140 Years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria

After returning from overseas today, I travelled to Onitsha to join the Catholic faithful in celebrating 140 years of Catholicism in Eastern Nigeria.

It was a profound moment of gratitude and hope as we marked this historic milestone at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity's Field.

The Mass was presided over by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Crotty, and concelebrated by Francis Cardinal Arinze, along with bishops and clergy from the province. They reminded us of the legacy left by early missionaries whose sacrifices laid the foundation of the Church in this region.

We honoured pioneers such as Rev. Fr. Joseph Lutz, Bishop Joseph Ignatius Shanahan, and Archbishop Charles Heerey, whose devotion planted seeds of faith that continue to flourish today.

I also celebrated the contributions of the successive leaders of the Onitsha Archdiocese: Francis Cardinal Arinze, Archbishops Stephen Ezeanya and Albert Obiefuna, and the current Archbishop Valerian Okeke. Their leadership has strengthened education, healthcare, and social development in the community.

As the largest provider of social services in Nigeria after the government, the Church continues to impact lives through its schools and hospitals. Being a proud product of Catholic education, I carry the values of discipline, integrity, and service with me as lifelong guiding principles.

I extend my congratulations to the Archbishop, clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. May God continue to bless their work. -PO