By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The presbyterium of the Catholic Diocese of Awka has officially commenced the 2026/2027 Pastoral Year
The Awka Diocesan priests gathered in great numbers on the 26th of October 2026, at St. Theresa’s Parish, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, to celebrate with thanksgiving, the commencement of the new Pastoral Year.
The Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, led in the solemn Eucharistic celebration that kicked off the programme.
He called for prayerful remembrance of the departed Awka diocesan priests, especially Very Rev. Fr. Peter Chidi Akaenyi, who is the most recent of them all. Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Anaeke, who gave the homily, drew from the scriptural account of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles to encourage priests to see the Spirit’s work in their various pastoral placements and to allow the fruits of the Spirit to manifest in their priestly lives.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop thanked the pastoral team of St. Theresa’s parish, Enugwu-Ukwu, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Fabian Anumba, and the entire parishioners, for welcoming the Awka Diocesan priests to their parish. He also appreciated the choir for their soul-lifting songs during the liturgy.
This event of the inauguration of the 2026/2027 Pastoral Year also afforded the Awka Diocesan Priests Fraternity (ADPF) the opportunity to hold their annual harvest and bazaar programme. Stimulated by the paternal support of the Diocesan Bishop, and the captivating speech of the Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibeazor, the priests participated joyfully to make the programme a great success.
Among the priests who attended the programme were: the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Frs. Charles Ndubisi and Evaristus Iheanacho, respectively; Very Rev. Fr. Chuma Anyaka; Msgr. Jeremiah Ikegbusi; Very Rev. Frs. Simon Amateze and Clement Obianozie; Frs. Raphael Onyekwelu and Benjamin Odika, the executive members of ADPF.
One of the highlights of the programme was the presentation of kola-nuts, fruits, food, and drinks to Awka Diocesan priests by the Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Parish, Enugwu-Ukwu, Rev. Fr. Fabian Anumba; the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Ekenta; and other parish representatives.
The Bishop appreciated what he described as their unparalleled generosity, and then, all the priests extended their hands and blessed them.
