Humble Beginnings
St Francis Xavier Independent Station came into existence through the concerted efforts of few residents of the area, to enable all the Catholic faithful living there as a new settlement continue to grow their faith, and enjoy the full pastoral care of a Priest. Sequel to this, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke pronounced St. Francis Xavier an Independent Station on the 28th September, 2016 at the Presbyterian Plenary Meeting held at Shanahan Hall Onitsha. By providence, Rev. Fr Anthony Ezepue was made the 1st Administrator.
As expected, the Administrator lived to expectation as there was no known resource to work with. Hence, the need to expedite consultations and meetings with some committed and faithful residents of Hill View Estate. The assigned Parish Priest in companionship with Ebuka Chukwudolue paid first visit to Chief Matthias Ugwu’s house where deliberations were made on way forward. A second meeting was held at Mrs Ozoemena Henrietta’s office with the following persons in attendance: The then Parish Priest Rev. Fr Anthony Ezepue, Hon. Emenike Nzeadibe, Mrs Henrietta Ozoemena, Aniekezie Chijioke and Ebuka Chukwudolue; with a view to discuss, map out strategies, and agreed to appeal to Mr Hilary Ndubuka for the use of his compound as Mass Centre. Subsequently a large meeting was called and the following were in attendance Chief Mathias Ugwu, Hon. Emenike Nzeadibe, Mrs Ozoemena Henrietta, Mr Aniekezie Chijioke, Mr Ebuka Chukwudoluo, Mr Ndubuisi Oguejiofor, Mr Uche Okolo and Mr Hilary Ndubuka.
Mr Hilary Ndubuka offered his compound for the celebration of mass until when we secure a Land of our own and also donated Mass Server vestments. Likewise, people present donated some other items needed for the kick off of the First Mass. Like, Mrs Ozoemena Henrietta donated Altar Table, Altar Crucifix, Credence Table and Chair for the celebration of Mass. Mr Mathias Ugwu (Efigbo) donated Altar Cloth and Candle Sticks.
First Mass
The first Eucharistic Celebration took place on the 16th October, 2016 at Mr Hilary Ndubuka’s Compound. The Mass started at exactly 8am with about one hundred and seventeen (117) persons in attendance, and Rev. Fr Anthony Ezepue as the Chief Celebrant.
First Parish Council Meeting
The first Parish Council meeting was held on 27th March, 2017 with Mr Mathias Ugwu as the Vice Chairman, Hon. Emenike Nzeadibe the Secretary. The Statutory Bodies were created and their leaders infused as de facto members of the Parish Council. These people were saddled with the responsibilities of piloting the affairs of the young Independent Station.
Journey to a New Site
Progressively, due to increase in population and sequel to the directive of the Archdiocese; as well as the praiseworthy effort of the then Administrator and all parishioners, there was urgent demand for a large place of worship. With the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Chief Chinazor Ezeayom (Ikemba) and Chief Okechukwu Offorle offered their landed property to us to erect a temporary Structure for Church activities pending when we secure our own permanent Land. Hence, the first Mass was celebrated at the new site on the 18th of June, 2017 with about three hundred and twenty three (323) persons in attendance.
Change of Administration
On the 14th of January, 2018 announced change in the administration of our Independent Station.
Rev. Fr Anthony Ezepue was asked to proceed on a foreign mission to Spain; while the new Administrator, a shepherd par excellence and a renowned preacher Rev. Fr Benjamin Ekene Ojukwu was introduced to the Station as the new Parish Administrator. He celebrated his first Sunday Mass on Sunday 21st January 2018 and since then the Independent Station has continued to grow from strength to strength.
In our Station, we celebrate daily mass in the mornings every day except bon Fridays that is in the evening and two Masses on Sundays, we conduct Eucharistic Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament every Friday, Novenas and Retreats multiple times in a year for our spiritual nourishment and sustenance. We stayed with Fr. Ben Ojukwu for three years and 9 months. During his tenure, we were able to buy some plots of land at the Estate and planning to buy the one we are using now. But before we could make some strong moves towards that, Fr Ojukwu was removed in October 2022 and on Saturday …. October, 2022, Fr Jude Echezona Ikenze was sent to us. He was with us till March 2023 when by the grace of God, we were pronounced Parish at the creation of our New Aguieri Diocese.