In a joyous and jubilant gathering on 15th September that shook the 7up junction in Ogbor-Hill, Aba, a massive crowd came together to extend a warm welcome to Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwokemodo, the first indigenous priest to take charge of St. Luke Parish. The Parish, located at #11 Nwandinma Street, Umuokea, off Bible College Road, Aba, had longed for this day when it could finally stand as an autonomous Parish within the Catholic Diocese of Aba.
The ecstatic atmosphere reached its peak as Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwokemodo and his entourage arrived at the reception point, where a brief reception ceremony was held before proceeding to his new Parish. The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Fr. Augustine Ndubueze Echema (PhD), had officially granted the status of Parish-in-the-making to St. Luke outstation, previously under the parochial administration of St. Ambrose Parish, Ogbor-Hill, Aba.
The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Fr. Augustine Ndubueze Echema (PhD)
For the faithful members of St. Luke Parish, this moment was a dream come true. Sir Francis Egbukichi (KSJI), one of the church members, shared that St. Luke outstation had persistently appealed for autonomy and Parish status during the tenure of the late former Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship Late Rev. Fr. Ezeonyia. He expressed gratitude to God for allowing them to witness this historic day.
Addressing questions about whether St. Luke outstation constituted a break-away Parish, Mrs. Angela Onwuasoigwe clarified that within the Catholic Church, there is no concept of a break-away Parish. Instead, it is a meticulously planned process of evangelism, adhering to the requirements outlined by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, which include establishing the necessary infrastructure and assets.
While details about the new Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwokemodo, remain limited, an anonymous respondent mentioned that he is a Priest affiliated with the Emmanuelist Congregation under the Aba Diocese.
The ceremony’s highlight featured the presentation of the Blessed Sacrament, a moment that left all in awe.
Following the short reception ceremony, everyone proceeded to the St. Luke Catholic Church for the mass celebration, marking the beginning of St. Luke Parish’s journey as an autonomous entity.
The event was graced by members of The Knights and their Ladies, Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Altar Boys, The Ministers of Hospitality (MOH), and special dignitaries, all hailing from St. Luke Parish.
As the sun set on this historic day, it was clear that St. Luke Parish had embarked on a new chapter, guided by their first indigenous Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Nwokemodo, as they continue to grow in faith and service within the Catholic community.
