Jubilation as Bishop Okoye Dedicates St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli

On Sun, August 24, 2025, St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli, witnessed a historic moment with the Owelli Parish dedication officiated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. John IfeanyiChukwu Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese. Significantly, Bishop Okoye is not only the shepherd of the diocese but also a proud native of Owelli in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The historic celebration drew priests, religious, dignitaries, and faithful from across the community and diocese, marking a new chapter in the parish’s century-long journey of evangelization, faith, and community building.

The Spiritual Significance of Owelli Parish Dedication

The event marked a spiritual milestone for the Catholic faithful of Owelli and beyond. The dedication ceremony symbolized the transformation of St. John the Beloved Parish into a sacred space fully consecrated for worship, sacraments, and community growth.

Owelli Parish: Background and Historical Journey

The Catholic faith in Owelli dates back to 1917, when the first missionaries arrived. A year later, in 1918, a school was established, laying the foundation for evangelization and education. In 1929, the first baptism was recorded, solidifying the spread of the Catholic faith in the community.

Owelli’s Catholic mission steadily grew under the guidance of priests, catechists, and teachers who nurtured the community’s spiritual and educational life. A defining moment came in 1959, when the parish was elevated under the leadership of Archbishop Charles Heerey, cementing its role as a beacon of faith in Awgu Diocese.

Key Highlights on Owelli Parish Dedication

The Dedication Mass, which began at 10:00 a.m., was presided over by Bishop Okoye, whose presence carried special significance as both the diocesan shepherd and a son of Owelli. The event was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Sir. Dr. Willy Onuorah (KSM), with the following as members of the planning committee: Chief/Sir Azubuike Onuorah (Chairman), Rev. Fr. Anthony Anioke (Secretary), Mr Augustine Aniude (P.R.O), Very Rev. Fr. Calistus Onyia (Parish Priest), among others.

The dedication included the blessing of the church altar, prayers of thanksgiving, and the rededication of the parish to St. John the Evangelist. The solemn liturgy was followed by vibrant hymns and cultural expressions of joy from the congregation.

Community Joy and Cultural Celebration

The Owelli Parish dedication brought immense joy to the community, as parishioners, indigenes, and friends of Owelli gathered in jubilation. Cultural displays, songs of praise, and heartfelt thanksgiving reflected the deep sense of unity and pride among the people.

Over the decades, Owelli has produced distinguished priests, religious, and leaders who have contributed immensely to faith, education, and social development in Awgu Diocese and beyond. The dedication led by one of its own sons, Bishop Okoye, is a source of pride and a renewed call to deeper faith.

With this dedication, St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli, is envisioned to stand as a “beacon of faith, hope, and love”, inspiring future generations to uphold Catholic values while building stronger community ties.

Voices from the Celebration

In his homily, Bishop John IfeanyiChukwu Okoye described the dedication as “a visible sign of God’s abiding presence among His people” and urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith. His words carried added weight, as the bishop himself shares deep ancestral ties with the Owelli community.

Parish priest Very Rev. Fr. Callistus Onyia expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the event was “a testimony to the resilience, sacrifices, and unwavering devotion of the Owelli Catholic community over the past century.”

Other speakers, including the dedication committee led by Chief/Sir. Azubike Onuorah (Chairman) and Rev. Fr. Anthony Anioke (Secretary) highlighted the collective efforts of parishioners, donors, and missionaries who made the dream a reality.

Owelli Parish dedication: A Historic Day for Owelli and Awgu Diocese

With Bishop Okoye’s dual identity as both Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese and son of Owelli, the day carried profound meaning. The dedication was not just an ecclesiastical event but also a homecoming for the Bishop, strengthening the bond between faith and heritage.

Read More About the History of St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli

📖 Editor’s Note: For a full detailed history of St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli, in terms of the Parish’s evangelization journey from 1917 to 2025, including early missionaries, first baptisms, and the elevation to parish status, Click on the link below 👇 :

History of St. John the Beloved Parish, Owelli.

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✍️ By Okolike Michael
Digital Media Strategist | Published via MikeTech Blog

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