A Keynote address by Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuemeka Aribe On the occasion of the visit of His Lordship- Most Rev. Dr. Lucius lwejuru Ugorji to St. Lucy's Church in Newark on July 4, 2010.

His Excellency, Most. Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, my Pastor Fr. Luigi Zanotto, brother priests, Reverend Sisters, Knights of the Church, the Igbos here in Newark, Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Good Afternoon.

With profound gratitude to God, Who in His providence Has given us this day to rejoice and be glad; and on Behalf of my pastor Fr. Luigi Zanotto, St. Lucy's family and the Entire Igbo community [Nigerians) here in Newark, I welcome my Lord in our midst.

It is a thing of delight to me, to introduce my bishop to this House. Briefly yet to the point. He is a priest of distinct rare quality. Disciplined, unassuming, dynamic ,intelligent and simply godly. On April 2, 1990 and July 1,1990, he was appointed and ordained bishop at Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia in Nigeria respectively. As a Professor of Moral theology, he translated his academic proficiency into a positive pastoral articulations and fruit bearing.

As far as I can remember, he completed the magnificent Mater Dei Cathedral. Umuahia. He has created more than thirty parishes since 1990. He established more than nine new hospitals. He introduced the Kolping Society to the diocese, which had become national. He brought in the Urnuchukwu Bank in the diocese. He established the UCL Resources and Investment Ltd.

In spite of his pastoral engagements, he remains a prolific, writer. His books are as follows:

• The principle of Double effects, Frankfurt 1985.

• The priestly life and Ministry, Enugu, 1989.
• The Memoirs of a good Shepherd, Enugu, 2000.
• In the service of the world. 2000.
• That they may be one,Entign,2000
• Witnessing in Charity and truth,2000; in mention but a few
  
  Bishop Lucius- Ugorji is the current Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria [CBCN]. Member Of the international Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission For unity and mission, among other responsibilities.
  
  My Lord, we are privileged to have you in our midst and we Know that your presence is a sign and realization of God's Blessings and favour to us. Once more you are welcome.