Bishop Ukwuoma, a gentle, humble man of God recognised at home, says Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has described the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev (Dr.) Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma as a humble man of God who is completely gentle and recognised both at his home and outside.

The Governor gave the description, Sunday, in his remarks at the end of the Mass to celebrate the 40th priestly ordination of the bishop, at St. Patrick Parish, Ebenese Amucha in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma expressed delight being part of the ceremony and described the celebration as “a day of victory of light over darkness.”

He enjoined leaders in the society to be guided by the needs of their people, regretting that corruption has taken over the rationality of most of them.

He congratulated the Bishop, and his Parents, for giving the Church “a prophet who is recognised in his own home,” saying, “Bishop you have done well.”

Governor Uzodimma challenged Orlu zone to differentiate between politics and Church, insisting that the insecurity in Imo State is largely fueled by people who are equally members of the Church.

“Those who destroy private and public property in the State are known to us because they are members of our communities. They are also Church members.”

The Governor therefore advocated collaboration between the Church and Government to combat crime in the society, noting that “moral decadence has gone down so badly.”

Inviting all to join hands to protect Government, Church and private property

in our environment, Governor Uzodimma  promised to look into the demands of the Parish Council that Government should handover schools in their community to the Church.

In his appreciation, Bishop Ukwuoma thanked all who honoured his invitation, especially Governor Uzodimma, whom he said has been of immense support, through special love, to him, his ministry and the Diocese of Orlu.

In their address, the Parish Council had expressed gratitude to God for their son, Bishop Ukwuoma, and thanked the Governor for all his support to him.

They requested the Governor to approve  the handover of public schools in their community to the Mission for improved morals and security.

Earlier in his homily,  Rev Fr. Anthony Osuji highlighted the significance of the epiphany in the Christendom and asked all the faithful to continue to live the Jesus Christ way.

Bishop Ukwuoma was assisted in celebrating the mass by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselem Umorem, and many others.

The Church Service was attended by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and the husband, Chukwuma, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council and many other personalities.

Highlights of the Mass were the confirmation of some Catholic faithful of the Diocese, administration of sacrament of the Holy Communion, and issuance of Certificates to the newly confirmed.