Roman Catholic Diocese of Awka

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Awka (Latin: Avkaën(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Awka, Anambra State in the Ecclesiastical province of Onitsha in Nigeria. The Diocese boasts of having the highest number of priests amongst other Catholic dioceses in Africa as a whole.

Diocese of Awka

Dioecesis Avkaensis
Location
Country Nigeria
Territorya portion of Anambra State
Ecclesiastical provinceOnitsha
MetropolitanArchbishop of Onitsha
Coordinates6°12′25″N 7°04′04″E
Statistics
Area1,551 km2 (599 sq mi)
Population
- Total
- Catholics (including non-members)
(as of 2006)
1,277,990
635,595 (49.7%)
Parishes137
Information
DenominationRoman Catholic
RiteLatin Rite
Established10 November 1977
CathedralSaint Patrick Cathedral in Awka
Secular priests572
Current leadership
PopeFrancis
BishopMost Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor
Auxiliary BishopsBishop Jonas Benson Okoye
Map

Awka is located in Anambra State which is shown here in red.

History

  • 10 November 1977: Established as Diocese of Awka from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Onitsha
  • 5 March 2020: Lost territory to the newly created Diocese of Ekwulobia[1]

Special churches

The Cathedral is St. Patrick's Cathedral in Awka.

Bishops

Auxiliary Bishops

  • Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu (2000-2005), appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Okigwe
  • Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor (2007-2011), appointed Bishop here
  • Simon Akwali Okafor (1992-1994), appointed Bishop here
  • Jonas Benson Okoye (2014-)

Other priest of this diocese who became bishop

See also

  • Roman Catholicism in Nigeria

References

  1. "Resignations and Appointments, 05.03.2020" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.

Sources


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