By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
Having exchanged marital vows 50 years ago, the former Vice Chairman of St Michael’s Parish, Uga, Parish Pastoral Council, Noble Captain Julius Ezeonwumelu (KSJI), and his wife, Lady Pauline Ezeonwumelu, on Saturday, September 7, 2019, celebrated their Golden Jubilee Marriage Anniversary, amid thanksgiving to God.
Speaking to Fides after the concelebrated Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass led by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Uga, Aguata L.G.A, Anambra State, Sir Ezeonwumelu, thanked God for His grace which he said has been sustaining their union for the 50 years and still counting.
Noble Captain Ezeonwumelu, who was the second Vice Chairman of St Michael’s Parish Uga, Parish Pastoral Council, 2004 to 212 and the current Chairman of Elders Forum of the parish (aged of 75 years and above), described the anniversary as the celebration of the grace of God.
Ezeonwumelu, a highly principled but kind man, wedded his wife, Ezinne Lady Pauline Ezeonwumelu (Nne Udo) at St Peter’s Outstation Uga (now St Peter’s Parish, Uga), on 7th September 1969. The marriage is blessed with 7 children (4 males and 3 females), and many grandchildren. Lady Ezeonwumelu, a retired teacher and a patron of St Michael’s Parish, Choir, Uga, was described by many as a hard working woman, who was well known for her tolerance and accommodating spirit.
The couple was honoured with Ideal Couple Award of Awka Catholic Diocese by the Catholic Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor in 2015. Lady Ezeonwumelu, was honoured by the Catholic Women’s Organisation (C.W.O) of St Peter’s Parish, Uga with the Ezinne Nne Udo title in 2003.
Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, through his goodwill message to the golden couple, congratulated them for being faithful to their spousal duties and concerns, in spite of the challenges Christian marriage.
The Catholic bishop described Christian marriage as a vocation of unique nature which demanded an irrevocable consent, faithful and mutual self-giving, and acceptance of one another in an indissoluble union, after the mind of Christ. He noted that the celebration accorded the couple a moment of sober reflection, retrospect and gratitude to God.
