The Catholic community of St. Martin’s Parish, Ọnicha-Agụ Amagunze, gathered in thanksgiving and joy on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as they welcomed the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, for a Pastoral Visit and the Blessing of their new Grotto.
The Holy Mass, which coincided with the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, was filled with solemnity and celebration.
In his homily, Bishop Obodo expressed delight at the significance of the day, noting that the feast reminds the faithful of the unity of the universal Church.
He shared a brief history of the Catholic faith in Onitcha-Agu Amagunze, recalling how the first missionaries made it their second stop on their journey toward Abakaliki. The Bishop encouraged parishioners to be faithful Christians, supportive of their parish priest, and to avoid causing divisions within the community.
Addressing the Confirmation candidates, Bishop Obodo urged them to be strong soldiers of Christ, to resist evil, and to value the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He engaged them with Catechism questions and rewarded those who gave correct answers. Afterwards, about 70 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Following Communion, there was a joyful thanksgiving session, after which the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Clement Eneube expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop for his visit and inspiring words, to the concelebrating priests and religious, and to the parishioners for their cooperation and goodwill. The Parish Pastoral Council presented gifts to the Bishop as a token of appreciation.
Among those who attended the ceremony were: Very Rev. Fr. Alfred Emma Nwoye, Judicial Vicar of Enugu Diocese; Rev. Fr. James Okeke, former Parish Priest of St. Martins Amagunze; Fr. Mba Paul; Fr. Otugo Augustine, Parish Priest of Holy Innocents Amagunze; Fr. Agbalusi Henry, Parish Priest, St. James Parish Amagunze.
Mr. Frank Njom, sponsor of the grotto project, also came forward for thanksgiving with his friends, and the Bishop offered prayers for them.
The celebration concluded with a procession to the new Grotto, where Bishop Obodo performed the blessing ceremony. Group photographs, refreshments, and other activities followed, marking the end of a spiritually uplifting and memorable day for the parish community.
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