CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte welcomed back Archbishop Valerian Okeke of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria, on a pastoral visit this week.
While in Charlotte, the archbishop met with Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., and with a priest from his archdiocese who is serving in Charlotte: Father Innocent Amasiorah. Father Amasiorah has been serving as campus minister at UNC-Charlotte and in July will move to serve as parochial administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Misson in Marion.
Archbishop Okeke last visited the Charlotte diocese in 2024. Leader of the Onitsha archdiocese since 2003, he shepherds approximately 2 million Catholics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The archdiocese encompasses more than 500 priests and 600 religious, 136 parishes, five hospitals, seminaries, a microfinance bank, and 123 schools renowned as among the best in the country.
— Liz Chandler | Catholic News Herald