The installation of Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong as the third Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese took place on Thursday at Mater Dei Catholic Church Umuahia the state capital amidst amidst heavy presence of influential personalities.
Bishop Ukpong, Amaekpu Ohafia, Abia State born priest had his Episcopal ordination (Auxillary Bishop), on 30th July, 2020 appointed Diocesan Administrator on 24th June, 2022 and on 1st November, 2022 was appointed Diocesan Bishop by Pope Francis to replace His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji who was elevated to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri to also replace Archbishop Anthony Obinna whose retirement was accepted upon reaching the mandatory age limit of 75 years.
The head of the Catholic mission, Pope Francis was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Arch Bishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi who officially performed the installation (The highly spiritual and solemn ritual).
Delivering a homily at the ceremony Bishop Anthonio urged Rev Michael to do his work in humility and Obedience stressing that as he has been celebrated his religious life should not be a life of Independence rather a life on the cross of Jesus.
He encouraged him to have a good relationship with his family as well as the Church at large.
While congratulating the new Bishop of the diocese, the outgoing Bishop of Umuahia Diocese who is presently the president of Arch Bishop’s in Nigeria Bishop Lucious Ugorji said it has been a historic moment since his emergence on October 1st 1990 till 2022 adding that it is a good one to belong to Umuahia the state capital.
Ugorji, who succeeded the pioneer Bishop of the diocese, the late Bishop Anthony Nwedo, recalled how he ordained Ukpong as a priest on Aug. 7, 1993.
Bishop Ugorji thanked the Pope for the emergence of Rev Ukpong as the new Bishop of the diocese.
While wishing the new bishop well in his administration he prayed for peace to the church and Umuahia and also a fruitful ministry in his tenure.
He urged the members of the diocese and Abia Government to extend similar cooperation they gave him to Ukpong.
Addressing the members Rev Ukpong thanked God for his faithfulness and love towards him adding that is only being faithful in return that is his desire.
He also thanked His Eminence Pope Francis for seeing him worthy as the bishop and also thanked other Bishop for seeing that the seed of the diocese did not remain stagnant as well as their stewardship and tirelessness towards achieving success in the diocese over the years.
Ukpong stated that he has no solution to everything or idea on how to solve everything rather it will be solved and achieved with the help of everyone.
He said if the Church fails her duty the civil servants will find it difficult to carry out it’s duty as such he assured the members of the diocese that they are all in good terms.
Rev. Ukpong has served in various capacities in different diocese and held a lot of positions.
Former governor of Abia State and the Senator Representing Abia Central, Sen T.A Orji; The Deputy governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon Ude Okochukwu, Governorship Candidate of Action People’s Party(APP) Mascot Uzor Kalu ,All Progressive Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Abia Central District Rep Sam Onuigbo, Senatorial Candidate Abia Central Sen Akobundu, The deputy speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, ADC Governorship Candidate, Bishop Onuoha, amongst others where present at the installation ceremony.
Highlights of the event is donation of a car to the diocese for easy mobility by the state Governor His Excellency Okezie Ikpeazu ably represented by Hon Ude Okochukwu Deputy Governor of the state.
