By Blessing Nebo and Jessica Akabueze
A total of 157 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during a solemn Eucharistic Celebration held on 30th August, 2025.
The Mass commenced at exactly 12:15 pm. and was presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor commended the Chaplain for the Chaplaincy for his dedication and commitment in preparing for the Confirmation Sacrament for the youth. He described confirmation as a significant milestone in the faith journey of young Catholics .
Bishop Ezeokafor reflected on the nature of human life, explaining that every person lived with what he called, two wings — spiritual and material. He stressed that to become individuals of integrity, one must develop and balance both sides, even as he encouraged the youth to take life step by step, engaging in activities that were pleasing to God and beneficial to their growth.
He further urged the candidates and congregation to take responsibility for their personal lives, the Church, and community.
Emphasizing the need for discipline, he urged the youth to listen to their elders, practice good behaviour, and live as true ambassadors of Christ.
Concluding his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor encouraged the newly confirmed and the congregation to be useful to themselves, their families, the Church, society, and ultimately to God, who created humanity to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and be with Him at the end.
A formal address of welcome was delivered by the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic, Chaplaincy, Rev Fr. Remigius Ezeokonkwo, who expressed appreciation to His Lordship, Bishop Ezeokafor, for accepting the invitation to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the candidates.
He also extended gratitude to the priests and all the guests who attended the occasion.
For his part, an Emeritus Professor J. I. B. Adinma, Chairman of the Chaplaincy Council of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, conveyed appreciation to His Lordship, Bishop Ezeokafor, for coming to confirm the youth and students.
Professor Adinma extended his thanks to the academic and non-academic staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the newly confirmed candidates, and all the guests.
Presentations were made by the Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO); the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO); the newly confirmed candidates, and the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS).
A notable presentation was made on behalf of CMO by the Chairman of CMO Prof. Jude Kennedy .C. Emejulu,
His Lordship blessed the Father’s Chapel immediately after the Mass.
In an interview, Rev. Fr. Ezeokonkwo, expressed his joy at the success of the confirmation of 157 candidates.
He thanked the Bishop for gracing the occasion and giving them the honour of his presence.
One of the newly confirmed faithful, Miss Naomi Ifeoma Ujah, said she was overwhelmed with joy, adding that she had long awaited the Sacrament of Confirmation and was happy to have finally received it.
Another confirmed faithful, Mr. Marcel NzubeChukwu Ezechie, shared similar sentiments, describing his mood as very happy and glad to have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. He remarked that the homily delivered by Bishop Ezeokafor made him have a change of his lifestyle, leaving a lasting impact on him.
The pastoral visit was marked by spiritual renewal, encouragement, and deep joy among the faithful, making it a memorable and inspiring occasion for all present.
