Spirit is our Power.”

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