The Archbishopof Onitsha

The Missionary Apostolate

His
Episcopacy

The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha embraces the fundamental understanding that the Church is missionary by nature — as affirmed in Ad Gentes — and carries the Gospel across borders and cultures under the motto Ut Vitam Habeant.

Guided by the pastoral motto of His Grace — “Ut Vitam Habeant”, that they may have life (John X:10) — the Archdiocese of Onitsha is committed to fulfilling the mission of spreading the Gospel with truth and conviction, reaching across borders and cultures to bring the message of Christ's love and salvation to all people.

The Archdiocese is home to a vibrant community of the faithful, ministered to by a presbyterate of diocesan and religious priests and by religious men and women living the consecrated life. In a unique economic and social context, the mission of the local Church is both a challenge and a call to bear authentic, practical, and life-changing witness to Jesus Christ.

Its efforts span the vital works of catechesis, feeding the hungry, providing medical services, and ensuring quality education for youth — particularly among vulnerable populations. God's blessings are evident in the growing number of young men and women embracing priestly and religious vocations, and many of the Archdiocesan priests are pursuing further studies abroad, enriching the presbyterate with fresh ministerial insights.

Shanahan University Onitsha

Education as Mission

Every year, the Mission Cooperation Plan of the Archdiocese makes an increasing impact — more lives touched, more lives transformed. In 2024 the Archdiocese embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Shanahan University, an institution designed to foster positive change both locally and internationally.

In its first cohort the University proudly awarded full scholarships to over four hundred and twelve meritorious students, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world and extending the Archdiocese's commitment to education among vulnerable populations.

The Prison Apostolate

“I was in prison and you came to visit me”

Matthew XXV:36

In response to the Lord's call, the Archdiocese has embraced the prison apostolate as a central work of mercy. Each year His Grace personally celebrates his birthday, Christmas, and Easter within the walls of Onitsha Prison — turning these occasions into memorable events for the inmates. During these celebrations the Archdiocese provides a variety of foodstuffs to sustain the prisoners for days.

Beyond these annual visits, the Archdiocese has transformed Onitsha Prison by establishing an ultra-modern Mega Skill Acquisition Centre. Equipped with computers, tailoring machines, and carpentry tools, the centre empowers inmates with practical skills that will serve them well upon their release. The Archdiocese has further improved the prison's infrastructure by sinking boreholes, renovating cells, tiling floors, painting walls, and upgrading the water system with overhead tanks — a benefit not only to the inmates but to the surrounding community.

The Riverine Apostolate

Grass-root Evangelisation in Difficult Mission Grounds

The Archdiocese faithfully carries out its primary mission of evangelisation by reaching out to communities in the riverine areas — regions that often face challenging conditions such as flood disasters and extreme weather. Every Sunday, during the Archbishop's pastoral visits, special attention is given to rural parishes in these mission grounds. In times of hardship, when community members are displaced or in need, the Archdiocese steps in to provide care, ensuring their welfare and well-being.

In these vulnerable areas, the Archdiocese offers free education and scholarships to all children and supports the community by paying the salaries of local staff. This commitment reflects an ongoing dedication to nurturing the spiritual and material well-being of every child and family in the region.

Spreading Faith & Building Bridges

We extend an invitation for your generous support and cooperation in advancing this divine mission.

Together, let us proclaim the Gospel, serve the vulnerable, and spread the light of Christ's love to the ends of the earth — sharing the fruits of our labour with dioceses in Nigeria, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Contact the Mission Office

Mission Coordinators

Mission Mailing Address

20403 Encino Ledge, Suite 59193
San Antonio, Texas 78259
United States of America