AFRICA/NIGERIA - Bishop of Orlu resigns, successor appointed

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on March 25, 2008, accepted the resignation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Orlu (Nigeria), presented by Bishop Gregory O. Ochiagha, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father has appointed Father Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, of the clergy of Orlu, to be Bishop of Orlu (Nigeria). Until now, he has been Pastor of St. Teresa Church in Uli.
The bishop-elect was born August 29, 1953 in Amucha, Imo State (diocese of Orlu). He attended Saint Joseph’s School in Umuna for primary school and Saint Patrick in Amucha, for secondary. He later entered the Minor Seminary in Umuowa, followed by that of Okpala. He studied Philosophy at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene and completed Theological studies at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu. He was ordained a priest July 30, 1983 for the Diocese of Orlu. He has since ministered as follows: 1983: pastor of St. Gregory’s Parish in Amaigbo; 1983-1992: pastor of St. Thomas’ Parish, Nkwerre; 1992: Administrator of the Cathedral of Orlu; 1992-2002: doctoral studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Akron, Ohio, United States; 1992-1995: Associate Pastor, St. Ignatius’ Parish, Los Angeles, United States; 1995-1999: Priest in Residence, Annunciation Parish, Akron, Ohio, United States; 1999-2002: Hospital Chaplain, St. Joseph Hospital, Savannah, Georgia, United States; from 2002: Pastor of Saint Teresa, Uli. He has also worked part-time at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary in Owerri, and regional director of the pastoral zone of Uli, member of the Vicariate Examination Board, and Head of the Silver Jubilee Souvenir Committee of Orlu (2005-2006). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2008; righe 22, parole 268)