Bishop's Message
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
As the number of those infected with Covid-19 continues to escalate worldwide and in Nigeria, Abia State government plans a total lockdown on movement within the State as well as in and out of the State as from 1 April 2020 as a measure of protecting lives and public health. It is strongly believed by medical experts that to break the transmission chain of this virus requires such an extreme measure and demands the collaborative efforts of one and all. Accordingly, we need to support government and our medical professionals who are putting their lives on the line to curb the spread of this virus.
1. In compliance with government’s guidelines on restricted movement for the interest of the common good, we are compelled to take the painful decision of suspending every public celebration of Holy Masses and the administration of other Sacraments anywhere in the diocese beginning from 1 April 2020 till further notice.
2. The faithful are encouraged to pray, meditate on the word of God and receive spiritual communion daily in their families and religious communities. They can also follow the daily celebration of Holy Mass in different Television channels such as EWTN, Lumen Christi, etc.
3. Priests are encouraged to offer private Masses without the congregation for the intentions of their flock and for divine intervention to end the pandemic.
4. Priests are to perform the liturgical cerebrations during the Holy Week without any congregation.
5. Sick calls and viaticum are restricted to the danger of death.
6. Chrism Mass is temporarily suspended.
7. For the Cathedraticum: the outstanding deaneries/parishes, institutions, statutory bodies, pious societies and sodalities are to bring their gifts to the Diocesan Secretariat on 30 and 31 March 2020.
8. The difficult times call for solidarity and charity towards the less privileged as never before.
9. The need for a high level personal hygiene as well as physical and social distancing cannot be overemphasised.
10. Be fervent in prayer. Enjoy good music. Stay safe and keep healthy.
28 March 2020 Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji
Bishop of Umuahia
Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15
From The Chancery Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation. Rev Henry Maduka
The Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.
