We Live to Glorify God in All We Do
The Catholic Church arrived in Owerri in 1912 through Fr. Feral and Bro. Joseph. In 1937, the first indigenous priest of Owerri, Msgr. Joseph Nwanegbo of Ubomiri was ordained. In 1948, Owerri became a separate Vicariate from Onitsha and two years after in 1950, she became a diocese with Most Rev. Joseph B. Whelan, of blessed memory as its first Bishop. With the expulsion of the expatriate missionaries at the end of the civil war by the Nigerian Government, Bishop Whelan appointed Msgr. gnatius Okoroanyanwu the Vicar General and Administrator of the Diocese from January till September 1970.
Pope Paul VI appointed Bishop Mark O. Unegbu to succeed him. In 1993, Bishop Unegbu retired and Bishop Anthony J. V. Obinna was appointed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II as his successor.
On March 26, 1994, the Pope raised Owerri Diocese to an Archdiocese, making it at the same time the Metropolitan See of the newly created Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. His Holiness equally appointed Most Rev. Anthony J. V. Obinna the first Archbishop of Owerri and head of the new Ecclesiastical Province.
Today Owerri Archdiocese has a Catholic population of about 1,049,213 with 138 Parishes 25 Chaplaincies, 5 Special Jurisdictions. It is blessed with 318 diocesan priests and 55 Religious priests. Eight male Religious Congregations and nine female Religious Congregations are working in the Archdiocese. Owerri is also blessed with about 194 Senior Seminarians and numerous minor seminarians, a good number of Sisters, Brothers, Catechists and Catechizers. Two Major Seminaries are located in this diocese, namely: the Seat of Wisdom Seminary Owerri and the Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Maryland Nekede. The Archdiocese has to its credit numerous primary and secondary Schools, Whelan Research Academy, Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Assistant Technology, Hospitals, Maternity Homes, Farms, and so on.
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What People Say
The Archdiocese of Owerri has been my spiritual home for many years. The warmth and fellowship I experience in my parish community have enriched my faith journey. The teachings and activities inspire me to grow closer to God every day.”
I have been empowered to serve others in my community through the various ministries and outreach programs. The Archdiocese encourages us not just to be passive believers but active participants in living out our faith.
During challenging times, the support I received from my parish community was invaluable. The prayers, visits, and assistance made me feel loved and cared for. It’s a blessing to be part of such a compassionate family.
