NAME OF DIOCESE
AWKA
ERECTION DATES
CATEGORY
DIOCESE
PICTURE OF BISHOP
LEADERSHIP (Bishop's Profile)

Brief Biography of Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor

Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor was born at Ifite Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, to late Mr & Mrs Raymond Enukebe und Veronica Nwasinwa Ezeokafor on the 13th of September 1952. His Excellency Bishop P. C. Ezeokafor attended the St. Anthony’s Elementary School (now Central School Nwagu, Ifite Nanka) from 1959-1966 and moved over, after some delay due to the Nigeria-Biafra war, to All Hallows Minor Seminary, Onitsha. His road to the priesthood led him to the Archdiocesan Secretariat Onitsha where he did the obligatory one year pastoral experience (generally known as Apostolic Work) before the commencement of philosophical studies. In 1976 he started his studies in Philosophy at the then Bigard Memorial Seminary, Philosophy Campus, (now St. Joseph’s Major Seminary) Ikot Ekpene. He ended this phase of his training to the priesthood in 1979 obtaining from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy. This period was followed by four years of studies in Theological Studies at the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu ending in 1983, again, with a Bachelors Degree in Theology offered by the Pontifical Urban University Rome. These two Major Seminaries were then Affiliates of this renowned University in Rome.

It would be over flogging the obvious to say that he received at the due time other Minor Ministries on the road to the priesthood. His ordination to the Deaconate on the 18th of December 1982 was the beginning of the journey to the fullness of the priesthood. He was ordained Catholic Priest by then Bishop Albert K. Obiefuna on 30th June 1984. After his priestly ordination and some pastoral experience as Parochial Vicar and Parish Priest, he was sent on further studies to Rome in 1992. He studied Moral Theology at the Opus Dei University Pontificio Universita Della S. Croce in Rome and obtained his Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Moral Theology.

After his return to Nigeria he served respectively from 1996-2006 and 2006-2007 as the Rector of the Diocesan Minor Seminaries: St. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpu and St John Bosco Seminary Isuaniocha. It is on record that he moved these institutions to very enviable positions. His diligence and prowess proved themselves very creditably. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop to then Diocesan Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Simon A. Okafor by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on 20th January 2007. His Episcopal Ordination was on 28th April 2007. Principal Consecrator was Archbishop Renzo Fratini then Nuncio to Nigeria, Principal Co Consecrators were Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Bishop Solomon Amamchukwu Amatu, Bishop of Okigwe. His Motto is Caritas mea cum omnibus vobis in Christo Jesu, My love is with you all in Christ Jesus. He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese as the Diocese became vacant and appointed Bishop of Awka on 8th July 2011.

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BISHOP’S COAT OF ARMS EXPLAINED

The Coat of Arms of a Bishop or a Nation is not only a mark of identity but also the symbolic depictions of the values the Bishop or Nation wants to be identified with. In the case of a Bishop, his coat of arms display generally the common symbols of the shield of faith: the sword (the upper part appears like a cross) of the Word of God, the shepherd’s hat and the priestly cincture. Other elements depict a particular bishop’s vision and commitment.

Bishop Ezeokafor’s motto:

Caritas mea cum omnibus vobis in Christo Jesu – My love is with you all in Christ Jesus, is taken from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 16:24. It is central and unites everything in his coat of arms. As Christ the lamb of God shed His blood for the salvation of all, so must we in the spirit of love sacrifice everything, even our life for the good of others.

The chalice collecting the blood of the lamb, reminds us of the blood of the sacrifice of the cross, which is enacted at the sacrifice of the altar, where Christ continues to pour out Himself for the salvation of all. It invites us to be always disposed to be washed in the blood of the Lamb. The chalice standing on the Bible, the Word of God, reminds us of the foundation of our faith. Nourished by the Word, we can approach the altar of the Lord with better understanding, love and true devotion. The colours: violet, red, white and green represent the four colours of our vestment for Mass. Their beauty together reminds us of the source of beauty, God Himself.

ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE
Ecclesiastical Province of Onitsha
HISTORY OF DIOCESE

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Awka (Latin: Avkaën(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Awka, Anambra State in the Ecclesiastical province of Onitsha in Nigeria. It was established on November 10, 1977.

OFFICES AND PORTFOLIOS

LOCAL ORDINARY

THE DIOCESAN BISHOP

Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor

Episcopal Ordination: April 28, 2007.

Motto:  “Caritas mea cum omnibus vobis in Christo Jesu”

Address:  Diocesan Catholic Secretariat,

P.M.B. 5021, Awka.

Anambra State, Nigeria.

Phone: 080 665 222 07

Residence: Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, Awka.

E-mail:  [email protected]

 

THE AUXILIARY BISHOP

(Vicar General I, Vicar for the Clergy “Clergy Personnel “).

Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye

Episcopal Ordination: August 29, 2014

Motto: “Gaudium et spes”

Address:  Diocesan Catholic Secretariat,

P.M.B. 5021, Awka.

Anambra State, Nigeria.

Phone: 080 658 144 43

Residence: Bishop’s  House Adazi-Nnukwu

E-mail: [email protected]

 

  1. DIOCESAN SECRETARIAT

Vicar General II: Rev. Fr. Chudi Peter Akaenyi: 08033654966; 08183295918; 08055655868. E-mail: [email protected]

Diocesan Chancellor: Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume: 08033757514

Assistant Chancellor:Rev. Fr. Peter Sixtus Aginam: 08035412451

Financial Administrator:Rev.Fr. Paulinus Okonkwo: 08063638110

Assist. Financial Administrator I: Rev. Fr.Anthony Ezeteka: 08064446644

Assistant Financial Administrator II: Mr. Solomon Atueyionwu Umeh: 08085910985:

Chaplain Government House/PRO with Civil Authority: Rev. Fr. Patrick Okafor: 09039449219

Acting Bishop’s Secretary: Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ifeanacho: 08139035530

Bishop’s Assistant Secretary I: Rev. Fr. Daniel Eduzor: 08063678421

Bishop’s Assistant Secretary II: Bro Anthony Obunike, BSS

Bursar: Rev. Fr. Michael Oguno: 08036055961

Director: Priests’ Welfare Home: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Udu  (to reside there)

Executive Secretary: Miss Juliet Emelife

 

III.        DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL

  1. Diocesan Judicial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Hilary BenEzenwa
  2. Associate Judicial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume

 

Other Judges:

  1. Rev. Fr. Jude Ezeanokwasa
  2. Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka
  3. Rev, Fr. Hilary BenEzenwa

 

Defender of the Bond:

  1. Rev. Fr. Hebert Ezeji
  2. Rev. Fr. Christopher Aniukwu

 

Promoter of Justice:

  1. Rev. Fr. Francis Ekejindu

 

Auditors:

  1. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeokeke
  2. Rev. Fr. Fidelis Izuakor

 

Notaries:       

  1. Rev. Fr. Luke Muoneke

 

  1. EPISCOPAL VICAR
  2. Adazi Region: Rev. Fr. Anthony Anike
  3. Awka Region: Rev. Fr. Matthew Attansey
  4. Nimo Region: Rev. Fr. Shedrack Anunwa

 

  1. DIOCESAN CONSULTORS:
  2. Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye
  3. Rev. Fr. Chudi Peter Akaenyi
  4. Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume
  5. Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwujekwu
  6. Rev. Fr. Francis Oranye
  7. Rev. Fr. Matthew Attansey
  8. Rev. Fr. Hilary BenEzenwa
  9. Rev. Fr. Paul Mary Chukwukebe

 

  1. MEMBERS OF AWKA DIOCESAN PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL
  2. Rev. Fr. Paul Chimezie
  3. Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwanna
  4. Rev. Fr.  Joel Okechukwu
  5. Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike
  6. Rev. Fr. Jonas Unegbu
  7. Rev. Fr. Donatus Esiegbue
  8. Rev. Fr: Anthony Udogu
  9. Rev. Fr: Anthony Mbonu
  10. Rev. Fr. Jude Uba
  11. Rev. Fr: Venatius Ogbuagu
  12. Rev. Fr. Chudi Peter Akaenyi
  13. Rev. Fr. Alfred Anazodo
  14. Rev. Fr. Cornelius Anene

 

VII.      DEANS

  1. Abagana Deanery: Rev. Fr. Paul Chimezie
  2. Adazi Deanery:  Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwanna
  3. Agulu Deanery:  Rev. Fr.  Joel Okechukwu
  4. Amawbia Deanery:  Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike
  5. Awgbu Deanery: Rev. Fr. Jonas Unegbu
  6. Awka1 Deanery:  Rev. Fr. Donatus Esiegbue
  7. Awka II Deanery: Rev. Fr: Anthony Udogu
  8. Ebenebe Deanery:  Rev. Fr. Anthony Mbonu
  9. Enugwu-Ukwu Deanery: Rev. Fr. Jude Uba
  10. Ifitedunu Deanery: Rev. Fr: Venatius Ogbuagu
  11. Neni Deanery: Rev. Fr. Chudi   Peter Akaenyi
  12. Nimo Deanery: Rev. Fr. Alfred Anazodo
  13. Ugwuoba Deneary: Rev. Fr. Cornelius Anene

 

VIII.     MASTERS OF CEREMONIES:

  1. Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume
  2. Rev. Fr. Daniel Eduzor
  3. Rev. Fr. Michael Oguno
  4. Rev. Fr. Patrick Umezi

 

  1. CATHOLIC EDUCATION SECRETARIAT:

Diocesan Educ. Secretary and Chairman Education Advisory Committee: Rev. Fr. Hilary Nwajagu: Special residence: St John’s Agulu

Co-education Secretary: Rev. Fr. Maximus  Okonkwo: ( to reside at St. James Neni)

Education Secretary for Secondary Schools: Rev. Fr. Rowland Victor Okoli

 

Education Secretary for Primary Schools: Rev. Fr. Jidere Chigozie

 

  1. REGIONAL FULL-TIME EDUCATION SECRETARIES
  2. Adazi Region: Rev. Fr. Felix Nwosu
  3. Awka Region: Rev. Fr. Rowland Victor Okoli
  4. Nimo Region: Rev. Fr. Felix Efobi

 

  1. DIRECTORS/DIRECTORATE
  2. Vicar for the Religious: Rev. Fr. James Michael Okpalaonwuka, SMMM 08035004480
  3. Diocesan Audit Firm (Lagos): Rev. Fr. Peter Obiefuna

08033099231

  1. Chairman of Diocesan Audit

Department: Rev. Fr. Francis  Chidume

  1. Director of Pastoral Affair:

Rev. Fr. Leo Okoye ( to reside at Regina Caeli, Awka)

  1. Director of Lay-Apostolate

Organisations: Rev. Fr. Jude

Ezeanokwasa Esq.

  1. Director of Diocesan Justice,

Development and Peace

Commission: Rev. Fr.  Levi Ukor

  1.  Co-Director of Diocesan

Justice, Development and

Peace Commission:

Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ifeanacho

 

  1. Manager of CAPAD, Abagana and Diocesan Projects director I: Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Ikezue  (resident at St Martin’s Abagana)
  2. CAPAD Agulu/Co-director II: Rev. Fr. Gregory Anosike
  3. CAPAD Okpuno :  Rev. Fr. Anthony Igboamalu
  4. Director of Fides School of Theology: Rev. Fr. Joel Okechukwu
  5. Directors of Agriculture: Rev. Fr. Nelson Okoye
  6. Director of Sports: Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike
  7. Vocation Director: Rev. Fr. Paul Mary Chukwukebe            08100382403
  8. Director of Catechesis: Sr. Nneka Arenye, MHRS

(08066811261)

  1. Chaplain for Catechists: Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwanna
  2. Diocesan Onyemaechi Health Scheme – Manager: Rev.Fr. Emmanuel Udu
  3. Diocesan Archive/ Library:

Rev. Fr. Fabian Obi

Rev. Fr. Justin Ezechukwu

Rev. Fr. John Mark Okafor

Rev. Fr. Charles Udegbe

 

XII.      DIRECTORATE FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

  1. Rev. Fr. Prof. B.A.C. Obiefuna (Chairman) – 08033920835
  2. Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ekwutosi – 07032922224
  3. Sr. Oluomachi Nwafor, DDL (Secretary) – 08064107273
  4. Mrs Oby Obodozie (Asst. Sec) – 08033949428
  5. Mr. Jude Ugwu (Treasurer) – 08037752283
  6. Bro. Mac-Julian Onyejegbu, BSS (Fin. Sec.) – 08061210483
  7. Miss. Ifeoma Ezenyilimba (Director of Social II) – 08032090838

 

XIII.     FIDES MEDIA, Okpuno

  1.       Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi (Director)
  2.       Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike
  3. Rev. Fr. Pio-Anthony Okafor
  4. Rev. Fr. Fidelis Odunukwe

 

XIV.     RETREAT AND PASTORAL CENTRE, OKPUNO

  1. Rev. Fr. Polycarp Okoye (Director & to assist in ministry at St. Gabriel’s Parish, Okpuno)
  2. Rev. Fr. Maximus  Muojeke  (full-time Chaplain)

 

  1. AWKA DIOCESAN PRIESTS’ FRATERNITY (ADPF)
  2. Rev. Fr. Peter Val Uzozie(Chairman)
  3. Rev. Fr. Anthony Udogu (Vice Chairman
  4. Rev. Fr. Tobias Osigwe (Secretary)
  5. Rev. Fr. Cyprian Chikezie (Ass. Sec.)
  6. Rev. Fr. Gregory Anosike (Fin. Sec.)
  7. Rev. Fr. Anthony Anike (Treasury)
  8. Rev. Fr. Herny Ezeobi (PRO)
  9. Rev. Fr. Peter Chikelue (Provost I)
  10. Rev. Fr. Raphael Agbanu (Provost II)
INSTITUTIONS
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

SEMINARIES  AND INSTITUTIONS: 

  1. Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno (Provincial)
  2. Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwujekwu
  3. Rev. Fr. Christian Amogu (On sabbatical Leave)
  4. Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ifeanacho (On Sabbatical Leave)

Holy Family Spiritual Formation Centre, Okpuno:

  1. Rev. Fr. Linus Ibekwe (Rector)
  2. Rev. Fr.Anthony Ezenwekwe

 

  1. Nazareth Formation Centre, Isiagu
  2. Rev. Fr. Joseph M. Nwosah
  3. Rev. Fr. James Obidum

 

  1. St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha:
  2. Rev. Fr. Paul-Mary Chukwukebe (Rector)
  3. Rev. Fr. Fidelis Izuakor
  4. Rev. Fr. Livinus Okafor
  5. Rev. Fr. Bartholomew  Ezeokafor
  6. Rev. Fr. Augustine Okoye

 

  1. Pallottine Postulancy,SAC Mbaukwu
  2. Rev. Fr. Cosmas C. Onwukwe SAC (Delegate Superior & Rector) 09068808808
  3. Rev. Fr. Vincent Umeokoli SAC (Postulant Master, Delegate Bursar) 07046635365
  4. Rev. Fr. Jude Nebeife SAC (Student Perfect, D. Secretary) 08162208441
  5. Rev. Fr. Stanley Ezekeludo SAC (Spiritual Director, Community Bursar) 07039183361
UNITS
REGIONS / DEANERIES / PARISHES

REGIONS & DEANERY STRUCTURE

  1. ADAZI REGION
  2. ADAZI DEANERY
  3. Adazi Nnukwu: St. Andrew (Headquarter); Christ the King, St. Joseph the Worker
  4. Aguluzigbo: St. Patrick; Queen of All Hearts
  5. Akwaeze: St. Michael; St.Gregory
  6. Obeledu: St. Paul; Holy Trinity

 

  1. AGULU DEANERY
  2. Agulu: Madonna (Headquarter); Holy Family; St. John; St. Joseph;

St. Matthias; St. Patrick; St. Theresa,

  1. Nri: St. Mary; St. Peter, St. Joseph

 

  1. AWGBU DEANERY:
  2. Awgbu: All Saints (Headquarter); St. Mary; St. Patrick; St.Theresa; St. Joseph
  3. Okpeze: St. Pius X

 

  1. NENI DEANERY
  2. Neni: St. John (Headquarter); St. Joseph; St. Mary; St. Michael; Immaculate Heart of Mary; St. James
  3. Adazi-Ani: St. Peter, All Saints; Sacred Heart
  4. Adazi-Enu: St. Dominic; St. Patrick
  5. Ichida: St. Theresa; St. Rita; St. Augustine

 

  1. AWKA REGION
  2. AMAWBIA DEANERY
  3. Amawbia: St. Matthew (Headquarter);  St. Edward; St. Joseph
  4. Nibo: St. Theresa; St. Joseph
  5. Nise: St. Felix; Ss. Peter & Paul; St. Stephen
  6. Umuawulu: St. Joseph
  7. Mbaukwu: St. Domnic; St. Theresa; St. Patrick

 

  1. AWKA 1 DEANERY
  2. Awka: St. Patrick Cathedral (Headquarter); Assumption; St. Anthony; St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy; St. Thomas Aquinas;  St. Peter, St. Joseph
  3. Isiagu: St. Michael
  4. Okpuno: St. Gabriel
  5. Ndiora: St. James Chaplaincy

 

  1. AWKA 2 DEANERY

1          Awka: St. Mary (Headquarter); Annunciation; St.  Francis; St. John;  Ss. John & Paul; St. Jude

 

  1. EBENEBE DEANERY
  2. Ebenebe: St. Joseph (Headquarter); Blessed Iwene Tansi, St. Mary

2          Achalla: St. Paul; Holy Family

  1. Awba-Ofemmili; St. Paul
  2. Isuaniocha: Christ the King
  3. Ugbene: St. Peter
  4. Ugbenu: St. Raphael
  5. Urum: St. Peter
  6. Mgbakwu: St. Paul

 

  1. UGWUOBA DEANERY
  2. Ugwuoba: St. Peter (Headquarter); St. Michael; St. Paul
  3. Amansea: St. Anthony
  4. Ndiukwuenu: Holy Trinity

 

  1. NIMO REGION
  2. NIMO DEANERY
  3. Nimo: Our Lady of the Assumption (Headquarter); St. Kevin; St. Mary; St. Vincent.

 

  1. ABAGANA DEANERY
  2. Abagana: St. Mark (Headquarter); St. Martin ‘Hill Top’; St. Michael; St. Francis;
  3. Abba: St. Paul

 

  1. ENUGWU-UKWU DEANERY
  2. Enugwu-Ukwu: St. Anthony (Headquarter); St. Francis; St. Theresa; St. Benedict
  3. Enugwu-Agidi: St. John
  4. Nawfia: St. Anthony; Ave Maria

 

  1. IFITEDUNU DEANERY
  2. Ifitedunu: St. Gabriel (Headquarter); St. Mary, St. Martin
  3. Nawgu: St. Michael
  4. Ukpo: St. Simon; St. Joseph
  5. Ukwulu: St. Theresa; St. Aloysius Gonzaga Chaplaincy
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