An attempt by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Callistus Onaga to replace Fr. Ejike Mbaka with another priest at the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria has been met stiff resistance from the congregation.

Onaga suspended the ministry indefinitely on June 18, 2022, saying some of the preachings of Mbaka were not consistent with the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

“In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu: capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry.

“And after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.

“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church. I enjoin all the Christian Faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles,” the Bishop had said in a letter.

However, Mbaka announced the resumption of Adoration on Thursday.

Through the ministry’s Facebook page, he asked his followers to converge on Adoration ground Umuchigbo Iji Nike Emene Enugu State on Sunday, stating that the ministry will start with a 10am Mass.

“Dear Adorers, To the glory of God, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria Amen, starts on Sunday 2nd October, 2022 with 10am Mass at the Adoration ground Umuchigbo Iji Nike Emene Enugu State. God bless you miraculously as you come to worship God with us,” the post read.

But the Adoration faithful who thronged the church to receive him were shocked with the mission to change Mbaka with a new priest.

Mbaka who was given the task of announcing his replacement could hardly finish when the crowd went wild in protest.

The revolt was soon directed at the new priest identified as one Fr. Anthony Amadi who had to be whisked away as the crowd surged to reportedly attack him. (DailyTrust)

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