Parish vicar Dr. Okonkwo moves from Pleinfeld to Wettstetten!

Parish vicar Dr. Okonkwo moves from Pleinfeld to Wettstetten!

A breath of fresh air is blowing in the HeLeWe parish association: parish vicar Dr. Patrick Ikechukwu Okonkwo will lead the parishes of Hepberg, Lenting and Wettstetten from September 1st. This was announced by cathedral captain Michael Alberter. After several years in Pleinfeld, where Okonkwo worked as a parish vicar, a change in office is now pending. Many in the community are keeping their fingers crossed for the 61-year-old personality for this new phase.

Originally from Dr. Okonkwo from the Diocese of Umuahia in southern Nigeria and has had an impressive career. He was ordained in 1992 in Okija, Nigeria and moved to Germany in 1994 to pursue further studies. His path took him to the renowned Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, where he received his doctorate in 2001. He has been active in the diocese of Eichstätt since autumn 2017 and in the past has been responsible for pastoral care in the Pleinfeld pastoral area with the parishes of Pleinfeld, Stirn, St. Veit and Walting. The new position brings with it fresh impetus and challenges that Dr. Okonkwo will surely master it with a good hand.

Personal background and career

Patrick Ikechukwu Okonkwo was born on March 25, 1970 in Amawbia, Nigeria. His family's roots are deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, shaped by the values ​​he received from his parents, Anizoba and Nwakaego Nwokoye. In addition to his ordination to the priesthood in Nigeria, numerous academic successes followed. In 1992 he completed his bachelor's degree at the Lateran University in Rome. Shortly afterwards he also acquired a Master of Arts in philosophy there and received his doctorate in 1997.

His journey ultimately took him to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in the US state of Missouri, where he worked as a clergyman from 1997 and, among other things, served as Youth Director at St. Mary Cathedral. These international experiences shaped his path as a pastor and teacher. It is remarkable how different and complex his career has been before he returned to Germany in 2017.

A new beginning

Now, with the move to Wettstetten, Dr. Okonkwo new tasks and opportunities on the agenda. It will be exciting to see how he brings his ideas and vision to the local community. The parishes of Hepberg, Lenting and Wettstetten are looking forward to a committed and innovative parish vicar.

The coming time will show how Dr. Okonkwo can strengthen communities with his wealth of experience and integrative approach to pastoral care. It is already clear: “There is something going on” for the communities that warmly welcome him.