11th Anniversary: St. Francis Abagana to Dedicate Church

0
5

. . . Holds Fund raising for Church Building

By Chioma Ndife

Ahead of the 11th Anniversary of St. Francis’ Catholic Church, Abagana, Njikoka LGA, Anambra State coming up in 2020, the Parish Priest and Parishioners have set plans in motion for the dedication of her church building.

The readiness for the church dedication was demonstrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Okafor who galvanized support from goodhearted individuals from various parishes and towns in the state to ensure that the church project is accomplished. Parishioners were not left behind as they throw their weight behind the parish priest and supported massively for the project’s completion.

Fides gathered that the #100,000,000 launching which was organized on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at the church premises, created an avenue for all to contribute massively towards the church project.

Leading in the Eucharistic Celebration, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye commended the parishioners for the efforts and success recorded in the parish 10 years after its creation. He noted the achievement was attained through the co-operation and love existing among members of the parish.

He appreciated the immediate past parish priest, Fr. Boniface Ezeoke for the pace which he set in the parish and foundation of love that he imbedded in the parishioners at onset of the parish. He emphasized the need for people to bring out their resources to support church projects, saying that no investment in the church can ever be wasted.

Speaking to Fides, the Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Abagana, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Okafor disclosed that the parish hopes to see the church building dedicated in her 11th Anniversary. He expressed conviction that the fund required for the completion of the church project estimated to the tune of #100,000,000 would be made available by parishioners and friends of the parish through the divine grace and provision of Christ Jesus. He revealed that the constant support and togetherness of the parishioners would lead to the completion of the project within a space of one year in line with the parish mapped out plans.

For his part, the 1st Vice Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council, and chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor Frank Akpuaka while tracing the history of the parish, noted that when the idea of the parish was conceived in 2009, he was skeptical about the idea as the wealthy individuals seems to have passed away. He described the achievement recorded in the parish as a miracle, saying that God had been faithful to the parishioners. He maintained that the Holy Spirit had been inspiring people in the parish, noting that the chapel, grotto, warehouse being used as parish hall and the parish land, were all donated to the parish by various families. He said that such inspiration to donate can only come through the Holy Spirit.

He expressed optimism that the next anniversary of the parish would be celebrated with the dedication of the church.

The member representing Njikoka Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Ibida while making his donation commended the pioneer parish priest, Fr. Ezeoke, saying that the priest made not just physical foundation but made the foundation of love and sanctity.

The launching of # 100,000,000 for the church building which had cultural dance display from the CWO, CYON and Altar Knights of the parish witnessed the presence of Senator Victor Umeh, Hon. Uche Ekwenife and Mr. Elijah Onyeagba, the APC candidate for Anaocha/Njiokoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the upcoming election among other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.