Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye Urges Christians To Embrace Discipline, Sacrifice At Immaculate Heart Parish, Ihiala

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, has called on Christians to listen to the Word of God with discipline and make sacrifices in their journey toward becoming citizens of heaven.

Bishop Okoye made the call during his pastoral visit to Immaculate Heart Parish, Ihiala, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The event began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Okoye and concelebrated by eight priests.

In his homily, the Bishop stressed that true Christians must be obedient and faithfully keep God's commandments at all times. He reminded the faithful that intelligence without wisdom is of little value. He also observed that evil men and women are responsible for many of the problems in society but assured the congregation that God would judge every evil deed.

Bishop Okoye thanked the Parish Priest, Fr. Luke Nworah, and his assistant, Fr. Daniel Ikpo, for their dedicated service to the parish. He also commended the Traditional Ruler of Ihiala, HRH Thomas Obidiegwu Oluoha, Hon. Vincent Ezeaka, Hon. Ejike Ebulue (JP), Sir Emeka Udeze (KSM), members of the Knights of the Church, and the parishioners for their sacrifices, commitment, and contributions to the growth of the parish.

The Bishop thereafter administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 136 candidates. He urged the newly confirmed faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, shun everything contrary to the teachings of the Church, and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen them as true soldiers of Christ.

In his vote of thanks, the Parish Priest, Fr. Luke Nworah, on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council and the entire parish community, expressed gratitude to Bishop Okoye for his pastoral leadership and for administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to the candidates. He prayed that God would continue to bless the Bishop's ministry and also thanked the parishioners for their unwavering support toward the growth of the parish. He equally appreciated Fr. Francis Orah, Fr. Peter Ogbulie, Fr. Patrick Unaegbu, other priests, and the religious who participated in the celebration.

Earlier, in an address of welcome read by Sir Adolphus Nwaenyi (KSJI) on behalf of the parish, the parishioners welcomed Bishop Okoye and commended him for his outstanding leadership, especially his support for the growth of the diocese, the construction of the Cathedral, and the publication of his pastoral letter.

The address also highlighted some of the parish's achievements, including the construction of the priests' rectory and the interlocking of the church premises. However, it noted several challenges confronting the parish, including the involvement of some parishioners and youths in idol worship, masquerade activities, cultism, and secret societies.

Speaking during the reception, the Traditional Ruler of Ihiala, HRH Thomas Obidiegwu Oluoha, commended Bishop Okoye for fostering unity and providing exemplary leadership in the Diocese of Nnewi. He prayed that God would continue to grant him wisdom, knowledge, and good health.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Sir Emeka Udeze (KSM), thanked Bishop Okoye for his fatherly care and dedicated service to the diocese.

Highlights of the visit included the presentation of gifts to Bishop Okoye by statutory bodies, pious societies, and individual parishioners.