It has been an honour and a pleasure to welcome Bishop Augustine of Orlu to our diocese this week!
His Lordship Bishop Augustine was ordained deacon on 18th December 1982. He was ordained priest on 30th July, 1983 by his lordship, most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha at St. Patrick’s parish Amucha and consecrated Bishop on the 21st June, 2008.
To love as Christ loved, the mission and vision of His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma is summarized in his Motto which is engraved on his coat of arms, which reads “Diligere Sicut Dilexit Christus”. It is the continuation of the mission of Christ who came not to be served but to give his life as ransom for many. (Mark 10:45).
The Catholic Diocese of Orlu was created in 1980 by Pope John Paul II and is currently led by Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma. With more than 1 million Catholics, the diocese is actively engaged in evangelization and pastoral initiatives. https://orludiocese.org/about-catholic-diocese-of-orlu/
An aspect of this inspiring evangelization and pastoral care has included sending some of their priests here to our diocese. As a mark of respect and to honour this generous support, Bishop Mark visited Orlu in 2019. This week Bishop Augustine has returned the favour, visiting and celebrating Mass at our mother church in Plymouth, and reconnecting with his priests who serve here in our diocese.
Canon Mark O’Keefe said :
‘It was a wonderful occasion when we welcomed the bishop of Orlu, Bishop Augustine .
The wonderful links between our diocese have meant that we have been loaned 9 priests from his diocese which enables us to fulfil our Mission of bringing Christ in the Sacraments to our communities.
We are truly grateful to the bishop for his generosity and to those priests who have left their homes to come on Mission here in the Plymouth Diocese.
We pray for the people and priests in Orlu for their continued growth and faith.”
Fr Victor, one of the priests from Nigeria who now ministers here in our diocese had these beautiful words to share :
‘It was a wonderful occasion when we welcomed the bishop of Orlu, Bishop Augustine .
The wonderful links between our diocese have meant that we have been loaned 9 priests from his diocese which enables us to fulfil our Mission of bringing Christ in the Sacraments to our communities.
We are truly grateful to the bishop for his generosity and to those priests who have left their homes to come on Mission here in the Plymouth Diocese.
We pray for the people and priests in Orlu for their continued growth and faith.”
The visit is a visible sign of the fraternity and solidarity that exists in our global church, and the warm welcome Bishop Augustine has received is a testament to the fruitful links forged between our diocese and that of Orlu. We continue to keep him and the people of Nigeria in our prayers and thank God for the ministry of him and the priests of the diocese of Orlu, who are so vital and valued here in our parishes.