By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Parish Priest of St. Paul Parish, Ibuzo Amokwe, Enugu State, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Oleri, has publicly apologised over an incident that occurred during the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO) August meeting at St. Mary Station, Idedu, on Aug. 8, 2025.
A video had surfaced online earlier last month, showing the visibly angry priest disrupting the women’s meeting and breaking bottles of drink inside the church.
However, in a statement of contrition posted on the Facebook page of Enugu Diocese, Fr. Oleri expressed regret for his conduct, admitting that his actions and words fell below the expectations of a Catholic priest.
“With sorrow and sincere regret, I hereby tender my unreservedapology to the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, clergy and members of the consecrated life, lay faithful, and the entire people of God for the regrettable incident that occurred during the Catholic Women’s Organisation August meeting,” he said.
The priest noted that his emotional outburst during the misunderstanding with some members of the CWO caused scandal and embarrassment to the Church.
“The misunderstanding caused my sudden emotional outburst, my confrontation with members of the CWO caused public scandal, hurt the faithful, and brought embarrassment to the body of Christ,” he admitted.
Acknowledging the need for growth, Fr. Oleri pleaded for understanding and prayers as he works to embody the virtues of humility, patience, and pastoral charity.
“I ask for your prayers and understanding as I strive with God’s grace to grow in humility, patience, and pastoral charity,” he added.
The apology has been addressed to the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the clergy, members of the consecrated life, lay faithful, and the wider community of believers.
