Suspended Priest Sparks Outcry After Forcing His Way to the Altar, Causing Parishioners to Walk Out

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

A suspended Catholic priest in Nigeria's Aba Diocese, Reverend Father Francis Anyanwu, caused a major disturbance at St. Benedict Catholic parish this past Sunday after he reportedly forced his way into a morning Mass. Anyanwu, who was suspended in July 2025 for making public accusations against church officials on social media, defied his suspension by acting as the chief celebrant for the 9 a.m. service.

The incident occurred while the parish's priest, Reverend Father Felix Ezeoke, was on holiday. Father Ezeoke had officially appointed Reverend Father Benard Iloka to lead the service in his absence. According to Father Iloka, Anyanwu entered the sacristy as he was preparing for Mass and announced he would be the one to celebrate. When Father Iloka reminded him of his suspension, Anyanwu allegedly responded, "To hell with the Bishop. This is my home parish."
To prevent a public confrontation, Father Iloka stepped aside. However, the unexpected sight of the suspended priest leading the service caused an uproar among the congregation. Many were shocked and horrified, and they collectively rose from their seats and walked out of the church. This included members of the local Block Rosary crusade, who had gathered for a special Thanksgiving Mass to conclude their three-day spiritual retreat.

Following the incident, the youths of Amapu Ngwa, Anyanwu's home village, have reportedly reacted by decreeing that no further Masses will be held at the parish. The situation has left the community in turmoil, raising questions about the future of services at the church.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more