The Bible says without a vision, the people perish (cf. Prov 29:18). Since 2010, Catholics of the Ahiara Diocese, in Imo State, Nigeria, HEAL’s mission territory, have been perishing without a vision because they have been without a spiritual leader to guide them.
After 13 years of raucous dispute and controversy among local clergy about who their next Bishop should be, Pope Francis appointed last October a Claretian religious priest, Fr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, later installed as auxiliary Bishop of Ahiara in December. =
Ahiara Catholics are celebrating this historic occasion. “A Bishop must serve the people of his diocese with compassion. With no Bishop at their side for 13 years, Ahiara residents have suffered great spiritual and physical hunger, just like many orphans”, says Rev. Leo Okonkwo.
HEAL missionaries have filled the leadership vacuum by providing critical services at critical times. During the COVID-19 pandemic while schools were closed in Nigeria, HEAL supplied 30 days of food relief to over 4,000 poor villagers suffering the brutal effects of lockdowns, quarantines, and broken supply chains.
After addressing the unique needs of the pandemic, we returned to our routine work of emptying ourselves (Phil 2:5-7) like Christ in educating over 400 poor and marginalized children in our two K-12 village schools.
In the spiritual and character formation of our students, generous priests and the MOJ Sisters have played an indispensable role. However, our work in helping the Masters grow spiritually would have been easier and more efficacious with the assistance of an Apostolic Successor.
Now that Ahiara Diocese has a new shepherd, HEAL is excited for the immediate future of our mission. “Bishop Nwobi is well aware of all Ahiara Catholics have suffered, and I’m confident he will be eager to partner with us in self-emptying compassion”, said Rev. Leo.
While we are excited for the possibilities of a new missionary partnership with an Apostle of Christ, our partnership will be incomplete without you, as we strive to bring God’s love to His people.
Please make your best gift to the HEAL Fund today!