Catholic Church Authorities in Owerri React to Theft of Blessed Sacrament Vessel, Call for Seven Days of Prayer

The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has announced a week-long period of prayer following the theft of a Monstrance from St. Mulumba Catholic Parish in Owerri.

According to parish authorities, unknown individuals broke into the church by tampering with parts of the chapel’s roof and gaining entry through the ceiling into the Adoration Chapel. The intruders reportedly took the Monstrance, which contained the Blessed Sacrament.

Rev. Fr. Raymond Madu, the priest in charge of the parish, confirmed the incident and described the method of entry as a deliberate breach of the sacred space.

The theft has caused concern among members of the Catholic community, given the central role of the Blessed Sacrament in Catholic worship and doctrine.

In response, the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has directed that a period of reparation prayers be observed. A statement issued by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, said the prayers will take place daily from May 1 to May 8, 2026, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The archdiocese said the initiative is intended as a spiritual response to the incident.

The archbishop also instructed priests across the archdiocese to adhere strictly to existing guidelines on Eucharistic exposition and adoration. The directive emphasizes that the Blessed Sacrament should not be left unattended and that such observances should only occur when there is adequate presence of the faithful.

Church authorities say the measures are aimed at reinforcing vigilance and maintaining established liturgical standards.

The archdiocese reaffirmed its commitment to pastoral care, stating that the response reflects both adherence to church practice and continued guidance for the faithful.