Ugorji installed second metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese

Obinna proceeds on retirement after 29 years bishopric service

After days of bishopric episcopal processes, Dr. Lucius Ugorji was, yesterday, installed the second metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, replacing Dr. Anthony Obinna, amid jubilation and sacramental stocktaking mass.

The installation mass was celebrated at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State capital. Pope Francis had announced the appointment of the then bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Ugorji, as successor to Obinna, in March 6, 2022.

Papal Nuncio, Antonio Guido Filipazzip, performed the installation ceremony. At the mass, attended by the state governor, Hope Uzodimma; former governor of Anambra State and now, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi; a former governor of old Abia State and immediate past minister of science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Oke Uko, about 42 bishops and two cardinals, including Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and other priests, the Papal Nuncio decried the killings in the land. He condemned the alleged threat on social media by a man, saying he would kill Onaiyekan, describing it as unacceptable.

He condemned growing divisive tendencies and other forms of trouble fomented by members of the church, stressing that these are lowering the growth of the family, education and economy, among others.

The out-going Obinna was elected bishop of the diocese in March, 1994, and has served for 29 years. Meanwhile, the in-coming Ugorji has been the bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese for 32 years, between April 2, 1990 and June 3, 2022.

Ugorji, in is post installation speech, said he would discharge his bishopric duties in obedience to God as he steps into the shoes of his predecessor.”

Speaking, Uzodimma described Obinna as one who approached his spiritual duties ‘aggressively.’His words: “Archbishop is leaving the church bigger and responsible. He fought good fight and has finished the race.”

Uzodimma noted that the Archbishop emeritus weathered the storm during his tenure.

To the new Archbishop, the Imo governor expressed optimism that he is the right person to face the challenges ahead, informing that his administration would partner the church to bring development.