Ebonyi State Catholic Community in Anambra Marks One-Month Memorial for Late Bishop Nworie

Members of the Ebonyi State Catholic Community in Anambra State pose with Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okwuokolo shortly after the Requiem Mass

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Ebonyi State Catholic Community in Anambra State recently held a Month’s Mind Mass in honour of the late Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu.
The Requiem Mass was celebrated at SS John and Paul Iba Pope Parish, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was officiated by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okwuokolo, who represented the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Agba.
In his homily, Fr. Okwuokolo stated that the Mass was organised to commemorate the late Bishop Nworie, pray for the repose of his soul, and seek God’s mercy for his eternal rest.
He described Bishop Nworie as humble, approachable, and deeply committed to the service of God and humanity.
“I was privileged to know Bishop Nworie from my seminary days. He never carried himself as a superior but related with everyone as an equal,” Fr. Okwuokolo told the congregation.
“Though he served as Bishop for only five years, he left an indelible mark because of his dedication and commitment to his episcopal ministry,” he added.
The cleric noted that testimonies from the faithful reflected a life characterised by humility, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to God and humanity. He consoled members of the Ebonyi Catholic Community, stressing that the Bishop’s death was a loss not only to them but also to the entire Catholic Church.
Speaking with journalists after the Mass, Ambassador Moses Igwe, General Coordinator of the Ebonyi State Catholic Community in Anambra State, reaffirmed that the late prelate was a true servant of God who was “not money-conscious but wholly committed to his pastoral assignment.”
“His Lordship was the first Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese to visit his people here in Anambra. The advice and encouragement he gave us continue to guide and inspire us to this day,” Igwe said.
He prayed for the eternal repose of the Bishop’s soul and called for continued unity among Ebonyi Catholics residing in Anambra State.
Dignitaries who attended the Mass included Rev. Daniel Ukwuma; Rev. Sr. Emininia Chinenye Igwe of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph; Bro. Ebenyi Sunday, the Community’s Financial Secretary; and Bro. Chika Ekma, Chief Organist, among others.