Catholic bishop of Enugu Diocese Bishop Calistus Onaga has barred Catholics, including the clergy, from attending Adoration Ministry operated by Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka over his recent utterances.
This is coming hours after Mbaka apologised to the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, for calling him a “stingy man” who would never be Nigerian president.
Mbaka apologised after the bishop chided him.
Acting further, Onaga said in a letter he signed and addressed to the clergy and laity on Saturday that Mbaka’s ministry should be avoided.
The letter said, “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. Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry.
“Having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated.
“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. Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.”
Onaga enjoined “all Christian faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka.”
