By Nduka Ozor, MAYF
August, 2005

MGBALA AGWA, NIGERIA: The people of Mgbala Agwa were recently granted parishood by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese after 25 years of agitation. According to Mr. Pascal Uzoma, the Station Council Chairman, he said, “For over 25 years, the Catholic worshippers in Mgbala Agwa have been in the struggle to have a Catholic parish of their own from the Archdiocese of Owerri Ecumenical”. The reason for this is not far fetched. First, the worshippers he said trek over 3 km to worship at the central parish in Agwa. This sometimes has made them miss better part of the gospel, or sermon . Again, they claimed that they have been making enormous contributions to the development of other communities.

According to Mr. B. C. Ogbonna, a Catholic movement leader, said that the community has contributed to the development of Catholic faith in Imo state and therefore deserves a Catholic parish of their own. “This”, he said, “Will bring more converts into the Catholic family in Mgbala Agwa and draw more people to God.”

He said that the community has produced over 5 Reverend Fathers, 3 Reverend Sisters, a Monk and other Catholic Clergies.

In a celebrated mass to thank God for granting them the new parish, the Rev. Father of Christ the King Parish Agwa, the pioneer parish in Agwa enjoined Mgbala Agwa community to maintain their faith in Almighty God. He charged them to be prayerful and work in line with God principles which is all about the love of God and Love of mankind.