Christ the King Parish, Awka records rapid growth as Bishop Ezeokafor inaugurates Parish, blesses Marian Grotto, rectory, chapel, confirms 90 faithful

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Barely two years and three months after its creation, Christ the King Catholic Parish (CKP), GRA, Awka, has recorded remarkable growth, earning commendation from the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor.

The Bishop gave the commendation during a well-attended triple event held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during which he formally inaugurated Christ the King Catholic Church, GRA, Awka, as a parish of the Awka Diocese.

As part of the event, Bishop Ezeokafor inaugurated the pioneer Parish Pastoral Council and blessed several newly completed parish projects. These included a magnificent Grotto of Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, built by the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO); a Chapel of Perpetual Adoration donated by the Obikwelu Family in memory of their parents, late Sir Sylvester Belonwu and Lady Victoria Obikwelu; and a modern parish rectory constructed by parishioners and friends of the parish.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Bishop expressed delight at the rapid development of the parish, noting that Christ the King Parish, created in October 2024 with only a single building serving as a Mass centre, had within a short time achieved significant infrastructural and spiritual growth.

According to him, the parish was “progressing at a very high speed.” He commended the parishioners and benefactors for completing the rectory within record time and praised their spirit of unity and commitment.

Bishop Ezeokafor also thanked God for the gift of the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Roland Victor Okoli, whom he described as young, energetic, and ready to work. He further applauded the parishioners for their collaboration with the priest, noting that such teamwork made the rapid progress possible.

The Bishop urged the faithful to take advantage of the zeal of their parish priest and work towards erecting a befitting church building, which he encouraged them to aim to dedicate within the next three years.

During the pastoral visit, Bishop Ezeokafor administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 90 candidates, describing them as “soldiers for Christ.” He noted that they were the first group to receive the sacrament under the newly implemented diocesan policy.

In his homily, the Bishop, who was accompanied by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubuisi, explained that pastoral visits provide opportunities for the bishop to interact with parishioners and assess both the physical and spiritual growth of parishes.

Reflecting on his interaction with the parish community on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Bishop expressed joy at the enthusiasm and happiness of the faithful over the creation of the parish.

Responding to a request by parishioners for the establishment of a diocesan health insurance scheme for the laity, Bishop Ezeokafor disclosed that while such a scheme currently exists for priests, parishioners were encouraged to enrol with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), highlighting the many benefits of health insurance.

On the status of Christ the King Parish as a Quasi Parish, the Bishop explained that it reflected the parish’s current level based on diocesan assessment, assuring that it would be upgraded as growth continues.

Addressing concerns about balancing infrastructural development with human and spiritual formation, the Bishop affirmed that the Diocese of Awka prioritises both, stressing that building structures and building souls are equally vital for the growth of the Church.

Drawing from the Sunday readings, Bishop Ezeokafor called on the faithful to embrace humility and selfless service, stressing that a life devoid of service to others is not worth living. He warned against pride, describing it as incompatible with authentic Christian living, and encouraged service to the needy as the path to true happiness and eternal life.

In his vote of thanks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Roland Victor Okoli, described the celebration as a testimony of faith, resilience, and sacrifice. He thanked the Bishop for creating and inaugurating the parish and for his pastoral visit.

Fr. Okoli assured the Bishop of the parish’s continued commitment to growth and excellence. He expressed gratitude to all who participated in the celebration, especially priests and parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Awka, whom he described as an exemplary mother parish. He also thanked the parishioners and benefactors for their continuous support, which he said has sustained the parish.