The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara has laid to rest two of her beloved priests, Very Rev. Fr Christian Paul Egege (aged 81 years) and Very Rev. Msgr Benjamin Chima (aged 85 years). The Holy Mass was presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, former Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Echema, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, concelebrated the Mass with the mourning Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF.*
The burial took place on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 @ the Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral Ahiara Mbaise Imo State Nigeria.
*Both priests were pathfinders in their heyday, and known for their spirituality, charity and scholarship.*
*Both priests lay down on the sanctuary on the same day receiving priestly ordination as classmates, side by side, buried to the world. They were ordained on the same day, 53 years ago, precisely on 8 April 1972.*
*Both lived fulfilled priestly lives and were buried same day too, side by side, committed to the earth as we commend their souls to God’s mercy.*
May the souls of Fr Chris Paul Egege and Msgr Ben Chima, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Please keep praying for our diocese, our priests and the biological families of the deceased.
*Feel free to share the impact these men of God had in your community or life during their half-century priestly ministry. Which of them worked in your place?*