The authorities of the Enugu Catholic Diocese have clarified that Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka was not removed as Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, as the spiritual director as widely reported on social media.
The Diocese, which expressed love for Mbaka as an illustrious son, said Mbaka was only asked to take time away in solitude to listen to what the Spirit of God has to tell him.
Responding to an inquiry from The Nation, spokesman and Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi, said Mbaka would return to continue his duties.
He referred our correspondent to a viral interview he has granted to the National Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, to find the true position.
In the interview, Fr. Achi said following the proposal for solitude, Mbaka was allowed to propose a priest to administer, in the interim, to the faithful at the Adoration Ministry.
He added that with the approval of Bishop Callistus Onaga, on Sunday, 2 October 2022, Fr. Mbaka introduced Fr. Anthony Amadi to the worshippers to take charge while he would be away.
That, spokesman said, did not go down well with some of the faithful, who insisted that Mbaka must remain.
The interview titled ‘Mbaka: the true position’ reads: “Going by an interview with the Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi, Very Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka was not removed from the Adoration Ministry, as many reports are suggesting.
“Rather, according to Fr. Achi, since it was recommended that Fr. Mbaka takes time away in solitude, in order to listen to what the Spirit of God has to tell him, he was allowed to propose a priest to administer, in the interim, to the faithful at the Adoration Ministry.
“With the approval of his Bishop, on Sunday, 2 October 2022, Fr. Mbaka introduced Fr. Anthony Amadi to the worshippers.
“Unfortunately, some people were still not pleased, and would prefer that Fr. Mbaka remains.
“What every true Christian, and especially every true Catholic, should do at this moment is to commit our dear brother and priest, Fr. Mbaka, to God in prayer so that he may, through this moment, encounter God specially, come out stronger and better in recognizing His will for him and gain more graces to channel those rare gifts for His glory and for the sanctification of the people of God and society at large.
“The Church loves Fr. Mbaka and cherishes him as an illustrious son.
” May our Mother Mary, the Queen of all Apostles, intercede for him. Amen”.