… Commissions Magnificent Father’s House
By Michael Nnebife and Ebube Edieh
It was a moment of celebrations for the entire Mgbakwu Catholic Community in Awka North LGA, Anambra State, as the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, embarked on a maiden Pastoral Visit to St Paul’s Parish, on Sunday, 13th October, 2024.
The historic event, in which Bishop Ezeokafor blessed the magnificent St Paul’s Rectory, attracted the presence of numerous Priests and Religious in the Diocese including the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; the Rector, JohnBosco Seminary, Isuanaocha, Rev Fr Daniel Eduzor; among others.
In his homily at the Holy Mass heralding the epoch-making event, Bishop Ezeokafor applauded the entire parishioners of St. Paul Catholic church Mgbakwu together with their Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Cyril Chukwuma, St Paul’s Parish Priest, for the pace of development in the Parish.
The Prelate identified wisdom as the greatest gift from God, admonishing the Mgbakwu Catholic Faithful to seek wisdom, which, he said, would enable them to make the right choices for their salvation; even as he advised them to be committed in the service of God, with their time, talents, wealth, among others.
While blessing St Paul’s Rectory shortly after the Mass, the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese thanked those that contributed in building the one storey rectory, praying God to bless them and make the magnificent Father’s House a place of rest for priests after the day’s work.
He also thanked the Mgbakwu Catholic Community for their gifts for him during a reception and assured them that their requests, such as financial assistance, expansion of St Paul’s Church compound, establishment of a secondary school in the area, among others, would be considered.
Bishop Ezeokafor, during the event, gave a one year education scholarship to Adaeze Onyekachi, a junior secondary school I student, and her younger sister, a basic five pupil, Abigail Onyekachi, for their brilliant performances in the event.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Chukwuma, thanked the Bishop for his fatherly care and concern for the Parish.
The Parish Priest expressed gratitude to God for making the dream for the pastoral visit a reality.
In an address of welcome read by the Secretary, Parish Council, Mr Dike Chinedu, the Mgbakwu Catholic Community were full of appreciation to Bishop Ezeokafor for his numerous assistance and support to the Parish, especially as it concerned St Paul’s Nursery and Primary School.
They pleaded with the Bishop for assistance in areas of expansion of the church compound, establishment of a secondary school to combat illiteracy in the area, among others.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Duke John Obiorah, described the historic event as a day of joy for Mgbakwu People and thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for the blessings his visit had brought upon the community.
Speaking with Fides, the Chairman, Parish Bishop’s Pastoral Visit Committee, Mr Gabriel Onwuadionu, described the event as a prayer answered, thanking the committee members and the entire parishioners, for their contributions, as well as all the guests for rejoicing with the parish.
Drama presentation by the pupils of St Paul’s Nursery and Primary School, Mgbakwu; cultural dance by the Catholic Women’s Organization, and their youth counterpart, added glamour to the epoch-making event in which Bishop Ezeokafor administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 120 candidates.
