Gregory Ochiagha facts for kids

Gregory Obinna Ochiagha (born August 31, 1931 – died December 29, 2020) was a Nigerian Roman Catholic leader. He was the very first Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlu. He served in this important role until he retired in 2008. After his retirement, Bishop Augustine T. Ukwuoma took over.

Early Life and Becoming a Priest

Gregory Ochiagha was born in Nigeria. He decided to become a priest and was ordained on July 31, 1960. This means he officially became a Catholic priest.

For many years, he worked in different Catholic churches and organizations. He was also the first leader, called a Rector, of St. Joseph Major Seminary. This is a special school in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, where people study to become priests.

Becoming a Bishop

Ochiagha was made a bishop in Rome on January 6, 1981. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Catholic Church. After this, he was chosen to be the first bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria.

He led the Orlu diocese until 2008. When he retired, Bishop Augustine T. Ukwuoma became the new bishop.

Bringing Back the Latin Mass

In the 1990s, Bishop Ochiagha brought back the Traditional Latin Mass to the Orlu diocese. This was special because it was the first diocese in Nigeria to offer Mass in Latin.

In 2009, he also invited a group called the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter to start a church in his diocese. This group also celebrates Mass in Latin.

His Passing and Burial

Bishop Ochiagha passed away on December 29, 2020. He was 89 years old.

He was buried on January 12, 2021, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Orlu, Nigeria. This cathedral is a beautiful church that he helped build while he was the bishop of the Orlu diocese.

Learn More

• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlu
• Bishops in the Catholic Church
• Catholic Church in Nigeria
• Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria