The appointment of Bishop Lucius Ugorji as the new Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese by Pope Francis has elicited mixed reactions from Catholic faithful in the Umuahia Diocese.
Archbishop Ugorji, until his recent appointment, was the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia and had discharged his duties creditably to the satisfaction of most members of the Church in the Diocese, since after succeeding the late Bishop Anthony Gogo Nwedo, from Oguta, in 1990.
Immediately the news of Bishop Ugorji’s elevation to the position of an Archbishop broke out on Sunday in Umuahia, there was spontaneous celebration at Matter Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, the secretariat of Umuahia Catholic Diocese.
Many clergymen ,Reverend Sisters, and Knights who were met at the Cathedral were seen raising hands in thanksgiving that their Bishop has been rewarded by God and the the Pope, for his dedication.
However, some members of the Church who spoke to News Echo said though Bishop Ugorji’s elevation to the Archbishop of Owerri was a good development, his charisma, humility and dedication to duty would be totally missed by the Umuahia Diocese.
This group of members recalled how the Owerri-born Ugorji transformed the Umuahia Catholic Diocese, building on the foundations of the former Bishop, Anthony Nwedo.
Some parishioners at Matter Dei Parish, Umuahia, Mrs Chinwe Ugele and Dr Athanasius Ozoibe said the sterling achievements of their outgoing Bishop would always stand the tests of times and said the Church in Abia State would surely miss him.
Mrs Chinwe Ugele who spoke in tears, said , ” My Bishop, Most Rev Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji, it is hard to accept that you are going away . This elevation should make me happy but I have my reservations.
As always, go with God to your new posting and may you continue to light up anywhere you are. All hail the new Archbishop of Owerri Diocese”, said Mrs Ugele in tears.
