by By Elijah Ugani
The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has released a programme of events as streamlined for the centenary celebration.
In a release signed by the Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh indicates that the Liturgical Commission Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang will manned the diocesan retreat scheduled for March, 2021, while the Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan will visit deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with institutions, both church and circular.
The release reads in parts “March 2021:
Diocesan retreat with the same programme for the entire diocese to be manned by the chairman of the Liturgical Commission, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang and
Bishop’s visit to deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with some institutions both Church and secular.
“APRIL PROGRAMME:
Religious profession of the Sister of Notre Dam (24th of April).
“MAY PROGRAMME: 8th – 16th.
“May 8th: Priestly ordination
“Monday 10th May, 2021:
Centenary Baptism of at least one hundred candidates drawn from all the parishes in the diocese.
Laying of the foundation stone in the New Cathedral site. There is a possibility of cultural display in the course of this event.
“Tuesday 11th May, 2021:
Confirmation of at least hundred candidates drawn from all parishes in the diocese.
“Wednesday 12th May, 2021:
Bishop’s centenary visit to selected places such as the Nigerian Correctional Centres, orphanages, refugees settlements, the oldest diocesan school, old Catholics who can no longer go to Church, etc.
“Thursday 13th May, 2021:
Mass wedding of no less than hundred proposed couples drawn from all parishes in the diocese.
Arrival of invited bishops
“Friday 14th May, 2021:
10am: Centenary lecture entitled: Recreating the Early Missionary Spirit in the Nigerian Modern Evangelization/presentation of awards
The proposed paper presenter: His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji
Proposed Paper Moderator: Sir Col. Paul Edor Obi
Main discussants:
Rev. Fr. Dr. Uche Obodo Echina
Very Rev. Fr. Everastus Bassey
Sir Dr.Bob Eriom
Prof. Francis Ganyi
Launching of history book. Conferment of Monsignors to Ogoja diocesan priests from 65 years of age and above
Conferment of awards on:
Selected Ogoja sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in supporting the Church in the diocese
Best and exemplary couples.
Outstanding catechists
6pm: Vesper/investiture of awardees during the Gala Night
“Saturday 15th May, 2021
10am: Investiture of Catechists.
“Sunday 16th May, 2021
Thanksgiving Mass/public presentation of awardees”
