Bishop Ukwuoma dedicates St Patrick Obinwanne to the glory of God.

The atmosphere at Obinwanne was really calm; it was neither sunny nor was it misty. Different people had gathered in their different attires and everyone was elegantly dressed for the epoch-making event. Venue was at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Obinwanne. The event was the dedication of the multimillion Naira church building of St Patrick Obinwanne. Before the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese arrived, a good number of priests numbering over 100 was already waiting. The priests were not the only persons who were waiting; reverend sisters, Catholic knights, Christian mothers and many other groups and individuals were also waiting for the time to kick-off the high Mass.

By exactly 9:45 am, a white Toyota Lexus SUV pulled inside the compound and drove straight to the residence of the parish priest. The bishop had arrived. In few minutes time, the bishop and the priests dressed in milk coloured chasubles, the members of the alter boys’ club otherwise known as Mass servants who dressed in red and while colours led the procession to the main entrance of the church building. When they arrived, they all paved way for the bishop to perform an exclusive ritual seen only at church dedication events. In few minutes time, the bishop was through with his prayers and everybody moved into the church building for the high Mass.

As the bishop ascended to the alter, he called for those who handled the project to see if they really handled it according to the Catholic specifications given to them by the diocesan bishop. Chief Oliver Nwariwe who represented the team answered in affirmation and the service began. As the service went on, there were several activities that were incorporated to the Mass for entertainment purposes; two groups displayed some cultural dances to welcome the bishop as the Mass went on.

Citing the example of what Jesus did when he met people doing bureau de change business in the temple, he warned the Obinwanne parishioners never to convert the church building into any other purpose except the worship of God. The Bishop said, “We have made the church holy and ourselves holy. We are also dedicating ourselves because our body is the temple of God. This church should not be used for any other purpose except to worship God.”

By exactly 11:40 am on Friday 26 December 2025, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese by name Rev Dr Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma dedicated St Patrick’s Catholic Parish Obinwanne to the glory of God.