In a statement issued April 30, the Chancellor of Owerri Archdiocese announced with “great sadness” the desecration of the Adoration Chapel of St. Mulumba Parish and renewed calls for stricter adherence to Eucharistic norms.
According to the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick C. Mbarah, “unknown person(s) opened some parts of the roof of the building, jumped into the Chapel of Adoration through the ceiling and made away with the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.”
He added, “This ugly incident happened while it was raining in the wee hours of Wednesday 29 April, 2026.”
Describing the act as a grave irreverence, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has directed that all parishioners of St. Mulumba Parish observe a week of prayer in reparation.
“Following this reckless irreverence, the Archbishop… hereby directs the entire Parishioners of St. Mulumba Parish Owerri, to hold a one-week prayer of reparation,” Fr. Mbarah said.
The prayers are scheduled daily from May 1 to 8, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The Archdiocese also used the occasion to remind clergy of liturgical norms concerning Eucharistic adoration.
“All Priests working in Owerri Archdiocese are once again reminded to adhere strictly to all the norms and directives regarding Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration to avoid any future occurrence,” the Chancellor said.
He further emphasized that exposition is to take place “only if a fitting attendance of the faithful is foreseen,” adding firmly that the Blessed Sacrament “must never be left unattended during exposition.”