By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, on Sunday, December 22, 2019, dedicated the son of his driver, Mr Matthew Akam, to God.
Leading in the concelebrated Holy Mass for the child dedication at the Good Shepherd Chapel of Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno, Awka South LGA, Bishop Ezeokafor described the baby boy, Chukwuemeka Paulus Maria, Akam, as a fruit of God’s faithfulness, thanking God for the gift of the child to the family.
In his homily, the bishop, who reflected on the submission of Mary to the will of God after she received the message of her conception of Jesus Christ from Angel Gabriel, noted that faith was fundamental in the teachings of the Church and the lives of Christians.
He described Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as a perfect gentleman and a man of honour in all ramifications. According to the bishop, Joseph performed his fatherly roles to Jesus Christ and was considerate in his relationship with his family.
‘He did not ridicule Mary, even when he noticed that she (Mary) was pregnant with a child before they got married. Joseph protected Jesus and Mary; such that he escaped to Egypt with them for safety,’ Bishop Ezeokafor explained, enjoining all to learn from Joseph, and be men of honour like him.
The baby boy, Chukwuemeka Paulus Maria, Akam, according to the testimony of his father, Mr Matthew Akam, was a fruit of consistent prayers which were answered by God through the intercession of the Holy Mother Mary, the Lady of Perpetual Help. Akam enjoined all to attach importance to the devotion to the Lady of Perpetual Help, saying that numerous blessings were attached to such devotion.
The bishop’s driver, Akam, his family and others that graced the memorable event, thanked God for the special gift of the baby boy.
