By Fr. OKHUELEIGBE OSEMHANTIE ÃMOS

In a celebration marked by liturgical solemnity, historical reflection and cultural splendour, the Catholic Diocese of Uromi on 17 February 2026 commemorated the twentieth anniversary of its canonical erection with a grand Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua, Uromi.

Erected in 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI from the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, to which it remains suffragan, the Diocese has, within two decades, evolved into a vibrant local Church with expanding pastoral frontiers and institutional depth. What began as a missionary seed in Ubiaja and Ukoni over a century ago has matured into a structured ecclesial community serving tens of thousands across Esan land.

The anniversary’s highpoint was the Solemn Mass presided over by the Bishop of Uromi, Donatus Ogun, OSA, who in 2025 marked ten years of episcopal ordination. Concelebrating were Archbishops, bishops, and priests from within and outside the Diocese, religious men and women, seminarians and a vast assembly of the faithful who filled the cathedral to capacity.

The homily was delivered by the Bishop of Warri, Anthony Ewherido, who situated the Diocese’s journey within the broader narrative of perseverance and divine providence. In words that echoed deeply with the congregation, he declared:

“20 years is a significant milestone in the life of a local Church and especially in Nigeria. It is 20 years of standfast faith, hope and mission rooted in Christ. What began in Ubiaja about 120 years ago, became a diocese in 2005 and now 53 parishes at the moment.”

His reflection stresses both historical continuity and present vitality, from early missionary activity in Esan territory to the present network of 53 parishes serving an ever-growing Catholic population. He challenged the faithful to guard the deposit of faith, deepen evangelisation efforts and sustain missionary outreach in a rapidly changing social landscape.

In his remarks, Bishop Donatus Ogun expressed profound gratitude to God for the fidelity of clergy, dedication of religious and lay collaborators who have shaped the Diocese’s trajectory. He acknowledged the foundational leadership of the pioneer bishop, Augustine Obiora Akubeze, whose early administrative architecture provided stability in the Diocese’s formative years. He also recognised the sacrifices of priests and lay faithful whose dedication has translated into concrete pastoral and institutional growth.

The Diocese’s twenty-year history is not merely chronological but structural and missionary. Since its erection, new parishes and Mass centres have been established across urban and rural communities. Vocations have flourished, with priests ordained, seminarians in various stages of formation, and women professed into religious life. Diocesan clergy now serve both within Nigeria and in international missionary territories, while others contribute as rectors, vice-rectors, seminary formators and superiors in religious institutes.

Educational institutions, healthcare facilities and social outreach programmes have become visible signs of the Church’s integral mission, proclaiming the Gospel while responding to concrete human needs.

The late Patriarch, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu once noted that a diocese proves viable when, in addition to reliance on grace, it possesses adequate human and material resources to function with stable maturity. By that measure, Uromi’s twentieth anniversary stands not only as a commemoration of origins but as evidence of ecclesial consolidation and responsible stewardship.

As prelude to the celebration proper, there was earlier inspection visits to diocesan institutions which culminated at the Cathedral Hall with a Gala Night that blended festivity and gratitude. A defining moment was the launch of the Diocese @20 Anniversary Brochure, a documented chronicle of milestones, pastoral expansion, statistical growth and institutional achievements over two decades.

Awards were presented to those whose exceptional service significantly advanced the Diocese’s evangelical and developmental mission. Musical renditions by the diocesan choir elevated the evening’s atmosphere, while seminarians from All Saints Major Seminary, Ekpoma, delivered a dramatic presentation symbolising continuity and hope. A cultural troupe further enriched the celebration with vibrant traditional performances, affirming the harmonious integration of Catholic faith and Esan heritage.

The twentieth anniversary of the Diocese of Uromi was not a nostalgic pause but a theological statement, that a local Church, rooted in Christ and sustained by collaborative stewardship, can mature rapidly without losing missionary urgency.

From its missionary beginnings in Ubiaja over a century ago to its present configuration of 53 parishes, the Diocese stands today as a testimony to a living faith, resilient hope and expanding mission.

•Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ãmos is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi and a Lecturer at CIWA, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.