Patience Leonard, PBA Journalism MenteeSpiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has warned all faithful to desist from verbally attacking the Bishop over temporal suspension of the ministry.
The Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callistus Onaga had on Friday, 17th, June, 2022, barred Fr. Mbaka from holding any ministerial activities in the adoration ground till further notice.
This is sequel to some unfortunate incidents arising from the utterances of the fiery Catholic priest which drew the ire of the church authority who said such were against what the institution stand for.
The bishop in a part of the prohibition letter had written, “ I hereby prohibit all catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the catholic adoration ministry until due canonical prices initiated by the diocese is concluded”.
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The announcement triggered a widespread reaction from the followers of the priest both offline and online. In the early hours of Sunday, June 19th, 2022 the followers stormed the adoration ground to protest the ban placed on the priest and activities in the ministry.
Many of them expressed dissatisfaction over the Catholic bishop’s decision. With leaf branches on their hands, words such as “Onaga must go! No more Onaga! No more bishop!” filled the air.
Consequently, Fr. Mbaka released a statement from the office of the ministry personally signed by him, condemning the action at the adoration premises on Sunday against the bishop activities, saying “I am not in any way involved in such activity.”
He stated that he received the instruction from the bishop with utmost obedience and urged the faithful to desist from any act of violence.
He said, “I received with obedience the directive issued by my Bishop, His Excellency Most Rev. CVC Onaga on June 17th, 2022. May I therefore appeal to the faithful, in particular, members of the adoration ministry, Enugu, Nigeria to remain calm and united with the body of Christ in the diocese, and also refrain from any measure of violence, either in action or by abusive utterances.
“The bishop is the chief shepherd of the church in the diocese and we remain his flock who in every way and all times is expected to be respectful, obedient, and willing to respond favorably to his apostolic directives.
“May I once more remind you that all Adoration activities have been suspended till further notice.
“Adoration ministry is ever submissive to the directive of the mother church. I enjoin all adorers to know this and remain constantly in prayers for the manifestation of the will of God in the life of the ministry.”
Mbaka restated his pledge of obedience to the bishop and advised all adorers to attend masses regularly and participate in all religious activities in their respective parishes.
“The life of the Adoration Ministry is in the hands of God under the direction of the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese.
“Once again, I pledge my obedience to my Bishop. Adorers should endeavor to attend Masses on regular basis. I request your prayers and I promise to be praying for you in this perilous time. I commend our beloved Diocese, the Adoration Ministry , the Adorers and myself to the Holy Trinity.
Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Mother of Perpetual Help, shall help us overcome this trying moment,” Mbaka stated.
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