A reflection on the Priest who became Emeritus Bishop Michael Eneja is fascinating and full of chequered trajectories that would come to define a great Bishop of all time. Bishop Michael Ugwuja Eneja came from a simple upbringing an became one of the most, spiritual and pastoral Catholic figures of 20th century Nigeria. From his Seminary days with Irish missionary Priests, to remarkable but tough pastoral experiences as a Parish Priest at Iva Valley, Enugu, to memorable days at Bigard Memorial Seminary as a Formator and Spiritual Director, the Priest who was Bishop of Enugu Diocese for 20 years exuded an extraordinary strength, serenity, a deep integrity, holiness and was once described by another Bishop as a “spiritual Power House.” His pastoral leadership in Enugu was truly astounding, as it is a testament to the power of his faith ad love for the church.

As Bishop o Enugu, Emeritus Michael Eneja faced a multitude of tasks and responsibilities including that of spiritually nurturing the Daughter of Divine Love DDL, a young congregation founded by his immediate predecessor, the L:ate Bishop Godfrey Mary Paul Okoye. These responsibilities were no small tasks, but Bishop Eneja set about them with the charm and intelligence needed to sty the course. Under his leadership, Enugu Diocese expanded both in manpower5 and infrastructure and with his moral support, the DDL Congregation expanded its spheres of apostolate into education, health-care, and ministry for the poor. The historic records of Adani hospital, Nsukka & Ntasi Obi Ndi No N’afufu, Trans-Ekulu; to mention but a few can not be complete without the name of Bishop Eneja being mentioned because of the role he played in the development of these Diocesan hospitals.

As his Personal Secretary from 1983 to 1986, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Bishop Eneja on a daily basis. In fact, I had the opportunity of welcoming Priests, Nuns and people of all faith who came to see the Bishop. I was struck by the capacity of the Bishop for drawing all men and women of different levels, Priests, Sisters, Religious groups, Parish groups and individuals. He took great interest in the life of the church, and did not leave the office until he saw the last person. I really saw how everybody was drawn to this man of faith.

I was equally struck with Bishop Eneja’s deep spirit of prayer. In a sense, prayer is watch word. His priority before any work for the day was a thirty minutes visit to the Blessed Sacrament, a routine that the Bishop maintained till date. Bishop Eneja is a man of dauntless courage, a servant of Christ ever ready to reach out in loving service of others. He is a remarkable examp0le of the union of the highest mental and spiritual qualities in the most perfect harmony. He is both a preacher and a pastor.

I may not be able to enumerate everything I know about Bishop Eneja but I know that His Lordship, Rt. Rev. M.U. Eneja is a simple person, lives a simple life and fears God greatly. I am privileged to scribble these few lines f tribute of a holy man. I count myself blessed to have associated with this Priestly and Saintly person. Long live the universal Catholic Church.