May I use this medium to extend my
condolence to the entire clergy and laity of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe on
the death of the first local ordinary of the diocese & the Bishop Emeritus of
Okigwe Diocese, Imo State; Most Rev. (Dr.) Anthony Ekezie Ilonu. He died on Friday, June 15, 2012 , the feast day of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
after a protracted Illness.
Today, Wednesday July 11, 2012 the body of this distinguished servant of God and a defender of the
catholic faith is being interred into the mother earth. May the good Lord
receives his soul and let His perpetual light shine upon his servant, Anthony.
I mustn’t fail to extend my condolence to
the mourners especially, the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, CYON
Okigwe Diocese. Those of us that are in the youth apostolate cannot forget the
homilies and keynote addresses of this icon during our provincial rallies and
national meetings. Take heart!
Born on November 13, 1937 , the late Bishop Ilonu was ordained a priest of Umuahia diocese on December 19, 1964 . He was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Okigwe Diocese by Pope Pope
John Paul II on January 24, 1981 . His Episcopal
ordination took place on March 29, 1981 with Archbishop Carlo Curis as the
ordaining prelate, assisted by Francis Cardinal Arinze and late Bishop Anthony
Gogo Nwedo CS.Sp.
Bishop Ilonu retired as the local ordinary of Okigwe Diocese on April 22, 2006; after diligently nurturing the diocese as an exemplary leader and father. He was succeeded by Most Rev. Solomon Amatu as the chief shepherd of the diocese.
Bishop Ilonu retired as the local ordinary of Okigwe Diocese on April 22, 2006; after diligently nurturing the diocese as an exemplary leader and father. He was succeeded by Most Rev. Solomon Amatu as the chief shepherd of the diocese.
Hon Chief Emmanuel Kc Amucha
(Mkpisi Ola Edo )
(CYON
Provincial president, Owerri province 2000-2007)
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