MGR THOMAS IFEANYICHUKWU OBIATUEGWU: A NEW SHEPHERD IN THE SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Posted by Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu |
The episcopal ordination of Bishop Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu on Wednesday, March 20, marked a moment of great significance for the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, Nigeria. The event was an opportunity for the new auxiliary bishop to share his vision and commitment to serving God and the Christian community.
In his speech reported by the correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY (RECONA) based in Nigeria, Bishop Thomas expressed his availability to serve the people of God by following the example of Jesus Christ. He emphasized his commitment to “total obedience” to the Holy Father, the successor of St. Peter, and said: “I am here, willing and ready to serve, just like Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve.”
The newly consecrated auxiliary bishop also appealed for spiritual solidarity and support, seeking the community’s ongoing prayers and guidance to be a good and holy bishop. He pledged to honorably devote himself to God’s work and expressed a willingness to learn and grow in his role as pastor.
Archbishop Thomas paid tribute to Archbishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, the local ordinary of Orlu Diocese, describing him as “a bishop after God’s heart and a gift from God to man” for his generous service to the people of God.
During the ordination, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, highlighted the importance of Christians contributing to the solution of current challenges, particularly in matters of security and moral re-engineering. He called on the people of God of Orlu to be agents of peace and moral restoration in the region.
Bishop Tochukwu expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the ordination event and thanked Pope Francis for approving the appointment of Bishop Thomas as Auxiliary Bishop to support the growing diocese.
The diocese of Orlu, established in 1980 and part of the ecclesiastical province of Owerri, has approximately 1.2 million Catholic faithful. Bishop Thomas, with his commitment and desire to serve, brings new hope and energy to this vibrant community as it continues to grow and expand in faith and love of God.
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