Popular Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka has been removed as the spiritual director of Adoration Ministries Enugu Nigeria (AMEN) and sent to the monastery.
His removal was made by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Calistus Onaga in line with the disciplinary action against Father Mbaka over comments he made.
Mbaka personally made the announcement during the Sunday mass and disclosed that the Bishop had appointed Fr Anthony Amadi as the new Spiritual Director of AMEN, to be assisted by other unnamed priests.
“So while I proceed to the Monastery to continue with the remaining disciplinary exercises, as directed; I wouldn’t know how long; but the Church has appointed Fr Anthony Amadi, one of us, to be overseeing all affairs of the Ministry, to be assisted by other priests, pending my return, by the grace of God,” Mbaka stated.
Mbaka had earlier explained that the ministry had not fully opened, pointing out that some programmes including the weekly Friday all-night adoration remained suspended till further notice.
According to him, “our Sunday Masses and Wednesdays’ ‘E No Dey Again’ programmes would continue, while others such as Friday all-night adoration remains suspended”.
Mbaka had barely mentioned the new priest’s, name when the congregation erupted into, shouting “we say no,” “we say no,” we no gree and started carrying green leaves, thereby forcing Fr Mbaka to quickly conclude the Mass.
Thousands of faithful had excitedly thronged the prayer center from far and wide following an earlier wide announcement that Bishop Onaga had lifted ban on the ministry.
They were however left dejected following the latest development.
The Bishop of Enugu Diocese only allowed Father Mbaka to celebrate Mass at the centre so that he would personally make the announcement.