Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu State, has handed over to his successor, Rev Fr Anthony Amadi.
Daily Trust reports that an attempt by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga, to replace Mbaka with another priest at the Adoration Ministry led to a revolt from the congregation.
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Onaga suspended the ministry indefinitely on June 18, 2022, saying some of the preaching of Mbaka were not consistent with the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
However, Mbaka announced the resumption of Adoration last Thursday.
Through the ministry’s Facebook page, he asked his followers to converge on the Adoration ground Umuchigbo Iji Nike Emene Enugu State on Sunday, stating that the ministry will start with a 10am Mass.
But the Adoration faithful who thronged the church to receive him were shocked with the mission to change Mbaka with a new priest.
Mbaka, who was given the task of announcing his replacement, could hardly finish when the crowd went wild in protest.
“We say no! We say no!” a group worshippers shouted in protest. Fr. Amadi had to be whisked away.
The Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) had issued a statement to sue for calm.
Announcing his hand over on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Mbaka said, “I wish to use this opportunity to bless and encourage you as I depart to the Monastery in obedience to my bishop. I want you to remain calm as written in Psalm 46:10.
“This is a time we shall know the real Adorers. Please, back me with your prayers so that I will go and embark on deeper reflections and interior waiting on the Lord. I want to remind you of Jeremiah 29:13, God will reverse everything.
“God has good plans for us and not to destroy us. This is not a time to be sorrowful. Be calm and vigilant. Stop every form of protest and demonstration. I love you and I will be with you. God bless you.”
