Callistus V. Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu has banned Catholics from attending programmes at the Adoration Ministry under Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.
Mbaka had on Wednesday issued acerbic proclamations targetted at the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.
He described the former Anambra State Governor as stingy, saying that Nigerians will die of hunger if he becomes president.
Mbaka’s attack on Obi caused public stir with fellow priests and laity calling on the church to take a stand and caution the priest.
The Bishop in a statement titled “PASTORAL INJUNCTION ON ATTENDANCE TO CATHOLIC ADORATION MINISTRY CHAPLAINCY ENUGU” said that “In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu; capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal
corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry: and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and
morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic
Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.
“I enjoin all the Christian Faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles” .
Fraternally Yours in Christ,
