Growth through Compassion: The 2026 Cathedraticum in Urua Akpan Deanery

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On June 14, 2026, our Chief Shepherd, Most Rev. Camillus R. Umoh, visited the newly created Holy Cross Autonomous Catholic Community in Ikot Esse for the 2026 Urua Akpan Deanery Cathedraticum. This historic visit took place just one year after the creation of this vibrant community of faith, serving as a powerful sign of the rapid growth and spiritual vitality within our Diocese.

A Call to Compassion in a Changing World

The celebration began with the Holy Mass, presided over by Bishop Umoh and concelebrated by priests from across the Urua Akpan Deanery. In his homily, the Bishop expressed his profound joy at seeing the increase in faith and the visible dedication of the people over the past year.

Reflecting on the Gospel, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to emulate the spirit of compassion that Jesus showed to the crowds. He reminded the community that we are all beneficiaries of God’s mercy and the compassion of others, and in turn, we must be vessels of that same love. “Always show compassion,” the Bishop urged, “and always trust in God despite the difficult conditions of the society in which we live”.

Sacraments of Growth and Formation

A highlight of the liturgy was the administration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist [User Input]. These sacred rites are a testament to the Church’s ongoing mission of formation and service, as young people and families continue to root their lives in the life of Christ.

The Vicar General and Dean of the Urua Akpan Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Anselm Etokakpan expressed deep gratitude for the Bishop’s visit, noting that his presence provided a necessary spiritual revival for the priests, religious, and laity alike. Rev. Fr. Joseph Obotamah, the Parish Priest of Holy Cross, also thanked the Bishop for choosing this young community as the host for the celebration and praised the faithful for their unwavering support.

Unity in the Mission of Christ

We are grateful to share this update, which reflects the resilience and hope of our local communities. The Bishop concluded the event by thanking the faithful for their care and support, reminding all that we must continue to serve God faithfully in every condition, trusting that He will always show us His compassion.

The work of the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene Office for the Missions USA ensures that emerging parishes like Holy Cross have the support they need to remain a vibrant place of prayer, formation, and service. Your continued partnership in the United States helps sustain these essential pastoral missions.

A group of men in religious attire seated in a church setting, some wearing glasses, while others are in choir robes. A wooden bench and an orange chair are visible in the foreground.
A clergy member in red vestments is performing a blessing by placing his hand on the head of a young child during a religious ceremony, while others hold candles and observe in a church setting.
clergy members in religious attire standing in prayer at an altar, with a colorful background depicting religious symbols.
A group of people dressed in traditional attire and priestly garments are participating in a religious ceremony inside a church, while a bishop in red vestments distributes items to the congregation.
Clerics in red robes conduct a religious ceremony in a church, with a colorful altar in the background. Attendees wearing traditional clothing observe the event.
A group of priests in red and white liturgical robes posing together inside a church, with religious decorations in the background.
A group of clergy members and nuns posing together in a church setting, wearing religious attire, with a colorful mural of Jesus in the background.
Group of clergy members and attendees dressed in red and traditional attire posing together inside a church, with a backdrop of religious art.
A large gathering of people in traditional clothing, primarily in red and white, during a religious procession. Clergy members are leading the procession, surrounded by attendees of all ages, including children in uniforms, as they celebrate a ceremonial event.

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