By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
NIGERIA:- The Holy Father has appointed Rev. Fr. Michael Kalu Ukpong of the clergy of Umuahia, previously Chancellor of the same Diocese and Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Parish, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Umuahia.
The Rev. Fr. do Michael Kalu Ukpong was born on December 15, 1964 in Amaekpu Ohafia, in the Diocese of Umuahia. He attended the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ahiaeke (1978-1984).
He completed his philosophical studies at the Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary in Owerri (1985-1989) and theological studies at the St. Joseph Major Seminary in Ikot Ekpene (1989-1993).
He studied canon law in the Klaus-Mörsdorf-Institut für Kanonistik at the Ludwig Maximilian-Universität in Munich (2006-2007) and then theology at the von Regensburg University in Regensburg, obtaining a doctorate (2008-
2014).
He was ordained a priest on August 7, 1993, for the clergy of the Diocese of Umuahia. After ordination he held the following positions: 1993-1994: Parish Vicar of St. Finbarr’s Parish in Umuahia; 1994-1996: Secretary of the Bish�op of Umuahia; 1996-1999: Parish priest of St. John’s Parish ad Item; 1999-2001: Editor of the Lumen Newspaper, of the Diocese of Umuahia; 2001-2003: Chaplain at Christ
the King Chaplaincy in Umudike; 2004-2014: Higher studies in Germany; 2008-2011: Parish vicar of St. Joseph’s Parish in Reinhausen, Diocese of Regensburg, Germany; 2011-2013: Parish vicar of the Assumption Parish in Ascholtshausen, Diocese of Regensburg, Germany; 2013-2016: Parochial Vicar in the Parish Unit Berathausen-Pfraundorf , Diocese of
Regensburg, Germany; 2016-2018: Principal of the Coronata Secondary School in Asaga Ohafia; since 2018: Chancellor of the Diocese of Umuahia and parish priest of St. Theresa’s
Parish in Umuahia, Umuahia Diocese.