GREENSBORO — A Mass in the Igbo language was offered July 23 at St. Mary’s Church, one of the Diocese of Charlotte’s most ethnically diverse parishes.
During the Mass, there was a special blessing for all fathers in attendance. The Mass also gave the Igbo Catholic community an opportunity to celebrate Father Chinonso A. Nnebe-Agumadu, who is the first Igbo priest ordained in the diocese.
The Mass was concelebrated by Father Marcel Amadi, who serves as spiritual director for Igbo Catholics in western North Carolina, and Father Innocent Amasiorah, who serves in diocesan Campus Ministry, with Father Nnebe-Agumadu also there. Deacon Emmanuel Ukattah from St. Mary’s Parish assisted at the Mass.
St. Mary’s Parish includes many members from the African continent, including Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria.
The Igbo Mass, offered every other month at the parish, enables Igbo-speaking Catholics to hear Mass in their native language and honor their cultural identity.
“Igbo language Mass is important for spiritual growth as Igbo Catholics,” said Dr. Godfrey Uzochukwu, coordinator of the Mass, especially for recent immigrants and older Nigerian Catholics who do not speak English.
The Igbo Catholic Community welcomes everyone to these celebrations. St. Mary’s Church is located at 812 Duke St. in Greensboro.
For more information, call Dr. Godfrey Uzochukwu, coordinator, at 336-707-3625.
— Photos by Troy Hull
