TEMPORARY REVIEW COPY · OFFICIAL WEBSITE UNCHANGED
Home · About

About the Diocese
of Enugu

A brief history, our leadership, the work of the Chancery, and the wider diocesan family that makes up this vibrant Church.

Verified diocesan history

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu, established in 1962

The Diocese of Enugu was erected on 12 November 1962 from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Onitsha. Its cathedral is Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu. Five bishops have governed the diocese in succession since its erection, with intervals between appointments.

The list below distinguishes the five diocesan bishops from an auxiliary bishop and a bishop emeritus. These are different ecclesiastical offices.

1962–1967
1. Most Rev. John of the Cross Anyogu
First Bishop of Enugu.
1970–1977
2. Most Rev. Godfrey Mary Paul Okoye, CSSp
Second Bishop of Enugu.
1977–1996
3. Most Rev. Michael Ugwu Eneja
Third Bishop of Enugu.
1996–2009
4. Most Rev. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji
Fourth Bishop of Enugu; now Bishop Emeritus.
2009–present
5. Most Rev. Callistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga
Fifth Bishop of Enugu, appointed 9 February 2009.

Historical episcopal records: Catholic-Hierarchy: Diocese of Enugu ↗. Figures such as current parish counts, priests and seminarians are not presented here without a dated, verifiable diocesan statistical source.

Episcopal leadership

The bishops serving the Diocese

The diocesan bishop exercises ordinary pastoral governance of the Diocese of Enugu. An auxiliary bishop assists in episcopal ministry, while the bishop emeritus is a former diocesan bishop.

Bishop Callistus Onaga portrait
Diocesan Bishop

Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga

Bishop of Enugu

Appointed 9 February 2009 · Installed 2 May 2009

Born 29 September 1958 · Ordained priest 8 August 1987

Episcopal motto: Seeking the will of God

Bishop Ernest Obodo portrait
Auxiliary Bishop

Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo

Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu

Appointed 25 May 2018 · Consecrated 31 August 2018

Born 24 October 1966 · Ordained priest 22 July 2000

Episcopal motto: Behold, I am among you as one who serves (Lk 22:27)

Portrait of Bishop Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji
Bishop Emeritus

Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji

Fourth Bishop of Enugu, 1996–2009

Installed 8 February 1997

Born 29 October 1931 · Ordained priest 23 November 1958

Episcopal motto: To Jesus through Mary

The episcopal dates and mottos above are checked against the Diocese of Enugu’s printed 2025 Directory. See historical succession records ↗.

Diocesan governance

The diocesan curia and pastoral offices

The bishop is assisted in diocesan administration by clergy, religious and lay personnel, including the chancery and other offices. Contact the diocesan secretariat for current officeholders and authorised statistics.

Read the latest Choice Flame.

News, faith reflections, and announcements from the official diocesan newspaper.