CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The 2nd of February was a remarkable day in Umuahia, Abia State, as the head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis, installed and consecrated the Most Reverend Michael Kalu Ukpong as the third Catholic Bishop of the Umuahia Diocese.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event was held at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, led by Pope Francis’ representative, His Grace Anthonio Guido Filipazzi, Papal Nuncio.
The consecration attracted many dignitaries within and outside South East, who converged in Umuahia to witness the event including his former classmates at the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Ahieke Umuahia, Class 1983, who went to honour him.
Catholic Bishops and Priests from various Dioceses and parishes were also in attendance to honour Most Reverend Ukpong.
The installation followed the elevation of the former, His Lordship, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, Imo State, to also replace Archbishop Anthony Obinna, who retired at 75 years.
His Lordship Bishop Ukpong, was consecrated and installed by Pope Francis’ representative, His Grace Anthonio Guido Filipazzi, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria.
Bishop Kalu Ukpong hails from the Amaekpu community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State and had his episcopal ordination as Auxillary Bishop on 30th July, 2020.
On 24th June, 2022, he was appointed as the Diocesan administrator, and later, on November 1st, 2022, he was appointed as the Diocesan Bishop by Pope Francis to replace His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who is currently on transfer to Owerri Catholic Diocese.
On the expectations of the Catholic faithful from him as the new Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Bishop Ukpong stated that he has come as a servant of the gospel together with the Catholic faithful in Umuahia and wider diocese in different capacities to work together on what is needed for the development in the diocese.
He assured the Abia Catholic community that he would be guided by the spirit of God even as he was aware of the many contributions and strides of his predecessors.
The foremost Nigerian priest reiterated that all his actions and activities would be guided according to the doctrine and norms of the universal church.
Ukpong applauded Pope Francis and his predecessors for the unity in the Catholic community in Abia State and further assured the sustenance of the existing unity in the churches in the state as he assumed his new position.
Earlier in his message, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church worldwide, Pope Francis, tasked the new bishop to emulate his predecessors as the third Bishop of the Diocese, admonishing him not to cut corners or take sides in the cause of his service and allow brotherly love to continue among his priests.