… Confirms 58 Young Catholic Faithful
By Michael Nnebife and Emmanuel Chigozie
It was a moment of celebrations at Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Sunday, 27th October, 2024, as the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, paid a maiden Pastoral Visit to St Joseph’s Church, Nri.
The historic event, in which Bishop Ezeokafor confirmed 58 young Catholic faithful of the parish, attracted heavy presence of numerous priests and religious in the Diocese who included the Dean, Agulu Deanery, Rev Fr Hyacinth Afam Anaekee; the noble Knights and Ladies of St John International and their St Mulumba counterparts; members of St Joseph’s Nri CMO; CWO and CYONÂ among other church organizations.
Speaking in a homily, the Bishop applauded the priests and the entire parishioners of St Joseph’s, Nri, for the infrastructural development in the Church, which, he said, befitted God’s temple.
While congratulating the confirmed, Bishop Ezeokafor also extolled the children and youth population of St Joseph’s Parish, describing the future of the parish as bright.
He admonished Nri people to allow Jesus Christ, whom he described as the way and the truth, to pass through their lives.
The Prelate who noted that unbelief was total blindness, urged Nri People to seek God and strive to allow Him take prominence in their lives, advising them to shun all forms of paganism, which, he argued, had no similarities with Igbo Culture.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest of St Joseph’s, Nri, Rev Fr Bonaventure Nzeadachie, thanked the Bishop for his visit and his fatherly care the parish enjoyed.
The excited priest narrated to the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese, not only the Nri People’s commitment to the service of God, but also their committed efforts in human capital development in which, he disclosed, 20 children of the parish were currently enjoying secondary school education scholarships.
He added that one of the two benefactors of the scholarship also promised to sponsor the best three beneficiaries in universities and courses of their choice.
In an address of welcome read by the Zonal Financial Secretary of the parish’s CWO, Mrs Judith Okoye, during the second part of the event, the Parish Priest, the priest in residence, Rev Fr Clement Ezeka, and the entire parishioners, also commended Bishop Ezeokafor for his work and achievements, especially at Peter University, Achina-Onneh.
In interviews with Fides, the Vice Chairman, Parish Council, Oba Isaac Chika; and a noble Knight of St Mulumba, Dr Obiorah Okafor, described the event as a remarkable and memorable one. They expressed belief that the event would revive and renew the faith of the parishioners, and prayed God to continue to bless the Bishop with wisdom and sound health.
Special presentations, ‘Okwu nke Mmuo’ and ‘Igba Umuogaranya’, by the Holy Childhood Association of the Parish, as well as ‘Nancy Power Dance’, by their CYON counterparts, among others, added glamour to the epoch-making event.
