The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, on Friday, January 2, 2026, blessed and commissioned the Amurri Divine Mercy Foundation Hospital, built by Rev. Fr. Nicholas Nweke, at a mass held within the hospital facility at Amurri in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Amurri Divine Mercy Foundation Hospital was constructed through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Nicholas Nweke by the Amurri Divine Mercy Foundation Australia, in collaboration with The Voice of the Voiceless Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia. The project also received support from Divine Mercy College, Perth, Western Australia, through the generosity of Adam and Irena Zydek. The hospital will be managed by the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), Ghana Province.
In his homily, Bishop Onaga commended the selfless commitment of Fr. Nweke in mobilising resources to build what he described as a “magnificent hospital and the best in the vicinity.” He expressed admiration that friends from distant Australia chose to contribute and build a hospital in a remote community like Amurri, describing the gesture as a true expression of selfless love, especially fitting for the season being celebrated.
The bishop noted that doing good often requires courage and sacrifice, stressing that “for one to do good, risk must be taken.” He encouraged the faithful to always consider the welfare of others, adding that “once you are given an opportunity, show love.”
Speaking to The Choice Flame Newspaper after the Mass and blessing, Bishop Onaga expressed deep satisfaction with the establishment of the hospital, noting that it aligns with the diocesan vision of taking healthcare services to rural communities.
“I feel very good about it because it really tallies with the diocesan policy to build hospitals in faraway places where the faithful and poor people are, who cannot access immediate healthcare facilities and would otherwise have to travel long distances,” he said.
He further emphasized the Church’s long-standing commitment to education and healthcare, stating that efforts are continually made to bring such services closer to the people.
“As much as possible, we try to bring healthcare down to the level of the people so that they can access it easily,” he added.
The event attracted numerous priests and religious, including the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie; the Dean of Agbani Deanery, Fr. Stan Zeowa; and priests of Amurri origin. Also present were Sr. Evangeline Osuji, Community Superior of the Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), Amurri, and Sr. Roseline Abraham, Regional Superior of the Ghana Province.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr. Felix Nnamani; the Enugu State APC Chairman, Chief Dr. Ben Nwoye; Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Representing Enugu East Senatorial District; Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa; and the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, represented by Mrs. Chinonye Nnabuchi.
In an interview with The Choice Flame Newspaper, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Nweke explained the motivation behind siting the hospital in Amurri. He recalled the lack of basic amenities while growing up in the community, particularly the absence of healthcare facilities.
“Growing up, the government forgot the people of this land. There was no electricity, no roads, no infrastructure—especially hospitals. Many pregnant women died because there were no doctors or medicines. During the rainy season, it was impossible to leave the town to access healthcare elsewhere. These experiences stayed with me until the Lord, through His divine intervention, inspired me to act,” he said.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Amurri, Rev. Fr. Ike Lawrence, CMF—under whose parish the hospital is domiciled—delivered a vote of thanks, expressing profound joy and appreciation to all who contributed to the realization of the project.
After the mass, the bishop blessed and commissioned the hospital facility entrusted to the Divine Mercy, in the company of many priests and religious, lay faithful, friends and the good people of Amurri.
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